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Posted on: 12/6/24
Lucas Carranza, senior football player at Olympic High School, was named a finalist of the NFL Latino Youth Honors.
The NFL Latino Youth Honors celebrates high school seniors from across NFL club markets who excel both in the classroom and on the field. The Carolina Panthers nominated Carranza to represent the team, and he is now one of eight finalists in the running for the $25,000 prize.
“It means a lot because not a lot of people get recognized for academics and playing sports, so it means a lot,” said Carranza.
Carranza said it was truly a surprise when he received the news. He and his family were invited to a game and a couple weeks later he was asked to come take a picture where the team was training. He said the players would come up to congratulate him, but he had no idea what for.
It wasn’t until Dave Canales, head coach, gave him the news and told him he was going to the Super Bowl.
“I was like ‘there’s no way this is real,’” said Carranza. “I never thought this would happen.”
Carranza is known to be a leader both on and off the field, serving as a standout center at Olympic High. He’s also known for his perfect record of never allowing a sack throughout his career, and has helped his team accumulate over 4,000 all-purpose yards in 2023. He maintains a 4.0 GPA and gives back to his community as a student athletic trainer, all while proudly representing his Salvadoran heritage.
In addition to the trip to the Super Bowl, Carranza received a $5,000 scholarship. Carranza and the other finalists will also participate in several special events during Super Bowl LIX week in New Orleans that are designed to provide mentorship, guidance and resources to pursue careers in professional sports.
“I’m excited to meet new people and make connections,” said Carranza.
