This Sunday, all eyes will be on Super Bowl LVIII, and for Arlington Independent School District (AISD), it’s another moment of pride. Just like previous years, Arlington ISD alumni will be represented on the grandest stage of American football when the San Francisco 49ers face off against the Kansas City Chiefs. This year, however, AISD fans only need to cheer for one team: the San Francisco 49ers, thanks to two of their own.
Rookie tight end Brayden Willis and assistant defensive backs coach Andrew Hayes-Stoker, both Arlington ISD graduates, are representing their alma mater in Super Bowl LVIII. Willis, a Martin High School alumnus from the class of 2018, honed his skills before advancing to the University of Oklahoma and now the NFL. He has contributed to the 49ers in nine games this season, showcasing the talent nurtured within Arlington ISD schools. Hayes-Stoker, a 1997 graduate of Lamar High School and former running back at Lamar and TCU, brings his coaching expertise to the 49ers for his third year, his first as assistant defensive backs coach. Their presence underscores the consistent pipeline of talent emerging from Arlington ISD.
Arlington ISD’s connection to the Super Bowl is a recurring theme. Two years prior, Super Bowl LVI featured Arlington ISD alumni on both the Los Angeles Rams (Bobby Brown, Justin Hollins). Both Bobby Brown, a Lamar High School graduate, and Justin Hollins, from Martin High School, secured Super Bowl rings that year, adding to the district’s legacy. The following year, Super Bowl LVII guaranteed a win for Arlington ISD as Lamar High School alumnus Shane Buechele played as backup quarterback for the Chiefs, and fellow Lamar graduate Kyron Johnson played for the Philadelphia Eagles. This consistent representation highlights the strength of Arlington ISD’s athletic programs.
Lamar High School football coach Billy Skinner humorously noted last year the possibility of “something in the Lamar football water” contributing to this Super Bowl streak. With Arlington ISD being represented for the third consecutive year, his jest might hold some truth. “Year one, ‘wow, this is awesome!,’” Skinner reflected. “Year two, ‘this is unbelievable!’ Year three, ‘no way this just happened again!’ I was in complete shock. If the Niners win, that’ll not only be three years of participation, but it will also be three years of having a champion Viking. It’s special.” This continued success builds a proud tradition for the district.
Brayden Willis’s journey began at Martin High School where he excelled as a versatile player, recognized for his running and receiving abilities for the Warriors. His college career at Oklahoma further solidified his talent, catching 75 passes and scoring 13 touchdowns over five years. Willis embodies the spirit of a dedicated willis student, showcasing self-serve initiative and determination in his athletic pursuits, making his mark from high school fields to the Super Bowl stage.
“It’s exciting when we have anyone from our program reach the NFL level,” commented Martin High School football coach Chad Rives, who served as the offensive coordinator during Willis’s time there. “But when you have someone reach the pinnacle of the sport, it’s that much more special because it creates extra excitement and buzz for everyone in our program. It’s even better when it happens to someone of his character.” The Arlington ISD community will be watching and cheering as Brayden Willis and Andrew Hayes-Stoker represent their roots in Super Bowl LVIII, adding another chapter to the district’s impressive football story.
