So like I mentioned, it has been nearly two years to the date that I last blogged about my "road to the NFL." I last left off in Seattle in 2010, as a member of the Seattle Seahawks. We had just wrapped up the off season training program, OTAs and mini camps. The next step was training camp and preparing for my first NFL season.
My dream and goal of making the Seattle Seahawks and playing in the NFL came to a quick stop as I was released from the team early on in training camp. Now, for those not familiar with my story, this would be the third time cut by the Seahawks. It was a whirlwind and mentally exhausting to go through this process again and falling short. Many people quite don't understand the nature of pro sports, especially the NFL, where there are no guarantees and very little opportunity compared to the other major professional sports. Living out of a suitcase, putting my life on hold, and living in complete uncertainty, I was now faced with a decision to make. Which path would I take? and how can I bounce back from this?
In my mind, I was not giving up my hope and dream of playing in the NFL but its not like the NFL comes calling ever so often. Fortunately the UFL (United Football League) was embarking on its second season and it was a likely opportunity for myself if another NFL team didn't call. I played in the UFL the year before, so I felt like there was a good chance the land a spot in the league again.
After a month of waiting, preparing and praying, the call came from the UFL. This time from the new expansion team, the Omaha Nighthawks. My first year in the UFL was with the Florida Tuskers and as the UFL expanded, Omaha was the selected city as its newest franchise. I was excited to go to Omaha and join former teammates from Florida and to play in a new city!
Arriving in Omaha:
When I thought of Nebraska I immediately thought of the general stereotypes: corn fields, the big red, and being in the middle of nowhere. I only knew of Omaha because of the College World Series. I never would have thought Id visit Omaha in my lifetime. With all of the emotions and thoughts running through my mind, I was still blessed for this opportunity and excited about going somewhere new and playing the game I love.
There was so much excitement and buzz in Omaha with the arrival of the UFL and the Nighthawks. In a starving market for pro football, Omaha was the perfect fit for the UFL. With the announcement of players like Jeff Garcia and former Husker, Ahman Green, the city went crazy! Weeks leading up the first home game, tickets were already sold out and it felt great to be back in the UFL where I started my career.
Our team roster was loaded with talent and NFL all-stars. The city fully embraced us and treated like rock stars. It was far from the NFL but the closest to it compared to other pro leagues. I knew that this was the place for me to be and the perfect opportunity to keep my name relevant with NFL teams. At the end of the day, you have to stay relevant when trying to make it in the NFL. There are so many players trying to make and a very limited opportunity. I knew that the UFL would once again serve as the platform I needed.
After two weeks of competing for the long snapping spot, I was awarded the job. Although I was confident I would win the job, you always have some doubts. We were now gearing for the season and home opener in Omaha and the city was full of energy! With a sold out stadium and Nelly performing at halftime, we all knew we had to come out a put on a show. Like I mentioned, on paper, our team was the clear cut favorite in the league but that didn't mean anything! Everyone is a pro and every team will be competitive. We completed our final walk through at the historic Rosenblatt stadium, home of the NCAA baseball world series, and the time was here. The night before a game is always a special time. Butterflies, nerves, emotions, always flow, as you envision yourself playing a great game.
We opened the season against the Hartford Colonials, lead by quarterback Josh McCown, an NFL veteran. We were lead by pro-bowler, Jeff Garcia, and the Green Bay Packers all time leading rusher, Ahman Green. The drive into the stadium is a memory I will never forget. The parking lots and surrounding streets were packed with tailgaters, all decked out in Nighthawk gear. Now, keep in mind, the Nighthawks were only in existence for about 3-4 months but the city and fans made it seem like we had been around for 10 years.
Rosenblatt was filled to the brim, fans already chanting for their favorite players, and the energy was high. It was game time! It will be hard for me to explain the experience so I have linked a couple videos for my readers to see for themselves! Check them out!
1) Jeff Garcia and Ahman Green been announced!
3) Jeff Garcia to Robert Ferguson on 4th and 3 to tie the game in the fourth quarter!
As the game came down to the wire, and we fought back from a deficit, we managed to get the huge win!!! This touchdown tied the game with about 30 seconds left and the PAT would give us the lead! This was my first "game winning" snap opportunity and we nailed it! Perfect snap, perfect hold, perfect kick!
Our first game of the 2010 season was one to remember! With a comeback win, in front of a sell out crowd, we set the tone early and we felt we were on our way to a great season! Our second game was another home game, this time hosting the Sacramento Mountain Lions who had pro-bowl quarterback, Daunte Culpepper, and former NFL head coach, Dennis Green. The game was coined "Rumble at the Rosenblatt." Two former pro-bowl quarterbacks going head to head! Like the previous week, we would make another comeback win! Here are the highlights!
"Battle at the Rosenblatt!"
More highlight clips!
In week three, we would visit the defending UFL champions, the Las Vegas Locomotives. Lead by former NFL head coach and super bowl champ, Jim Fassel. The year before when I played for the Florida Tuskers, we battled in the first UFL championship game and lost on an overtime field goal. I was excited to get some redemption. We ended up losing a tough fought game and we knew we beat ourselves that night.
In week four, we traveled to Hartford for our second matchup with the Colonials. It was a sloppy game but we came back to win in the fourth quarter. We were now sitting in the lead with a 3-1 record going into the bye week. With it being such a short season with only 5 teams, statistically we would need to win 2 of 4 games to make it into the UFL championship game. We would eventually go 3-5, losing 4 games in a row. This was a tough time for the team and we just couldnt put anything together. It was hard to watch Garcia struggle. He was such a strong individual and wanted to win more than anything. He was our leader and when we knew our leader was hurting, it really drained the team. Although we didnt achieve what we set out to achieve, it was still an amazing season and I will never forget the memories and experiences. The Las Vegas Locomotives would win their second UFL championship that year, defeating the Florida Tuskers once again.
Personally, the season was great for me and my career. With another year under my belt and gaining more experience and exposure, I knew my career was going in the right direction. I gained some league recognition that season by the UFL. I was named to the UFL's top-10 players list for those players in their 2nd UFL season. As a long snapper, that was quite an honor. We (as specialists) rarely receive recognition or awards for our play on the field. It felt good and it motivated me to continue to work hard! It was also a confidence builder!
My highlight clips from 2010:
After that season, I was receiving some interest from NFL teams. The Baltimore Ravens called when their long snapper suffered a season ending injury. The NFL playoffs were looming during this time. I knew the Ravens would most likely pick up a veteran long snapper who was currently a free agent. In a league that is all about "experience" it was no surprise when they went that route. I was excited for the opportunity, but when it didnt work out, I was still excited. Having my name back on the radar with NFL teams was a big deal and I felt good about going into the 2011 season. I had a good feeling I would be with an NFL team, competing for a spot in 2011.
Thank you for reading!
GODBless,
Matt Overton #45
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