LAS VEGAS (KSNT) - Felix Anudike-Uzomah is mentally and physically preparing for the Super Bowl in his first NFL season.
After being a first-round draft pick, it hasn't been all sunshine and rainbows for the two-time Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. In his first year as a pro, he played less than six snaps per game in the final 12 weeks of the regular season.
However, his family tells 27 News the highs and lows have never gotten to Felix.
"He always keeps that mentality of staying humble and hungry," Felix's brother, Celestine Anudike-Uzomah, said. "That's words that our mom likes to instill in him, from high school all the way to college, never get too high never get too low. Just do whatever is needed to do to get the job done."
"Everything that he's gone through he always knows that this is God's plan," his sister, Destiny, said. "If there is a will there's a way, what God cannot do does not exist, he knows that."
Anudike-Uzomah could have his number called in Sunday's big game after Charles Omenihu tore his ACL in the AFC Championship game. Can he rise to the occasion? Big sister says yes.
"He's been doubted many, many times before," Destiny said. "This is not new to him, but it's a bigger stage... We're a very humble family. He has a great ethic so he knows that his talents and his power can speak for itself."
"He didn't relax [when K-State offered him]," said. "With that opportunity that he had, he ran with it..."
He had just one power five offer out of high school, Kansas State, while the Missouri Tigers 'flirted' with him but never recruited him hard.
Felix has gotten to this point in his career thanks, largely, to poise and an ability to stay level-headed, his family says.
However, his siblings might not be as cool, calm and collected on gameday.
"I'm going to be completely crazy," Celestine said. "I just can't wait to experience it and can't wait to cheer him on."
"We're a very humble family... but... I'm not going to shut up [if he shines in the Super Bowl]," Destiny said. "I've been quiet for awhile... but everybody is going to hear me."
