Healthy again, Central’s Hebert to represent Patriots at Super Bowl event

That will be the end of this most trying football season for Blake Hebert… Not a high school Super Bowl. The. Super. Bowl.

How ironic that life works out like this.

During a pregame ceremony at Gillette Stadium before the Patriots-Jets season finale, Hebert was honored as Central Catholic junior quarterback. Clemson University commitment will play for the Patriots in Nike Next Ones event at Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas on Feb. 10 just before Super Bowl day one .

32 student athletes are invited to the event at Vegas – one for each NFL franchise, and Hebert is among them.

Hebert said, “It’s kind of a skills competition with the 31 others players.”“Truly it is quite amazing.Just fun to compete with some of the best guys in,” It will be great to make friends with guys from all over the country and chill out.”

Sundays ceremony saw Patriots owner Bob Kraft and legendary Hall of Famer Andre Tippett as part of the event.

Hebert said, “It was cool to be on the field. I got a chance meet Mr. Kraft.” “For sure, I am thankful for this chance.”

Central lost Hebert back in September with a slight fracture on his ankle. He sat out the season on the sidelines and tried to help Raiders as best he could who clawed out a playoff place but lost in round one.

“Good people surround me and I simply tried to make everything positive,” Hebert said. Everything happens for a reason. I just came out of the gym and did everything within my reach to bring myself back. It feels great. It’s now 100 percent.”

At least one bright spot this fall was his visit to Clemson, where he saw the Tigers defeat ACC rival North Carolina.

“It really was a great atmosphere, absolutely,” said Hebert. ”Every time I go there it makes me even more sure about (committing) and every time is better than the last.”

“The whole coaching staff has been amazing with the situation. They are all such positive human beings, so it was delightful to chat with them.”