INDIANAPOLIS —
Indianapolis — One of the key members of the New York Giants‚ defensive unit is enjoying every minute of his Super Bowl experience.
Seven-year veteran Michael Boley made the playoffs for just the second time this year and will start at linebacker Sunday for the NFC champions.
“This means a lot because it is my first one,” Boley said. “For a lot of guys, you never know, it could be your only one. This is the one game that a lot of guys live their whole life for.”
Boley played four seasons in Atlanta before signing with the Giants as a free agent following the 2008 season. He has 593 tackles (468 solo), nine sacks and five interceptions in his career.
This season, he played 14 games (starting 13) and had 93 tackles, a sack and three fumble recoveries.
Boley’s main task Sunday night will be helping to stop the dynamic New England tight end duo of Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez.
“Their tight ends, they pose a lot of threats,” Boley said. “Not just because they’re two tremendous athletes, but because they both do a lot of different things as far as alignment. They split those guys out as No. 1 receivers, and they put them in slots like they’re receivers. They try to cause mismatch problems, but I think the thing that helps us the most is we have a great linebacker core.”
The road to Super Bowl limelight was a long one for Boley.
He played running back, safety, wide receiver, punter, place kicker and kick returner at Elkmont High School. In his senior season, he was named all-state while compiling 1,015 yards rushing and 746 yards receiving.
Even back in Elkmont, Boley knew he could make it to the NFL.
“I’ve always thought I’ve had what it takes, even in high school,” Boley said. “It’s kind of one of those things where you have a dream and you keep pushing for it regardless of what anybody says.”
Despite his high school success, Boley was considered undersized and was ignored by larger college programs. He played at Southern Mississippi University, becoming a three-time All Conference USA linebacker.
He won the Conerly Award, given to the best college player in Mississippi and was a finalist for the Butkus Award (nation’s top linebacker), Bednarik Award (nation’s top defensive player) and the Lott Impact Trophy.
He was drafted in the fifth round by Atlanta.
“It has been a long and fun journey,” Boley said. “Going to high school in Alabama, to taking the trip over to Mississippi for college, it was a great experience.”
Every summer, Boley returns to Elkmont to conduct a football camp.
“It’s something I do to try and give back to my community,” he said. “I am one of the few guys to come out of my area to be successful like this, so I try to do what I can to give back.”
He also had a simple message for young kids in Elkmont.
“If you have a dream, shoot for it,” he said. “Don’t let anything tear you away from it.”
Sports
Related Photos
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Michael Boley signs autographs after his football camp held at Elkmont in June. Boley will start at linebacker for the Giants Sunday in the Super Bowl.
Discussion
Elkmont's Boley ready for Super stage
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