Frostproof High graduate at center of Rams, Saints controversy

FROSTPROOF, Fla. (FOX 13) - There is excitement in the air in Frostproof. This year's Super Bowl will feature one of Frostproof High's most notable alums. 

Los Angeles Rams defensive back Nickell Robey-Coleman will take the field in this year's big game. But Robey-Colemen has also been at the center of a debate over whether the Rams should even go to the big game.

Over the weekend, during the fourth quarter in a game against the New Orleans Saints, it appears that Robey-Coleman interfered in a catch that could have changed the course of the game. But the referee didn’t call it.

That paved the way for the Rams to move ahead.

Fans will continue to debate the call - or lack thereof - but folks in Frostproof are now focused on the future.

“It was a big surprise for everybody because we didn’t think they were going to make it,” Robey-Coleman’s cousin Mark Jones told FOX 13 on Monday.

Robey-Coleman has quite the reputation in Frostproof, where he grew up.

“He did what everybody is trying to do,” said cousin Khaliq Boatwright said. “He took that leap. He made it, you feel me?”

After graduating from Frostproof High School, Robey-Coleman attended the University of Southern California. He was drafted into the NFL after this third year.

Last March, he signed a three year, $15-million contract with the Los Angeles Rams.

“We love to see him get bigger and big like that. We love it,” Antwaun Wiggins, another cousin, commented.

His friends and family back home say they hope to see even greater things happen on Super Bowl Sunday.

The Rams will be playing the New England Patriots on February 3, starting at 6:30 p.m.