ROLLA, Mo. – Nearly two years ago, Tershawn Wharton (University City, MO/University City) and his Missouri S&T teammates received their rings for their victory in the Mineral Water Bowl.

This Sunday, Wharton has an opportunity to add another ring to his collection, as the rookie defensive lineman will be on the field in Tampa, Fla., as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs as they take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl LV.  He will be the first former Miner player to compete in the Super Bowl.

"Being presented the opportunity to play in the Super Bowl is every bit of breathtaking," Wharton said.  "Think about it.  How many kids have had the dream of going to the Super Bowl and living out the full experience?"

After signing with the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent following the National Football League Draft in May, Wharton made an impact during his first season with the team.   He was part of the Chiefs' rotation on the defensive line, as he was on the field for 48 percent of the team's defensive plays during the regular season and recorded 27 total tackles, two sacks, four tackles for a loss and a forced fumble as well as a fumble recovery.

In Kansas City's two playoff games leading to the Super Bowl, Wharton saw the field on 61 of the 137 plays run by the Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills.  He made two tackles along the way and recorded a quarterback pressure in the AFC Championship game victory over Buffalo as the Chief defensive unit slowed down one the league's hottest offenses to repeat as conference champions.

As the 2020 season progressed, Wharton's role has evolved as the coaching staff has given him more responsibilities.  He also has a strong group of mentors within the team of the coaching staff and other members of the defensive unit.

"At the beginning of the season, my main role was being one of the pass rushers," he said.  "Over the course of the season, they began using me as an every down defensive lineman.   Advice comes multiple ways as a pro football player – they just expand my learning about being a pass rusher, the art of pass rushing and also understanding the game so I can play faster.

"One of the biggest things I've learned in the NFL is to always work and never become complacent – even in times of success," Wharton added.  "The whole 2020 season has shown me how to adapt on the fly and just staying ready.  I've just tried to make the best of every opportunity that came my way."

Wharton earned an opportunity to play for the Chiefs after a standout four-season career at Missouri S&T, where he established school records with 35.5 quarterback sacks and 58 tackles for a loss.  He ranked third in sacks in NCAA Division II in the 2017 season with 13.5 as part of a season where he recorded a school record 21 tackles for a loss.

He was an honorable mention All-America selection during his career that also included three selections to the all-Great Lakes Valley Conference team and two all-region awards.  Wharton closed out the 2018 season in style by being named as the most outstanding defensive player in the Miners' Mineral Water Bowl victory over Minnesota State Moorhead, as he recorded eight tackles, 4.5 tackles for a loss, two sacks and also returned a fumble 53 yards for a touchdown.

It was one of two touchdowns Wharton scored as a Miner; the other came on a school record 81-yard fumble return against Southwest Baptist in his next-to-last home game at S&T in 2019.

The Chiefs enter Sunday's game seeking to become the first team since the New England Patriots in 2003 and 2004 to repeat as Super Bowl champions.  The quarterback for those Patriot teams was Tom Brady – who led six New England teams to titles and will be on the opposite side of the ball from Wharton on Sunday running the Tampa Bay offense.

"We're playing one of the great quarterbacks of all time," Wharton said.  "He has a very high IQ and has weapons that can create big plays.  The key to win is for us to execute our game plan for four quarters with teamwork and limited mistakes."

Kansas City defeated Tampa Bay 27-24 on Nov. 29, which was the Buccaneers' last loss.  In that game, Wharton played on 43 of Tampa Bay's 59 offensive plays (73 percent) and had one tackle in the contest.

As defending champions, the Chiefs were catching the opposing team's top effort on a weekly basis and still recorded 16 wins in 18 games heading into the Super Bowl.  The campaign included seven straight wins in the second half of the year that were decided by six points or less (nine of Kansas City's 16 wins have been one-score victories).  Wharton credits the mindset of the coaching staff and veteran players – many of whom were part of last year's championship run – to keeping the team's play at a high level all season.

"I think it's the winning atmosphere created by the coaches and players and when you are a part of that, you understand that you have to play your best every game," Wharton said.  "As a defending champion, you don't want to get knocked off the throne.  Being a part of this championship team, it's a group that understands situational football and how to finish.

"After the AFC Championship game – just realizing how good the team and coaching staff is – has motivated me to go harder because you never know the when next time is that you'll get the opportunity," he said.

A victory on Sunday and Wharton would become the second former Miner to be on an NFL championship team.  Charlie Copley, the first Miner to play in the league, was a member of the Akron Pros team that won the first-ever NFL title in 1920.

In addition, a win would also give Wharton another championship ring – and certainly a little larger one – to go along with the one he received two years ago.