Charlie Peprah of the Green Bay Packers not only has family roots in Ghana -- his grandfather was the country's head of state for six years.

General I.K. Acheampong came to power in a 1972 military coup. He was forced to resign in 1978 and was executed by firing squad a year later.

After the general's ouster, Peprah's parents came to the United States, where the future NFL player was born in the state of Texas.

Peprah never knew his grandfather but told reporters this week that he feels connected to Ghana. He visited the country in 2009.

Peprah says that according to his father, who has returned to Ghana, the country's people are following the Super Bowl.

Ghanaians who watch the game will likely catch a glimpse of Peprah. He plays defense for the Packers, at the position of safety, and is expected to start in Sunday's game.

source : ghanaweb