Former Brookfield East Spartan seeking 3rd Super Bowl
BROOKFIELD, Wis. (CBS 58) -- It's hard to start your NFL career better than former Brookfield East Spartan Mike Caliendo.
The undrafted free agent signed with the Kansas Chiefs in 2022 and now has his chance at his third Super Bowl title.
"It's a dream come true to see Mikey in this situation," said Tom Swittel, Caliendo's former coach at Brookfield East.
Swittel, now at Wauwatosa East, coached Caliendo during his four years at Brookfield East from 2012-15. The Spartans went 32-11 during his four seasons and Caliendo was the team's MVP his senior season.
"When one of your best players is also one of your hardest working players, you got something," said Swittel.
Swittel went to Western Michigan starting in 55 of 57 games with the Broncos. He spent 2022 on the Chiefs practice squad, played in 12 regular season and postseason games in 2023, and then all 17 games this season. His most significant offensive contribution was a third down catch as an eligible receiver in Week 11.
"What a tremendous moment," said Swittel. "I don't know if I was more excited, or Mikey was more excited."
In Week 14, Caliendo stepped into the starting spot and has now started five straight games, except for Week 18 when the Chiefs rested starters. His next start will be in Super Bowl LIX against the Philadelphia Eagles.
"Our high school kids, our youth kids - they're gonna be watching the game on Sunday night. Seeing somebody play in the Super Bowl - start in the Super Bowl - protecting Patrick Mahomes and that's a Brookfield East Spartan," said Ben Farley, an assistant during Caliendo's time at Brookfield East, and is now the team's head coach.
Being that role model has always been an important aspect of Caliendo's journey from his time in Brookfield, to Western Michigan, and now to the pros. He's given back to his alma mater in several ways including youth camps.
"Our guys light up in those camps. How humble of a man that Mike Caliendo is, can come back and put on those youth camps for our guys," said Farley.
"He's not somebody who takes his NFL career for granted. He's going to do whatever he can to make an impact on others and he's gonna do that for a very long time," said Swittel.
For Swittel, one of his former assistants at Wauwatosa East, Joe Bleymaier is also the Chiefs passing game coordinator.
"I really hope that the Chiefs play well, and that Mikey plays well, and their passing game looks good. Of course, how can it not with Patrick Mahomes, right? I mean, imagine coaching Patrick Mahomes?" said Swittel.
The Chiefs also feature former Wisconsin Badger linebacker Leo Chenal. He is also going for his third straight Super Bowl win.