The Denver Broncos will play in their second Super Bowl in three years and several players have ties to North Texas.

Wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders played wide receiver at Southern Methodist University.

Cornerback Aqib Talib played at Richardson's Berkner High School.

His defensive teammate, linebacker Von Miller, was a standout athlete at DeSoto High School.

The Broncos have the number one rated defense in the NFL, thanks, in part, to Miller.

He has 30 tackles and 11 sacks this season.

"DeSoto hometown boy is in the biggest game of his life, in the biggest game in the world," said DeSoto Assistant Football Coach Brian Stansberry. "You knew Von always had potential. He controls his attitude. He controls his effort on what he does everyday."

Von Miller: From DeSoto Eagles to Denver Broncos

Miller led DeSoto to a district championship in 2007.

"You'd think DeSoto has more Broncos fans than Cowboys fans," said former DeSoto teammate Terrance Orr, II. "He's been doing it since high school. He's doing it now on Sundays."

Orr played on district championship team with Miller and remain close friends.

"Monday, we came back to work and kids were talking about Von. They were talking about the Broncos," said Orr.

The Broncos play the Carolina Panthers on Feb. 7 in Super Bowl 50 in Santa Clara, Calif.