Joe Thuney can solve a Rubik’s cube in under two minutes

MINNEAPOLIS — Whipping out a Rubik’s Cube doesn’t always bring a smile to someone’s face, but in the case of Patriots guard Joe Thuney Monday night, the colorful three-by-three-by-three puzzle was a pleasant surprise at Super Bowl LII Opening Night.

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Amidst the media hubbub at the Xcel Energy center, the 25-year-old was eager to solve the familiar toy — a skill he had learned over a decade ago.

“My brother brought it home one day, and he could do it,” Thuney told Boston.com. “I was kind of jealous, so I stole it and read the manual.”

That’s all there was to it: “I literally just read the manual that told you what moves kind of helped or got you there, and then just memorized it.”

According to Thuney, the key is just repetition because the algorithms are essentially just a pattern for each side. The second-year lineman said it took a few weeks for him to lock down all the moves, but ever since then, he’s been able to pick up any cube and solve it on the spot — as he proved Monday night.

Earlier this year, Thuney submitted his talent in CBS and Sports Illustrated‘s “Most Valuable Performer” contest. Ravens kicker Justin Tuck ultimately won the competition for his opera performance.