After playing in the NFL for four teams in eight years, Martellus Bennett captured his first Super Bowl victory in his hometown of Houston after the New England Patriots defeated the Atlanta Falcons 34-28 in overtime at Super Bowl LI.
Bennett played for Texas A&M from 2006 to 2008, recording 105 catches for 1,246 yards and 10 touchdowns. The 105 receptions are tied for the most by a Texas A&M tight end in program history.
The 6-foot-6, 275-pound tight end finished the Super Bowl with five receptions for 62 yards, including a 25-yard reception that enabled the Patriots to cut the lead to 28-12 in the red zone after a field goal.
“You come to New England to win championships,” Bennett said after the game. “Everyone was focused on the same goal. No one cares who gets the ball. Every guy is trying to make plays for one another.”
The Patriots fought back from a 28-3 third quarter deficit, which made the comeback win the largest in Super Bowl history.
Bennett shared his thoughts on playing for Bill Belichick, one of the most decorated coaches in the NFL who is known for his serious demeanor.
“I love Bill,” Bennett said with a huge smile. “He makes me laugh all the time. I don’t know if he’s trying to. He’s an excellent guy. You can talk to him about anything. He loves his guys.”
Former A&M offensive lineman Jake Matthews, who played for the Aggies from 2010 to 2013, started for the Falcons and played a key role in the offense’s success.
The 24-year-old made a crucial block for Atlanta running back Devonta Freeman on the first touchdown of the game. Freeman ran to the left side of the field behind Matthews’ block, giving the Falcons a 7-0 lead after the 5-yard touchdown.
The offensive lineman also had a big block on Matt Ryan’s 19-yard touchdown pass to Austin Hooper.
Matthews helped the Falcons to thrive in the running game and helped quarterback Matt Ryan find time in the pocket. Atlanta averaged 5.8 yards per carry and Ryan finished 17-of-23, with 284 yards passing and two touchdowns along with an near perfect passer rating of 144.1.
Matthews did commit a mistake with 3:50 left when he was called for a hold that knocked the Falcons out of field goal range when they were up eight. A successful field goal would have given the Falcons an 11-point lead.
Brady and the Patriots scored 25 unanswered points in the second half including 16 in the final six minutes of the fourth quarter to force overtime.
The Patriots won the coin toss in overtime and James White punched in a touchdown for the win after an eight play, 75-yard drive.
Brady, 39, threw for a whopping 466 yards with two touchdowns and an interception.
With the win, Brady now has five Super Bowl wins, which is the most by a starting quarterback and has made a case for himself as the greatest player in NFL history.