Hampton native headed to Super Bowl

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) - 10 On Your Side spoke exclusively to Baltimore Ravens backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor's trainer about the football standout's dedication for the sport.

Taylor was a star at Hampton High School and at Virginia Tech. Now, he is getting to do something he always dreamed of as a little boy.

"I had some great moments in high school and college, but the Super Bowl outweighs all of those because as a kid, that's what you always want to do," Taylor said during an interview Tuesday.

When Taylor isn't in performing for sold out crowds of Ravens fans, he is pumping iron on the Peninsula at Tidewater Performance.

"He is 100 percent dedicated and focused. He is here to get better," head performance coach Cody Morris said. 

Morris trains Taylor during the off-season.

The idea that Tidewater Performance had anything to do with Taylor's shot in the big game Sunday is pretty surreal for Morris.  

"Taylor is an unbelievable athlete. He is gifted without a doubt," Morris said. "I like to think I did do something to help him out on the field during his time at Tidewater."

The crew at Tidewater Performance is so proud of Taylor's success they have his autographed team flag hanging on the wall. 

"We are all rooting for him. The owner of Tidewater Physical Therapy is actually having a Super Bowl party. We'll be all there rooting for him and rooting for the Ravens to get that Super Bowl win," Morris said.

They will be cheering because they know how much Taylor has worked for that moment.

"He is one of the most humble guys you will ever meet in your life. You get to know him, and you have no idea he's a professional athlete," Morris said.

Taylor is not the only local Baltimore Raven in New Orleans. Assistant Offensive Line Coach Todd Washington is from the Eastern Shore, and also attended Virginia Tech.