Ellison presents Amphi High with an NFL Golden Football

Ellison, a member of Amphi's 1975 state championship team, spoke in front of current players and several others in attendance – including longtime coach Vern Friedli – outside the still-new facility on the south end of the field.

The former USC linebacker then did a meet-and-greet, shaking hands and telling stories about his time with the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Raiders. At one point, Ellison even autographed a student's shirt.

"It's unbelievable for me to come back and be able to represent the NFL and represent the world championship teams I was on and give back to the school that made me who I am and taught me how to win," said Ellison, who won a national championship and two Rose Bowls at USC. "Amphi taught me how to win and I've carried those skill sets from this school all the way up to the NFL." 

Once the crowd died down, Ellison sat with Friedli in a golf cart, handed him the gold football and shared a few words. Friedli took over Amphi's program in 1976 and led the Panthers to 288 wins and three state championship games over 36 seasons.

"It's just awesome; it brings back memories, it brings back inspiration," Ellison said. "It was special seeing Vern here, too."

Amphi, Salpointe Catholic and Benson high schools each received golden footballs from the NFL, as it celebrates the upcoming Super Bowl 50.

The NFL Foundation, which gave $1 million for the campaign, will also provide schools with the opportunity to apply for grants of up to $5,000 to support their football programs, along with a new character education curriculum.

The former NFL players representing Salpointe and Benson are John Fina of the Buffalo Bills and Mitch Hoopes of the Dallas Cowboys, respectively. They presented golden footballs to their former schools during the regular season.

Star education reporter Alexis Huicochea contributed to this report.