L’Jarius Sneed returns to Tech

A two-time Super Bowl Champion was among the hundreds in attendance for Louisiana Tech’s spring game Saturday at Joe Aillet Stadium.

L’Jarius Sneed, a former defensive back for the Bulldogs and now a newly-inked Tennessee Titan, returned to his collegiate home to see old friends, speak to the current team, and reflect on his time in Ruston that prepared him to be a pro.

“There’s nothing like coming back home,” Sneed said. “Just seeing all the people I got to know and the love is really special.”

Sneed, 27, was in attendance for the entire intrasquad game, meeting Louisiana Tech University President Jim Henderson and Athletic Director Ryan Ivey, along with a pregame chat with Tech football coach Sonny Cumbie.

Beyond the new faces, Sneed couldn’t help but notice the construction on a new videoboard in the stadium, along with stadium signage. Even the music was noticed by the two-time champion.

“I wish we had it when I was here,” Sneed said of the new videoboard. “That’s what we did all the winning for. They got a DJ now too. We didn’t have any of that.”

After the game, Sneed spoke with the Bulldogs and shared advice on how to pursue goals and not cheat the process of hard work.

Before coming to Tech, Sneed was ranked as the 87th overall player in Louisiana and only had three offers coming out of Minden High School. With where he is now, Sneed said the current Bulldogs must recognize it takes true dedication to make it far.

“I just hope they see that they have a chance,” Sneed said. “ Coming from where I come from, it wasn’t easy. It wasn’t always good, but it all worked out.”

Sneed signed a fouryear contract worth $76.4 million overall, with $44 million guaranteed, with the Titans in March after a four-year career with the Kansas City Chiefs.

As a starting cornerback, Sneed played in 57 career games with 10 interceptions as a key piece in Kansas City’s run for back-to-back Super Bowl titles.

Cumbie said having Sneed back at Tech and providing wisdom to current players is an honor the program didn’t take lightly.

“I thought it was unbelievable because of how closely our guys follow L’Jarius every game, every week, and the success he has had,” Cumbie said. “I think one that was very quick to see for our kids was the humility he shows with our guys. He was very sincere with the team. I think it is a great encouragement.

“I think Dedrick Latulas wrapped it up better than anyone just in terms of thanking him for being here, thanking him for what he does from a football standpoint to encourage and inspire the guys in our program and guys back home in Minden also,” Cumbie added.