University of Memphis Athletics
Gostkowski to Represent Memphis in Super Bowl XLVI
Jan 27, 2012 | Football
Jan. 27, 2012
By Adam K. Moussa
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| Gostkowski connected on three field goals, added two extra points and booted five touchbacks to lift the Patriots over the Baltimore Ravens, 23-20, in this season's AFC Championship game. | |
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Former University of Memphis placekicker Stephen Gostkowski will represent the Tigers in Super Bowl XLVI on Feb. 5, 2012, when his New England Patriots (13-3) do battle with the New York Giants (9-7) for rights to the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
"This has been a unique season, for me and for everybody in the NFL. Just not knowing if there was going to be a season and, for me, I was coming off of surgery and a serious injury," said Gostkowski via telephone. "Me personally, I didn't know how I was going to perform physically. So, it has been real rewarding throughout the entire season. I spent the offseason in Memphis, and with the help of Monica (Baker), who works with the Tiger football team, I was fortunate to get back."
"Our team started off a little slower than we usually do, but we peaked at the right time to make a good run in the playoffs. Coach Belichick always talks about playing our best football after Thanksgiving, and we have now run off about nine or ten wins in a row, so we feel as though we have been able to do just that."
The game, which is to be contested at Indianapolis' Lucas Oil Stadium, will be the second Super Bowl appearance for Gostkowski, a six-year NFL veteran and four-year Memphis letterwinner in both football and baseball (2002-05).
"Throughout my NFL career, we have played in Indianapolis a lot. The Colts are a common opponent, so we have definitely spent some time in Lucas Oil Stadium, but it really doesn't matter where you play, you just have to go out there and perform," stated Gostkowski. "You know, it is nice to be somewhere semi-familiar, but for me, the game could be in London for all I care. I am just excited to be playing in it."
Picked by the Patriots as the 118th selection in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft, Gostkowski has gone on to be recognized as one of the most accurate kickers in New England Patriots' and NFL history.
Only the second NFL player in the league's history to score more than 500 points in his first four seasons, Gostkowski has played an integral role in lifting the Patriots to the Super Bowl this season.
Interestingly enough, this season's bout will once again pit the Patriots versus the New York Giants, the same team that New England faced in 2008's Super Bowl XLII, Gostkowski's first Super Bowl appearance. That season, "Gotti," as he is known by Tiger fans, was named to ESPN.com, Sports Illustrated and Sporting News' All-Pro teams and was selected to the first NFL Pro Bowl of his career.
"Every team is different. It is hard to say that there are a lot of similarities or differences, one way or the other. In professional football, you can have 30 friends and teammates one day, and the next day you can have 30 new ones. So, it is hard to compare this year's team to 2008," Gostkowski stated.
"I don't think that anything can compare to the experience of 2007-08, with the buildup and the hype of going undefeated. But, this time around, it is a completely different story," added Gostkowski. "We are just excited to be back, and it is kind of crazy that we are playing the same team. But, it doesn't matter who we play, just as long as we win."
This postseason, Gostkowski has been a perfect 4-for-4 on field goal attempts, including three crucial field goals from 29, 35 and 24 yards out, and two extra points in the Patriots' AFC Championship victory over the Baltimore Ravens, 23-20.
The former Memphis kicker has gone 8-for-8 on extra point attempts and booted a total of nine touchbacks throughout the postseason. Gostkowski made 28 of 33 field goal attempts and was 59 of 59 on extra point attempts throughout the regular season.
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| Gostkowski connected on 70 field goals and 159 PATs throughout his Tiger career, tallying a total of 369 career points, a Memphis and C-USA all-time scoring record." | |
While donning the Blue and Gray, Gostkowski earned first-team All-Conference USA honors in both his junior and senior seasons, was tabbed as C-USA's Special Teams Player of the Year in 2005, and set the mark for the longest field goal in school history with a 53-yard boot versus Marshall in 2005. In one of his more memorable Tiger moments, Gostkowski managed to recover his own onside kick in a 2005 contest against Houston.
"Being at Memphis was exciting. The way that DeAngelo Williams and the guys came in and helped turn the program around was amazing. It was very special for those four years that we were there. It was an exciting time," Gostkowski reiterated.
"I take a lot of pride in being a Tiger, and hopefully we can see the Tigers back in some bowl games again soon," said Gostkowski.
The four-year letterwinner connected on 70 field goals and 159 PATs throughout his Tiger career, tallying a total of 369 career points, a Memphis and C-USA all-time scoring record. Gostkowski legged Memphis to three bowl game appearances throughout his career, two of which resulted in postseason bowl victories (New Orleans Bowl-2003 and Motor City Bowl-2005).
"You could really see the increase in the number of fans that we had between my freshman and senior years. The whole town was buzzing about DeAngelo Williams, Danny Wimprine, and going to a bowl game for the first time in 32 years. It was just a blast."
"We were playing in the New Orleans Bowl and the Mobile Bowl, but we might as well have been in the Sugar Bowl, because that is just how excited Tiger Nation was to be a part of it. We might not have the most fans, but we do have some of the most loyal fans that I have ever been around."
Including Gostkowski, a total of 17 Tigers have appeared in the Super Bowl. Nine Tigers have earned Super Bowl championship rings, the latest being defensive back Mike McKenzie who was a member of the Super Bowl XLIV Champion New Orleans Saints.
Should Tiger fans need any additional motivation to root for Gostkowski's Patriots, the Madison, Miss., native was quick to point out that collegiate rivalries continue even after NCAA careers conclude.
"I am glad to have the following of Tiger Nation. I do go back to Memphis in the offseason, and I want Tiger fans to be pulling for the Pats," said Gostkowski. "You know, as Tigers, we don't like the Ole Miss Rebels too much and that's where the Giants' quarterback went to school, so I urge Tiger fans to root for the Pats, and hopefully we can get this thing done."
Kickoff for Super Bowl XLVI is slated for 5:30 CST and will be televised by NBC.
