Hometown Hero Bryce Underwood to Receive Key to the City at Belleville Winter Fest Parade Sat Dec 7 2024 5-8pm

BELLEVILLE, MI 12.05.2024 – The City of Belleville is gearing up to celebrate one of its own: Bryce Underwood, the record-breaking, nationally acclaimed BHS football star who earlier this week committed to the University of Michigan, will be honored with the Key to the City at Belleville Winter Fest 2024 this Saturday December 7. The ceremony will take place at the Winter Fest Parade between 5pm and 8pm, to be capped off by fireworks.

Underwood’s journey has captivated audiences worldwide, but his accomplishments have taken place right here in Belleville and Van Buren Township. 

“Bryce has done a lot of great things for the school and the community of Belleville,” says Belleville Tigers Head Coach Calvin Norman, “He’s the best quarterback I’ve ever seen and that I’ve coached.  His character, his class, his understanding of the game of football, which is extremely impressive. His parents have done a great job raising him. As a coach I’m very proud of him, just as the school and the community are deeply proud of him.”

Over the past four years, Underwood shattered Michigan D1 high school football records, leading the BHS Tigers to two State championships and unprecedented success. Deeply respected for his fierce work ethic and humble character, the town is celebrating Underwood’s accomplishments, commitment to community and decision to continue playing football just down the road at the University of Michigan, where he accepted the most lucrative NIL offer ever conferred. 

“Bryce Underwood represents the spirit of dedication, perseverance and kindness that define our small community, so the Key to the City is a well-deserved honor,” says Belleville Area Chamber of Commerce President Dinara Strikis, "We’re thrilled that he, along with Elijah Dotson, will continue to represent us on and off the field at the nearby University of Michigan. It’s great to see such top talent stay so close to home.”

As Underwood thrived on the field, the entire community rallied around him - something not lost on the star Belleville Tigers quarterback.

“I would like to personally thank the community of Belleville for supporting me on my BHS football journey,” says Bryce Underwood, BHS football star quarterback and the nation’s top college football recruit in 2025, “The love and support I’ve felt is beyond amazing. I’m excited to be a short drive away from Belleville, to continue my football journey at UMich and happy to say that the Belleville community had an impact on me deciding to stay home!”

Bryce’s parents are beyond thrilled with not just his poise on the field, but also his all-around development as a person.

“Bryce has exceeded our expectations both on and off the field,” Mr. and Mrs. Underwood concur, “We are very proud of the young man he has become and excited about the future that God has blessed him with.”

Underwood’s exceptional character has been noted by other community members, faculty and the Van Buren Public Schools administration.

"Bryce is a hardworking young man that casts a positive light wherever he is,” says Pete Kudlak, Superintendent of Van Buren Public Schools including BHS, “It’s clear that he was raised with pride, kindness, and humility. He brought these each day to BHS and, as a leader, they permeated the building." 

During his high school career, Underwood has epitomized a team-first, community-first ethic. Accordingly, he’ll be walking in the Winter Fest Parade Dec 7 5-8pm together with fellow BHS Tigers that have also committed to playing football at the next level. 

“It’s been a real treat to watch the Belleville Tigers these past 4 years,” says City of Belleville Mayor Ken Voigt, who will award the Key to the City to the hometown hero, “Under the leadership of Bryce Underwood at QB, by making three trips to Ford Field and winning back to back State championships, they have accomplished what few other schools can even dream of. The entire community is anxious to see what this talented young man and the many other talented players on the Belleville Tigers do in the next stage of their athletic careers.”

In addition to Underwood’s momentous achievements, the Belleville Area Chamber of Commerce and City of Belleville will also recognize 8 additional college football signees and 12 more players with offers to continue playing football in college - 21 players total - a massive accomplishment for the BHS program! 

Signed & Committed BHS Players: Bryce Underwood (UMich), Elijah Dotson (UMich), Adrian Walker Jr (Miami of Ohio), Antwon Thomas (Miami of Ohio), Desmon Yharbrough (Miami of Ohio), Lamar Fairfax Jr. (Memphis), Andre Thomas Jr. (Central Michigan).

Committed: Amari Martin (Madonna University), Reyne Diaz (Madonna University)

Offers to continue playing College Football: Trezelle Jenkins Jr., Brayden Lane, Marquis Peoples Jr, Damon Denny Jr., Ray-Mond Smith Jr., Malik Murrell, Andre Johnson Jr., Trey Graham, DeShaun Murray, Tayshaun Taylor, Rashad Jones, Je’ Von Martin 

Produced by the Belleville Area Chamber Foundation, Belleville Winter Fest 2024 promises a festive atmosphere, family-friendly activities and entertainment for all ages all weekend long. The Winter Fest Parade and the Key to the City ceremony starring Bryce Underwood will be the main event, capped off by evening fireworks above scenic Belleville Lake. Don't miss this last chance to celebrate Belleville's latest and greatest hometown hero (the future of Wolverines football) before he rises to meet his next challenge!

 

Belleville Tigers high school football star Bryce Underwood officially signs with UMich Dec 4. 2024.