T.J. Holmes/Record Searchlight Red Bluff High School graduate Clancy Barone speaks Friday to students at the school Friday while holding his Lombardi Trophy earned by the Denver Broncos in this year's Super Bowl and which he gave to the school. Barone, who still has family in Red Bluff, is the offensive line coach for the Broncos.

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By T.J. Holmes of the Redding Record Searchlight

RED BLUFF — The last time Clancy Barone stepped foot on campus at Red Bluff High School, he left with a diploma in 1981.

When he returned nearly 24 years later, he handed over his Lombardi Trophy.

Barone, the offensive line coach for the Denver Broncos, spoke to about 70 student-athletes, faculty and friends Friday afternoon before presenting Red Bluff Union School District Superintendent Todd Brose the Super Bowl 50 trophy to keep.

"It's staying here; that's Red Bluff's trophy," Barone said. "Being from Red Bluff, you have a great work ethic and tradition, and this is to celebrate the fact that we're all family and that Red Bluff is part of that championship."

Barone helped the Denver Broncos beat the Carolina Panthers 24-10 this year at Levi's Stadium in San Francisco. It was as close to home as he could be to win an NFL title, and it also ended an 0 for 8 streak when a Red Bluff alumnus appeared in the Super Bowl.

Gale Gilbert lost in all five Super Bowl appearances, Bob Grim lost twice and Barone lost in 2013 when the Broncos lost to the Seattle Seahawks. But that previous loss made the journey even better when he hoisted it in February.

"It made it that much sweeter," Barone said. "The fact that we lost before helped me in knowing what to expect and appreciate the moment as it happened.

"I'm not sure it's really sunk in yet. We get our rings in two weeks, and I'm sure when I get to put that on it will be real."

Barone was approved by the NFL to get his own Lombardi Trophy, which is an option available to the winning coaching staff. Instead of keeping it, it will sit next to the other Red Bluff athletic achievements.

With coaching experience in three continents along with every time zone in the country, Barone offered his wisdom to the student-athletes about how successful they can be as long as they have a strong work ethic, believe in themselves and take risks.

But he echoed what it was like to be from Red Bluff and to be proud of coming from a small town.

"There's nothing like coming home," said Barone, whose mother still lives in town. "It's always going to be a special feeling."

Barone and the Broncos open the 2016 season against the Panthers on Sept. 8.