STATESBORO - Jerick McKinnon has been to the Super Bowl. He knows all about the distractions and requests that are associated with the big game. The difference this time is he will be suiting up and actually playing ... and he is relishing every moment this time around.

McKinnon, who hails from Marietta, Georgia, was a two-time, first-team All-American for Georgia Southern and had a stellar career in Statesboro. He finished his career third on Georgia Southern's all-time rushing list with 3,899 yards and 42 touchdowns, finishing behind only Adrian Peterson (6,559 yards) and Jermaine Austin (5,411 yards). He also caught 10 passes for 165 yards and a score and threw for 929 yards and 12 touchdowns. His most memorable performance remains leading the Eagles to a win in The Swamp as Georgia Southern beat Florida 26-20 behind McKinnon's 125 yards on the ground and the memorable touchdown run to give the Eagles the lead with 2:57 left.

McKinnon was selected in the third round by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2014 NFL Draft and played in Minnesota for four seasons. In 2017, he finished the regular season with a career-high 570 rushing yards and three touchdowns along with 51 receptions for 421 yards and two touchdowns. After the season, he signed a four-year, $30 million contract with the San Francisco 49ers.

He was set to be a big part of San Francisco's offense, but tore his ACL during a team workout in early September of 2018, ending his season. Upon returning in 2019, he suffered a setback during training camp and missed the entire season, including Super Bowl LIV as the 49ers fell to Kansas City 31-20 in Miami.

After playing all of 2020 with the 49ers, he signed with Kansas City in 2021 and this year has had a break-out season, catching nine touchdown passes. The Chiefs won the AFC West and made a march through the playoffs to beat Cincinnati and qualify for Super Bowl LVII on Sunday.

So while he has been to the Super Bowl, this time, he will not only suit up for the Kansas City Chiefs as they take on the Philadelphia Eagles, but he was elected a captain by his teammates.

During a brief down time between a lift and meetings during the off week, GSEagles.com was able to catch up with McKinnon to get his thoughts on the Super Bowl, his time at Georgia Southern and other topics.

GS: Let's get right into it. How different of a feeling is this Super Bowl from three years ago when you're on the IR, knowing that you'll be on the field and playing this time?

JM: It's way different. Like you said, the last time I was out there, I didn't play. So it's the same experience, but it's different when you're not out on the field. You're wishing you could be out there helping the team and you know, you feel like you can make plays that can help the team win. You know, the first time I wasn't able to do that. So this time I'm looking forward to doing it and for a chance to suit up and play so it's definitely a blessing after looking back on it.

GS: Did going through that experience with the 49ers helped prepare you for all the distractions or requests of this time?

JM: Yeah. I would just say what I went through when I was with San Fran, there hasn't been a lower point in my career as far as things that come with the nature of being hurt, having two knee surgeries back-to-back took its toll on me. So I think it helped me, but I wouldn't credit everything to that experience.

GS: How many how many friends and family will be heading to Arizona and what's that process like as a player juggling trying to get ready for the game but also all the requests for tickets?

JM: I've got a big group of people coming!  I've got a solid foundation of why I'm here. You know, for me on one hand, I want to try and get it done. Once everybody knows that they're squared away ... the quicker I can get that done, the more I can just focus on what I'm focused on. So, you know, it's been hectic, but it's part of the process. All I can do is embrace it because it's hard to get to this point.

GS: How much did your experience in a physical Georgia Southern offense help prepare you for the physicality and demands of being in running back in the NFL?

JM: When I first got into the league, I didn't really know how much it would help. The way we practiced down there was really tough and Coach Monken is an old-school coach. I've been blessed and fortunate to be able to play under a lot of great coaches in my career. A majority of them have been old-school so in that aspect of the work and training camp and the grind, it definitely transferred over. It made it easier to take coaching, accept coaching, get better from it and move on.

GS: When was the last Georgia Southern game you attended and do you still keep up with the team?

JM: I keep up with the team but I haven't been to a game and in years. I haven't been to the Boro since I left. Every year we have a bye week and it seems like Georgia Southern either has a bye week or has an away game. Yeah, I don't really want to go to an away game, I want to come home. You know me, I can wait and get to a game back at Paulson. It's definitely something I miss. I still talk to some of the guys that I played ball with down there. It's a brotherhood. Whenever that day does come to that I can get back to a game it definitely will be a nice experience, I believe.

GS: Hopefully maybe this fall when we get our schedule a couple weeks, we can we can get you back here.

JM: Absolutely!

GS: Only two other former Georgia Southern players have a Super Bowl championship ring. What would it mean for you to join that club?

JM: It would be another special moment. Another blessing. It would be big, not just for me, but for Georgia Southern as well. Just to bring that recognition and all that attention to the school as well. Because you know, when I was there we were I-AA and now we're Sun Belt. We're not Power 5, but the more attention and whatnot that I can bring to the school, the better.

GS: Finally, last thing ... do you have anything you'd like to say to the Georgia Southern fans and what I would call our Eagle Nation? I know you guys are playing the Eagles, but I'm talking to our Eagle Nation. Is there anything you'd like to say to our fan base?

JM: I definitely want to say I appreciate everybody because without y'all, I would not be here. The tradition, all the games and all that stuff. You know, it feels like it was yesterday. Even though it was really long, it seems like it was just yesterday. But you know, it's  just a great fan base with great support. The coaches, no matter how that shapes out, you know, the love and all that stuff still remains the same. But you know, just to give a shout out and thank you. I love you guys. I appreciate everything y'all have done for me. And, you know, like we say "One More Time."

GS: Well Jerick, I know you're extremely busy. We appreciate you taking the time out and talking to us. Good luck and Arizona.

JM: Appreciate it. Thank you.

Super Bowl LVII kicks off Sunday at 6:30 p.m. and airs on FOX.