Matt Light: 3x Super Bowl Champ & New England Patriots HOF On His Journey To The NFL, Elaborate Team Pranks & Founding The Light Foundation
Aug 09, 2023, 10:00 AM
Perseverance, passion, and purpose.
That’s the inspiring life journey we have the privilege of listening to from three-time Superbowl champion, Matt Light. In this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast, Matt and Marcus delve into the remarkable story of a man who not only dominated the gridiron but is currently leaving an indelible mark off the field.
His experience of growing up in a rural farming community taught him the values of hard work, responsibility, and accountability. Matt says had never seen a football game in his life until he played in his first college game, and eventually won a scholarship to Purdue University, where he served as left tackle behind his friend and future Super Bowl MVP, quarterback Drew Brees. He took up the same position in 2001 for Tom Brady, after being drafted by the New England Patriots, launching what would be a storied NFL career.
Matt Light's impact still extends far beyond the football field. He founded the Light Foundation, a non-profit organization that focuses on empowering young people through outdoor activities, leadership programs, and character development.
Matt Light is a true pro football legend. From his humble beginnings to his enduring influence, Matt’s story is a testament to the power of dedication and the potential for greatness both on and off the field.
Socials:
- IG: The Light Foundation
- www.mattlight72.com
- www.celebrateTB12.com (Online Sweepstakes)
Sponsors:
- Navyfederal.org
- Fitbod.me/TNQ
- Nextevo.com/TNQ
In this episode you will hear:
• I was blessed at an early age to be surrounded by doers – people that were creative, innovative, and crafty. They thought outside the box. (6:15)
• I truly had never seen a [football] game in my life until I played in my first college game. (7:58)
• Ending up in football? That was the farthest thing from my imagination, but it became a reality. (11:21)
• I never went to jail when I hit somebody with pads on. (19:33)
• [Football] should be violent sport, but the caveat is – It’s controlled violence. (19:48)
• My mom was adamant: whatever you start, you will finish – whether you like it or not. (21:24)
• The thing that makes a great coach is their ability to switch gears, depending on who it is they’re coaching. (26:56)
• [After a Superbowl win] it was overwhelming, surreal, and wild. You can’t write something like that, but you’re blessed to be a part of it. (55:34)
• I like the fight, and I take things personal, and I want to get better every day. (57:09)
• [Bill Belichick would ask a question] and if you didn’t have the answer, he was going to destroy you in front of the entire team. So everybody’s on pins and needles. (61:53)
• I practiced the little things every single day in practice. (72:25)
• I loved the opportunity to go out and prove that I deserved to be on that team. (75:19)
• [Our company goal – the Light Foundation - is to develop] responsible, ethical, accountable leaders. (81:53)
• Being around guys that were money every time we needed them in the highest pressure situations, was one of the coolest aspects of playing that game. (98:03)
• If you can consistently win with one move as a defensive lineman, you’re an all-pro player. (98:58)
That’s the inspiring life journey we have the privilege of listening to from three-time Superbowl champion, Matt Light. In this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast, Matt and Marcus delve into the remarkable story of a man who not only dominated the gridiron but is currently leaving an indelible mark off the field.
His experience of growing up in a rural farming community taught him the values of hard work, responsibility, and accountability. Matt says had never seen a football game in his life until he played in his first college game, and eventually won a scholarship to Purdue University, where he served as left tackle behind his friend and future Super Bowl MVP, quarterback Drew Brees. He took up the same position in 2001 for Tom Brady, after being drafted by the New England Patriots, launching what would be a storied NFL career.
Matt Light's impact still extends far beyond the football field. He founded the Light Foundation, a non-profit organization that focuses on empowering young people through outdoor activities, leadership programs, and character development.
Matt Light is a true pro football legend. From his humble beginnings to his enduring influence, Matt’s story is a testament to the power of dedication and the potential for greatness both on and off the field.
Socials:
- IG: The Light Foundation
- www.mattlight72.com
- www.celebrateTB12.com (Online Sweepstakes)
Sponsors:
- Navyfederal.org
- Fitbod.me/TNQ
- Nextevo.com/TNQ
In this episode you will hear:
• I was blessed at an early age to be surrounded by doers – people that were creative, innovative, and crafty. They thought outside the box. (6:15)
• I truly had never seen a [football] game in my life until I played in my first college game. (7:58)
• Ending up in football? That was the farthest thing from my imagination, but it became a reality. (11:21)
• I never went to jail when I hit somebody with pads on. (19:33)
• [Football] should be violent sport, but the caveat is – It’s controlled violence. (19:48)
• My mom was adamant: whatever you start, you will finish – whether you like it or not. (21:24)
• The thing that makes a great coach is their ability to switch gears, depending on who it is they’re coaching. (26:56)
• [After a Superbowl win] it was overwhelming, surreal, and wild. You can’t write something like that, but you’re blessed to be a part of it. (55:34)
• I like the fight, and I take things personal, and I want to get better every day. (57:09)
• [Bill Belichick would ask a question] and if you didn’t have the answer, he was going to destroy you in front of the entire team. So everybody’s on pins and needles. (61:53)
• I practiced the little things every single day in practice. (72:25)
• I loved the opportunity to go out and prove that I deserved to be on that team. (75:19)
• [Our company goal – the Light Foundation - is to develop] responsible, ethical, accountable leaders. (81:53)
• Being around guys that were money every time we needed them in the highest pressure situations, was one of the coolest aspects of playing that game. (98:03)
• If you can consistently win with one move as a defensive lineman, you’re an all-pro player. (98:58)