Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/462058
IRISH IN THE PROS BY ANDREW OWENS F ew players on the New England Pa- triots' roster endured a path to the Super Bowl as difficult as that of for- mer Irish linebacker Darius Fleming. After playing at Notre Dame from 2008-11, Fleming had his first two NFL seasons ended by left knee inju- ries. The Chicago native was released by the San Francisco 49ers during the offseason, but soon after the Patriots signed him to their practice squad. In late November, the organization added him to the active roster, where he would remain for the rest of the season. He contributed on kickoffs, punts and field goals on the New England special teams units. "I'm fortunate to be where I am and on this team," Fleming told reporters. "We knew what type of team we had and the opportunity we had in front of us. It's pretty cool how hard we fought throughout the year." The 49ers selected Fleming in the fifth round of the 2012 NFL Draft af- ter the linebacker started 36 games in an Irish uniform. Much like former Notre Dame teammate Ian Williams, who has encountered multiple sea- son-ending injuries with the 49ers as well, Fleming had to patiently wait for the opportunity that finally came in November. After Two Knee Injuries, Darius Fleming Wins Super Bowl Fleming (above) and Jonas Gray helped the New England Patriots notch their first Super Bowl win in 10 years with a 28-24 triumph over the Seattle Seahawks Feb. 1. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS/ PHOTOGRAPHER DAVID SILVERMAN