Several Hannibal relatives of Pierre Thomas, No. 23 running back with the New Orleans Saints, are eager to watch him play in the Super Bowl on Sunday.
Among them is Devin James Crockett, an eighth grader at Hannibal Middle School, who has an official jersey autographed by Pierre.
Devin’s grandmother, Carlita Crockett of Springfield, Ill., said Devin spends time with Pierre for two weeks each summer, when Pierre is not in training.
Pierre was encouraged to play football by his grandfather, the late James Donald Crockett Sr., a Hannibal native who graduated from Douglass High School, according to Carlita. Pierre was in junior high school when his grandfather died.
Pierre’s uncle, James Donald Crockett Jr., graduated from Hannibal High School, then lived in Chicago, Carlita explained.
David (Bubby) Crockett, Pierre’s great-uncle, was born in Hannibal and now lives in the Chicago area. Bubby might be remembered for singing in a quartet when he lived in Hannibal, said Carlita. She is his daughter.
Carlita’s son, the late Stacy (Davy) Crockett, was a summer babysitter for Pierre when he was 3 years old. Devin is Stacy’s son.
Stacy (Davy), who died five years ago, was a server for the Pirates Cove restaurant for many years, Carlita said, adding that her son had boasted about Pierre when Pierre attended the University of Illinois in Champaign, Ill.
Another Hannibal relative is Sara Marie Hall, Bubby’s first cousin. “Pierre has a host of cousins living in the Hannibal area,” Carlita said. “They will all be watching the game.” She noted Pierre hopes to visit Hannibal in July.
