Published by
Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
By Greg Bishop In a three-week span, the safety went from the comforts of retirement to Super Bowl LVI. Here’s how it happened. The pickup games featured roughly 14 regulars. They ranged from 35 to 45, a group of middle-aged hoopers dribbling and defending in an attempt to ward off expanding midsections, achy backs and father time. They tipped off on Wednesday nights in suburban San Diego, descending to the red court with white lines and black keys and a view of rolling hills. They played five-on-five, full court, under the lights. During the day, the participants worked as high school footbal…