Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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IRISH IN THE PROS "It took a week or two to get my feet wet because it's been a while since I played, but I'm around a great group of guys who hold you up when you're not at your best," Fleming said. "When you get to this level, you can't be picky. I look forward to playing special teams — being around guys who have the same mindset as you. "A big play in the kicking game can swing the momentum of the game." Fleming recorded six tackles in five regular-season games for the Patriots. In January, he told The Boston Globe that he considered giving up foot- ball in the sixth grade when he rarely played and spent most of his time on the bench. But, similarly to his deci- sion after suffering a pair of knee inju- ries on the pro level, Fleming did not give up and the decision paid off. "As you get older, you start to see where your heart lies," Fleming said. "My heart lies in this sport. I'm glad I chose football." In the Super Bowl Feb. 1, New Eng- land overcame a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter to top the Seattle Seahawks 28-24 in one of the most dramatic championship games in the past two decades. Malcolm Butler 's interception at the goal line sealed the Patriots' victory. Fleming and running back Jonas Gray became the 40th and 41st former Irish players to earn a Super Bowl ring with the victory. On game day, the Patriots deacti- vated Gray from the 53-man roster in a coaching decision. He quickly van- ished from the field after arriving late to practice just days after running over the Indianapolis Colts for 201 yards and four touchdowns Nov. 16. He played in only five of the final nine games and registered 24 carries. "Lord I submit to you! I trust in you and I believe in you! I will cheer my brothers on like never before!" he tweeted after learning he would not suit up for the Super Bowl. Gray will become a free agent this offseason, while Fleming will return to the Patriots next season to complete his two-year contract with the organi- zation. ✦ NOTRE DAME IN THE SUPER BOWL • Super Bowl XLIX marked the 16th consecutive year that at least one Notre Dame alumnus was on a Super Bowl team. Only Nebraska (22) has a longer active streak. • Only 15 of the 49 Super Bowl winners did not have a former Irish player on the roster. Only five Super Bowls did not feature a team with at least one former Notre Dame athlete. • Of the 41 players to play for the Irish and win a Super Bowl, 30 played in the game — which ranks third in the country. • An ex-Irish player has participated in the Super Bowl 75 times, good for sixth among NCAA programs. • One player from Notre Dame earned Super Bowl MVP honors, and he did it three times: Joe Montana in Super Bowls XVI, XIX and XXIV. • Former Irish receiver Golden Tate (2007-09) appeared on the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks last year, but he signed with the Detroit Lions during the offseason. This year's Seattle roster featured zero former Irish players.