KANSAS CITY, Kan. — As the Kansas City Chiefs prepared for their third consecutive appearance in the Super Bowl, one player was engaged in a heartfelt mission to coach a puppy for a different kind of championship event.
Chiefs defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi, along with his girlfriend Nani Hinton, visited The Humane Society of Greater Kansas City in October, where they worked closely with Parsnip, a four-month-old mutt, in preparation for Puppy Bowl XXI.
“I’m his coach. I am putting him through rigorous training,” Nnadi shared during the visit. “It’s quite the journey; he’s a young pup with a lot of untapped potential, but I believe he will shine on the big day.”
The “Puppy Bowl,” which first aired in 2005, was created as a playful counterbalance to the Super Bowl while also highlighting the importance of pet adoption. Each year, it showcases over 100 dogs from various shelters and rescue organizations across the country, allowing these canine competitors to score touchdowns by crossing a designated goal line with toys in tow.
When Parsnip arrived at the Humane Society in August, he was recovering from a broken leg.
“Parsnip is such a delightful little puppy,” noted Sydney Mollentine, president and CEO of The Humane Society of Greater Kansas City, during October. “He’s spent about eight weeks in foster care to heal his leg, and as you can see, he’s now full of energy and joy.”
Nnadi noted that Parsnip had some difficulties concentrating during training.
“Just a moment of distraction, and he’s off – be it a squirrel or a toy, he’s easily sidetracked,” Nnadi said, affectionately calling Parsnip “Parsnickety.” “However, once we channel his focus, he has all the makings of a great player.”
The filming for “Puppy Bowl” takes place ahead of time, and since that session, Parsnip has found a forever home, confirmed Mollentine. The pup has now grown to seven months old.
For the past several years, Nnadi has been dedicated to facilitating dog adoptions within the community, having funded the adoption fees for over 500 dogs to find loving homes. His collaborations with organizations like The Humane Society and KC Pet Project have made a significant impact.
“I believe it’s crucial for these pups to have a shot at a permanent home,” Nnadi emphasized.
His journey in supporting animal shelters began when he adopted his first dog, a timid creature named Rocky.
“Rocky was very shy and had gone through some tough living conditions, primarily alone and in dim environments,” Nnadi reflected. “This experience made me more compassionate towards the struggles that many dogs face in their lives.”
Thanks to Nnadi’s nurturing efforts, Rocky now embodies the spirit of a joyful and carefree dog.
“I truly think everyone could benefit from having at least one furry companion in their life,” Nnadi expressed.
Mollentine praised Nnadi’s dedication, noting how instrumental he has been in driving awareness around pet adoption. The Humane Society of Greater Kansas City, which has been operational since 1912 and is situated in Kansas City, Kansas, appreciates his contributions.
Puppy Bowl XXI is set to premiere on Sunday at 2 p.m. EST on Animal Planet, just hours before Nnadi joins the Chiefs on the field for Super Bowl LIX.
