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University of Minnesota Athletics
Spaeth Set for Second Super Bowl Trip
1/28/2011 12:00:00 AM | Football
For already the second time since being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2007 former Gophers' tight end Matt Spaeth will playing in the Super Bowl. Before heading down to Dallas, Spaeth sat down with GopherSports.com to talk about the big game and what it means to him.
GopherSports.com: You are headed to Dallas to play in your second Super Bowl, what did you learn from your first trip to the big game that you hope to apply this time around?
Matt Spaeth: What I've taken since then is that there are a lot of cool things to take in while you're down there, but afterward the only thing that gets remembered is winning and getting that ring. I've learned that you really have to stay focused and put at that other stuff aside. In five years, nobody is going to remember a lot of the other stuff, they're only going to remember if they won.
GopherSports.com: What kind of a thrill is it for you personally to be able to play in the biggest football game in the world, and knowing that you will be watched by over 100 million people?
Matt Spaeth: It's crazy to think that this will be my second time doing this in just four years. One time would have obviously been a blessing, but it's really just great to be able to play on the biggest stage. At times it's a little nerve-wrecking, but you have to put that out of your mind and go out there are treat it like another big game and try to play your best.
GopherSports.com: The Steelers have been a very successful team throughout your time there, what are some of the things that you learned during your time in Minnesota that has continued to carry over into your NFL career?
Matt Spaeth: Hard work and toughness were the two things that I really took with me from my career at the University of Minnesota. That fits perfectly with what this team [the Steelers] is about. We're a tough, gritty team that's going to try to come out and hit you in the mouth every time and just play physical.
GopherSports.com: Playing against Green Bay makes this a Midwestern match-up in the Super Bowl, does anything carry over for you in the Minnesota-Wisconsin rivalry in this game?
Matt Spaeth: Not really, I don't even think about it like that. I've been getting a lot of calls from friends and family back home and I think it's a bigger deal to them because they don't like the Packers. For me, they're the team that's standing in our way from winning the Super Bowl and that's all I really see it as.
GopherSports.com: Minnesota played in the Metrodome during your Gophers career, but of course now they play outside at TCF Bank Stadium, the Steelers have an outdoor facility in Heinz Field, how well do you like playing in outdoor games?
Matt Spaeth: I love it. I don't think there's any other way to do it, and I even get upset sometimes now when we practice inside here. Unless the weather is bad or the field is unplayable, I'd rather practice outside. I just see playing outdoors as they way the game is supposed to be played.
Interview by Keith Beise, Athletic Communications Assistant
