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New England Patriots’ LeGarrette Blount An Improbable Super Bowl XLIX X-Factor

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Robert Deutsch - USA TODAY Sports

Robert Deutsch – USA TODAY Sports

Some of my favorite aspects of the Super Bowl year in and year out are the lesser-known stories of players who typically don’t create headlines. Every year, hidden amongst the big game’s most hyped stories — this year being Deflategate, the matchup between quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Tom Brady, and cornerback Richard Sherman telling everyone how good he is — are stories of players who, despite certain obstacles, circumstances, and odds, find themselves mere days away from football’s pinnacle with the world watching. New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount provides such a story as a player who has overcome a troubled past and some turbulent circumstances to reach the biggest game of his life.

Blount’s arrival in the NFL brought with it some controversy and baggage. After being suspended at Oregon for punching an opposing player, Blount was immediately labelled as a player with some character issues. Despite such issues, Blount was still able to gain attention as a potential prospect to various teams. Since signing as an undrafted free agent in 2010, Blount’s pro career has been most notably associated with the various teams and scuffles he has been part of — that is, until now.

After bouncing from team to team over the course of his career and being discarded many times due to temper-related outbursts, Blount has finally found a home and some positive recognition. Just earlier this season, Blount was cut by the Pittsburgh Steelers for a mix of both performance and character issues, but now he finds himself as an x-factor headed into the Super Bowl after having one of the best games of his career in the AFC Championship Game.

While his path has been unorthodox and his journey remarkable, it’s not surprising that he has found a home in New England. Such signings have become a trademark for the Patriots, as they’ve taken seemingly troubled or washed-up players and made them fit into their system as contributors.

Is Blount’s story especially uplifting or inspiring? Perhaps not given that many of his hardships were self-inflicted. What is most notable about his story, however, is what can happen to a player when he’s surrounded by people who believe in him and give him an opportunity. Blount will undoubtedly be a huge x-factor headed into the big game against the Seattle Seahawks, and whether he gets a lot of carries or not, the Seahawks’ defense will have to consider him a threat and make adjustments accordingly.

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