Topeka's Manzano ready for Super Bowl on the sideline
LAS VEGAS (KSNT) - For the second-straight season, Adan Manzano will be a part of the broadcast for Telemundo KC for the Super Bowl.
Manzano, originally from Mexico City, moved to Topeka, Kansas in 2018 and went on to graduate from Kansas State University. He tells 27 News that American football wasn't on his radar much before moving to Kansas, but now he takes pride in bringing the game to people from various different backgrounds.
"The Kansas City Chiefs are growing so fast in Mexico City," Manzano said. "Bringing that to the Spanish community because the Hispanic and Latinos- they've supported soccer culturally and historically, but there's always a space where football can be the favorite sport. That's why I think it's important."
He says giving Spanish-speaking listeners the game in their native language can make it that much easier for them to fall in love with the game so many Americans love.
"Styles, cultures, they get their own culture," he said. "The phrasing, the rhythm, the tone of voice that you use- the moment of the game."
Of course Spanish-speaking individuals in Kansas City enjoy the call from Manzano and his crew but their reach, he says, goes well beyond what most would consider Chiefs territory.
"People actually reach out to our company and appreciate that we actually speak in their language," he said. "We also have people listening to us from Spain or even from Brazil... we are speaking in their own language. At some point, an important play, it actually makes them feel better."
In 2023, Manzano was in the broadcast booth. This time, he'll be the sideline reporter for his station.
"I used to dream about this but I never expected that it was going to come that soon," Manzano said. "It's just a blessing."
And his family, including his wife Ashleigh Boyd and one-year-old daughter Eleanor, will be cheering him on from their home in Topeka. Boyd says their favorite thing to do when they're watching at home is racing to see who can spot Manzano on television first.
Boyd and Ellie are easily Manzano's two biggest fans.
"He has worked so hard at this," Boyd said. "There's been times when he's had two or three jobs to make ends meet. And now knowing he gets to go out there and do what he loves and what he's good at, it's just the best feelings ever."
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