For Andrew Rupcich, the road to the Super Bowl didn’t begin under bright national lights or at a powerhouse football program. It started at Culver-Stockton College, a small NAIA school where hard work, persistence, and belief built the foundation for a dream that is now becoming reality.

Now preparing for the biggest game in the sports world, Rupcich is reflecting on just how far he has come.

“My biggest challenge was the fact of coming from a smaller college to the big stage,” Rupcich said. “It was truly difficult due to how many other big players there are in the NFL compared to college. It was truly a change for sure.”

The transition from NAIA football to the NFL is one few athletes make, but Rupcich never stopped believing. Being among the small group of NAIA players to reach this level makes the moment even more meaningful.

“It’s an unreal feeling,” he said. “It means that all my hard work paid off. It’s a childhood dream and it’s going to be forever a dream come true.”

Rupcich credits his time at Culver-Stockton for shaping the mindset that carried him through the jump to professional football.

“It taught me less is more,” he explained. “It’s truly a learning process that not many people realize. It truly is a blessing I went to Culver to shape myself now.”

During his college career, Rupcich stood out as a three-time All-American and even gained national attention by winning the Piesman Trophy for a viral lineman play. While impressive, he says those honors meant more for what they represented than the awards themselves.

“Those accomplishments are great, but it gave me confidence that I could do what I’m doing and show that all the hard work paid off,” he said.

Now, as he represents Culver-Stockton on football’s biggest stage, Rupcich hasn’t forgotten where he came from.

“It’s crazy to me,” he said. “I hope everyone jumps up and says, ‘He’s from Culver!’ I can’t wait.”

His message to the Culver-Stockton community is simple but heartfelt.

“Thank you for everything, truly.”

From a small college campus to the Super Bowl spotlight, Andrew Rupcich’s journey is proof that big dreams can grow anywhere.

Rupcich stands tall with his new team The New England Patriots