Before the Kansas City Chiefs reached their third consecutive Super Bowl, one of their players was busy coaching a puppy for a different kind of big game.
Chiefs defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi and his girlfriend, Nani Hinton, visited The Humane Society of Greater Kansas City in October to help train Parsnip, a 4-month-old mixed-breed pup, for the upcoming Puppy Bowl XXI.
“I’m his coach, and I’m putting him through intense training,” Nnadi said at the time. “It’s a process, he’s a young pup with lots of potential, but he’s going to be a star.”
The “Puppy Bowl” first aired in 2005 as a fun counter to the Super Bowl, with the goal of promoting pet adoption. It features over 100 puppies from shelters and rescue groups around the U.S., who score touchdowns by crossing a makeshift goal line while playing with toys.
When Parsnip arrived at The Humane Society in August, he was recovering from a broken leg.
“Parsnip is such a sweet little dog,” said Sydney Mollentine, president and CEO of The Humane Society of Greater Kansas City, in October. “He spent about eight weeks in foster care to heal his broken leg. As you can see, he’s doing great now, running around and using that leg without any issues.”
Nnadi mentioned that Parsnip just needed to stay focused.
“He gets distracted easily—whether it’s a squirrel, a toy, or people, he’s off in an instant,” Nnadi joked, referring to Parsnip affectionately as “Parsnickety.” “But once we get his focus, he’s going to be amazing.”
Since the filming of Puppy Bowl, Parsnip has been adopted and is now 7 months old, according to Mollentine.
Nnadi has been actively working to help dogs find loving homes in the community. He’s already covered the adoption fees for over 500 dogs, collaborating with organizations like The Humane Society and KC Pet Project.
“It’s important to me to make sure these dogs, who may not otherwise get the chance, find their forever homes,” Nnadi said.
Nnadi shared that his journey with animal shelters started when he adopted his first dog, Rocky.
“He was a very shy dog. His living conditions weren’t ideal, and he wasn’t exposed to many people, and the environment was dark and unwelcoming,” Nnadi explained. “It made me realize how many dogs go through similar struggles just trying to survive.”
Nnadi helped Rocky gain confidence and become the “happy-go-lucky dog” he is today.
“I believe everyone should have at least one furry companion in their life,” Nnadi added.
Mollentine, the president of The Humane Society of Greater Kansas City, expressed her gratitude for Nnadi’s efforts in encouraging adoptions. The shelter, which has been serving the community since 1912, appreciates his support.
Puppy Bowl XXI will premiere on Sunday at 2 p.m. EST on Animal Planet, right before Nnadi takes the field with the Kansas City Chiefs for Super Bowl LIX.