Elliott relives thrill of a championship
Jamin Elliott was a standout at Churchland High in Portsmouth and played college football for Delaware. He was chosen by the Chicago Bears in the sixth round of the 2002 NFL draft. The following season, he won a Super Bowl with the New England Patriots. He played six seasons in the NFL.
He’s excited to see former teammate Tom Brady appear in a record 10th Super Bowl.
South Hampton Roads football players have appeared in 16 of the last 21 Super Bowls — including former Ocean Lakes standout Derrick Nnadi, who will play in his second consecutive Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs tonight.
And of the 55 Super Bowls overall, South Hampton Roads players will have played in 28. Another 14 players from the Peninsula have played in the big game, beginning with former Warwick star Henry Jordan in the first and second Super Bowls with Green Bay.
This is the final Q&A session leading up to the big game from former players talking about their experiences in the Super Bowl.
When you hear South Hampton Roads athletes will have played in 16 of the past 21 Super Bowls and you were part of that, what does that mean to you?
Elliott:
“To hear that, I’m shocked, but I’m not surprised by it because the area puts out some players. It’s something that I’ll never forget in my life. I know that not too many people get a chance to be at the pinnacle of the sport like that.”
What do you remember from Super Bowl XXXVIII?
Elliott: “I remember getting into Houston on Sunday. So from Sunday to Tuesday, (Bill Belichick) took off the reins from us a little bit. He let us get out and see the city and go to a couple of parties. But from Wednesday to Super Bowl Sunday, it was lockdown. You couldn’t get out to do anything. We enjoyed the beginning of the week. But as the game got closer, we locked in our game plan as we prepared and concentrated on Sunday. That’s what I remember the most.”
What was the hype like for the Super Bowl?
Elliott: “It’s not just another
game. It’s the biggest game in the world. And everywhere you turn, there was something mentioning the Super Bowl. So, you can’t even watch TV without it being somewhere. And everywhere you turned, there was Super Bowl paraphernalia everywhere. I know from just being on the squad, the guys who came before me, understood what it was all about. That kind of made it a little bit easier because there were guys who were
already on the team that experienced the Super Bowl (in 2002). So that helped.”
Is there one play that you’ll never forget from the Super Bowl?
Elliott:
“The biggest play of all that I’ll never forget was when Adam Vinatieri trotted on the field and kicked the game-winning field goal. It was the longest kick in the history of kicks. (chuckles) You get to that point where you know it’s for everything. It felt like it lasted an hour. Just watching it in the air, it looked like it was in slow motion. When it went through, everything went fast forward. It was just crazy. When I saw that ball go through the uprights, it was just a feeling that overtook me. You just couldn’t believe it. And then you start to reflect on where you came from. I’m a kid that came from Portsmouth. And to have this opportunity and be in this moment was super surreal. Next to being born, it was the next best thing in the world.”
What does that Super Bowl ring mean to you?
Elliott:
“For me, it means everything. Once you get it on your finger, it makes you reflect and look back from where you started. I remember doing some research and I’m one of maybe 4,000 people in the world that have one. To put it into perspective like that, it’s just surreal and you can’t believe it. It’s definitely a blessing and I’m thankful for it.”
What’s it like to see Tom Brady back in the Super Bowl again, 17 years after you guys were there?
Elliott:
“It’s crazy, but knowing Brady, I’m not surprised. The guy has always had a work ethic like no other. I remember coming into the locker room to get into the weight room early in the morning, and he would be the first one in the weight room walking around with his headphones on. He was not only one of the smartest guys, but he was one of those guys who put in the work. I think he may be the only player from my era that is still playing. I think he’s the only one left. So I’m definitely not surprised. It’s good to see him play for another championship.”
Who are you rooting for in the Super Bowl?
Elliott:
“I’m kind of conflicted on who I want to win. I played with Brady and I want to see him play well. But on the other side, I have a good friend, Brett Veach, who is the Kansas City Chiefs’ general manager. He played with me at the University of Delaware. He was the receiver opposite me. So, I got Veach on one side and Brady on the other. I hope to see a great game, and may the best man win.”