Clewiston's pride: Ja'Markis Weston joins Seahawks for Super Bowl

Clewiston High School is buzzing with excitement as the community rallies behind one of their own, Ja'Markis Weston, who is set to play in the Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks. The school is decked out in Seahawks gear, all in support of Weston, a Clewiston alum.

Weston's mother, Jennifer Stoudmire, is his biggest fan.

"I scream and holler. Okay. That's my baby!" said Stoudmire.

She recalled his passion for football from a young age.

"When he was a little boy, that's all he wanted to do was play football," said Stoudmire. "I was scared because I was scared they would hurt my baby. And he was like mom don't be scared. I'll be safe. Just let me do what I do because this is what I want."

Roberto Sanchez, former principal at Clewiston High School, praised Weston for his leadership and positive influence.

"He was a phenomenal young man," said Sanchez. "Such a positive leader on our campus. Always did the right thing."

Weston's journey continued at the University of Florida, where he played for the Gators.

"When he went from high school to college, I knew he was going further than that," said Stoudmire. "And he always had in his mind he would say mama I always want to be a NFL player."

Weston joined the NFL with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent, but was released in November. His spirits were lifted when the Seahawks picked him up.

"It was a sad moment for him because he was kind of hurt," said Stoudmire. "But when Seattle picked him up, it picked his spirit back up. But like I told him, you can never give up on your dream. Because God has something in store for you."

Now, Weston is preparing for his first Super Bowl appearance with the Seahawks.

"This is my son's first time ever being in a situation like this," said Stoudmire.

The Clewiston community is thrilled to see their city represented on the game's biggest stage.

"This is a one in a millionth chance of this happening," said Superintendent Michael Swindle. "So that Clewiston is being represented by a homegrown individual that worked really hard, we're just honored and flattered."

Stoudmire expressed her pride in her son's achievements.

"I'm very proud of him from doing the things he did cause he worked hard for this," she said.

[placeholder]