Chiefs’ Derrick Nnadi Coaches Shelter Pup for Puppy Bowl XXI
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Before stepping onto the field for his third straight Super Bowl appearance with the Kansas City Chiefs, defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi took on a different coaching role—training a rescue puppy for a big game of his own.
In October, Nnadi and his girlfriend, Nani Hinton, visited The Humane Society of Greater Kansas City to coach Parsnip, a 4-month-old mutt, for his debut at Puppy Bowl XXI.
“I’m his coach. I am putting him through rigorous training,” Nnadi joked at the time. “It’s a process—he’s a young kid with a lot of raw potential, but he’s going to be a star.”
The Puppy Bowl, which debuted in 2005 as counterprogramming to the Super Bowl, promotes pet adoption by featuring over 100 shelter dogs from across the U.S. The playful competition sees puppies score “touchdowns” by carrying a toy across a goal line.
From Injury to the Big Game
Parsnip arrived at The Humane Society in August with a broken leg.
“Parsnip is a sweet little pup,” said Sydney Mollentine, president and CEO of The Humane Society of Greater Kansas City. “He spent about eight weeks in foster care to heal, and now he has no problems running around.”
Nnadi, affectionately calling him Parsnickety, knew focus was key.
“You see one little squirrel—he’s gone. He sees a toy—he’s gone. He sees people—he’s gone,” Nnadi laughed. “But the second we get that laser focus, he’s going to be phenomenal.”
A Champion for Shelter Pets
Since filming, Parsnip has been adopted and is now a happy, energetic 7-month-old pup.
Nnadi has long been dedicated to helping shelter dogs find loving homes. Over the years, he has covered adoption fees for more than 500 dogs through partnerships with The Humane Society and KC Pet Project.
His passion for animal rescue began when he adopted his own dog, Rocky.
“He was very timid. His living conditions weren’t great—dark lighting, not a lot of human interaction,” Nnadi recalled. “It made me empathize with how many dogs struggle just to survive.”
Through patience and care, Rocky transformed into a “happy-go-lucky” companion, and Nnadi hopes every dog gets the same chance.
“I feel like everybody needs at least one furry friend in their life,” he said.
The Humane Society of Greater Kansas City, founded in 1912, is grateful for Nnadi’s efforts in promoting adoption.
Fans can watch Puppy Bowl XXI on Sunday at 2 p.m. EST on Animal Planet—just hours before Nnadi takes the field with the Chiefs for Super Bowl LIX.