FREEPORT — Jeff Christy has been to Pro Bowls and to a Super Bowl.

But, in his eyes, nothing compares to a high school football Friday night.

When Christy, a 1987 Freeport High School graduate, was playing in the NFL on the offensive line for the Minnesota Vikings, his home was less than a half mile away from a high school football stadium.

On Friday nights when the Vikings were at home, he'd walk down to the woods that surrounded the high school field and watch some of the action.

"I love high school football," Christy said. "There's nothing like it."

On Friday night, Christy will be at another high school football game, this one pitting his alma mater Freeport against Northgate. Shortly before the 7:30 p.m. kickoff, Christy's No. 40 Freeport jersey will be retired.

"It's definitely special," Christy said. "This is the first time they have done anything like this. It's nice to sit back and reflect and remember all the good times."

Christy had a lot of good times in high school.

He lettered all four years as a fullback, linebacker and kicker and left the school with nine records.

Christy rushed for 2,842 yards and 45 touchdowns in his career. He recorded 337 points, 340 tackles and kicked six field goals, the longest traveling 43 yards.

He also played baseball for two years and sported a .421 career batting average. Christy also won the WPIAL title and placed third in the PIAA in the shot put during his senior year.

But the memories most dear to Christy were formed on the football field during crisp Friday nights in the fall.

He recalls the Yellowjackets rallying from a 17-0 deficit against Washington to win. He remembers missing two field goals against Jeannette and he remembers cars lined up five and six deep around Swartz Field on a typical Friday evening.

"Those things stick with you," Christy said.

In fact, Christy still has the No. 40 incorporated into his e-mail address.

After a solid career at Pitt, Christy was selected in the NFL draft by the Phoenix Cardinals in 1992, then moved on to Minnesota, where he earned a Pro Bowl selection in 1998 and 1999.

Christy signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a free agent before the 2000 season and earned another Pro Bowl selection.

He reached the pinnacle in February 2003 when the Buccaneers won the Super Bowl. Christy contemplated returning to the NFL after that championship season, but decided to call it a career.

These days, Christy spends most of his time with his wife Kristen, his daughters Nicolette, 10, and Kennedy, 5, and his son Mac, 8.

The family still lives in the area.

All three of his children are active in sports, which keeps Christy's retirement a busy one.

No matter what, though, Christy still finds time to take in a high school football game.

The one on Friday will be a little extra special, however.

"It's a great feeling to be honored," Christy said.