Shawnee (Oklahoma) native Creed Humphrey already making an instant impact for Kansas City Chiefs' offense

Starting center one of six former University of Oklahoma players participating in Super Bowl 58

As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare to defend their Super Bowl title Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers, there are several big names on their roster that people want to hear from. 

That includes their all-world quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, who is on the verge of becoming the best at his position in the history of the game. There is also Travis Kelce, the record-setting tight-end who has a somewhat famous girlfriend.

Even Andy Reid, the Chiefs' head coach who has taken two different franchises to the Super Bowl, has been pretty popular among the media.

But it may be starting center Creed Humphrey who may be the most surprising quote machine. As he closes out his third year in the NFL, the former Oklahoma All-American - who hails from Shawnee - has turned into not only one of the best offensive linemen in the league but is on the verge of being one of its elite players at any position.

So, it shouldn’t have been a surprise that on Super Bowl Media Day earlier this week, his podium was surrounded by media from across the globe asking him everything from the key to running against the 49ers' defense to who will be at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas watching the game.

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"We're not overly concerned about who's going to be in the stadium," Humphrey said. "We're there to play the game. At the end of the day, it's going to be 11 on 11.

"We've kind of gone on the road, playing in away stadiums the last two games (playoff wins at Buffalo and Baltimore). It's one of those things where if we're in a hostile environment, we're ready to roll."

When Super Bowl 58 kicks off, Humphrey will be one of six former Sooners suited up to play in the Super Bowl. According to the NCAA, that is the most of any other college program for the second straight year. Georgia is next in line this year with five.

Of those six Sooners, each of them makes their living on the line of scrimmage. Along with Humphrey, they include the Chiefs’ tight end Blake Bell, tackle Wanya Morris and long snapper James Winchester (Washington High) and 49ers' tight end Brayden Willis and tackle Trent Williams, who is considered the best offensive lineman in the NFL.

There's also 49ers' starting tight end George Kittle, who played at Norman High, but played his college ball at the University of Iowa.

The 6-foot-4, 303-pound Humphrey grew up in Shawnee and played his high school ball for the Wolves before heading to the University of Oklahoma.

After being named Big 12 lineman of the year twice, he was drafted by Kansas City in the 2021 NFL draft. He is now on the verge of winning his second NFL title in repeat fashion.

Humphrey says the mindset in which he approaches the game has not changed since his days at Shawnee.

“(The) routine for me is I try to stay as calm as possible, pregame, that's kind of what I do,” Humphrey said. “I don't really do anything specific, just kind of relax as much as possible, listen to music, things like that, and stay calm.

"Probably the best piece of advice that I've ever gotten is just to keep your head down and work no matter the circumstances. No matter what situation you're in, just make sure you're working and keep moving forward, keep improving.”

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When Humphrey was asked how that played out on the field for him, he could have just said to look at his resume and accomplishments. Instead, he gave credit to others.

“I give all the credit that I have right now to my Lord,” Humphrey said. “He's done a great job. He's such a huge part of my life and it's a blessing just to be able to use this as a pedestal to give thanks to Him.”

Humphrey also admits playing with the likes of Mahomes has also been a key factor in his success.

“We've gotten a great relationship over the past three years and just being able to work with Pat is a blessing,” Humphrey said. “Obviously, he's probably the best quarterback in the league right now, the best in a while, too.

"So, it's a blessing just to get to work with him and we've grown a good relationship over the past three years.”

Photo of Creed Humphrey by ChiefsWire, USA Today Sports 

-- Michael Kinney | @SBLiveOK