Who Was The No-Name Seahawks Receiver Who Broke Out Against The Patriots?
Tom Brady was ultimately named Super Bowl MVP, but an unheralded Seahawks player nearly stole the show: receiver Chris Matthews. If you don’t know that name, you’re not alone.
The 25-year-old finished with four catches for 109 yards and a score to lead Seattle as the Patriots edged the defending champs, 28-24. And his first reception in the Super Bowl was also the first of his career.
According to his University of Kentucky bio, Matthews ran a 4.5-second 40-yard dash and is a cousin of late Hall-of-Famer Reggie White. Before the game, his story was his most compelling attribute.
After two years at a California junior college, Matthews would finish his college career at the University of Kentucky. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Browns before the 2011 season, but wouldn’t make the team. Then, his long road back to the NFL began.
According to an SI.com profile from January, Matthews took a year off before spending two seasons in the CFL with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He was named the league’s Most Outstanding Rookie in his first year, but his follow-up was hampered by injury.
He was working at a Foot Locker and as a security guard in the 2014 offseason when a Patriots official called and invited him to a tryout — that night.
Matthews looks at watch, pauses, and says, “I don’t get off of work until 9 p.m. I don’t know if I’ll make it.’’
“Alright,’’ the caller said. “We’ll let you know.’’
Click.
A few minutes later, Matthews agent calls. “What are you thinking! Get yourself home, pack up and go. Are you out of your mind?!’’
Matthews made the flight.
Matthews made the practice squad out of camp, but wouldn’t make an impact until he recovered the onside kick that led to the Seahawks’ NFC Championship win. And now, this.
Whether he sustains the success or ends up a flash in the plan remains to be seen, but his performance in Super Bowl XLIX won’t soon be forgotten.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com