The NFL-sanctioned choir will perform two songs at the 20th Super Bowl Gospel Celebration that’s being televised on BET Saturday.
ATLANTA — Retired Dallas Cowboys safety Dextor Clinkscale gets a chance each year to re-experience the camaraderie of playing in the NFL when the Super Bowl Gospel Choir convenes to perform in the city hosting the league’s marquee game.
The choir provides about 60 players — mostly retired and a couple of current ones — a different type of team atmosphere, one that combines a love of gospel music and pro football.
During rehearsal at the annual reunion, this time for Thursday night’s performance in the 20th Super Bowl Gospel Celebration at Atlanta Symphony Hall, Clinkscale said he felt his spirit being rekindled in the same way it does each year.
“It is part of the electricity and… the power of it,” Clinkscale said Wednesday evening. “It moves through everything, and I think that’s a big reason why so many of the guys come. You see some guys that you didn’t even realize were on a roster, but the spirit of the Lord brings us together, and it just happens.”
Max Garcia, a Denver offensive lineman, and New Orleans receiver Austin Carr are two active players in the choir. Former stars such as Tim Brown, Emmitt Smith and Matt Forte and current stars Larry Fitzgerald and Russell Wilson are listed as presenters or honorees.
In this Jan. 9,1983, file photo, Dallas Cowboys safety Dextor Clinkscale (47) is upended by Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive tackle Dave Reavis after his interception and 11-yard return. Clinkscale is one of 60 singers —all former NFL players and a couple of current ones — who will participate in the 20th Super Bowl Gospel Celebration at Atlanta Symphony Hall on Thursday night.
