Sunday Drive: A Giant In New Canaan

It's six hours before the kick-off to the Super Bowl and Matt Kelley is strolling Elm Street with his daughter, Sarah. But the resident has a lot more on his mind than window shopping. Kelley is a lifelong Giants fan and he'll be rooting for them to beat the New England Patriots today. However, Kelley is more than just a fan, he signed a free-agent contract in 1991 with New York after a stellar career as a linebacker at Boston College.

"It was pretty special, that's for sure," said Kelley, who graduated from the high school in 1986. "Tim Mara came up to New Canaan and we signed the contract at the old Mulligan's restaurant. David Letterman was leaving as I was coming in, which was pretty funny. Then I signed the deal with Mara and the Giants over a steak dinner. It was a dream come true."

Kelley, 45, made it to the last cut with the New York Giants, competing with linebackers like Pepper Johnson. Many of his former coaches like Romeo Crennel, Charlie Weis, Al Groh, and Mike Pope are still coaching in the NFL and college today. One of his fondest memories came in training camp when he pulled his former New Canaan coach out of the stands.

"I brought  on the field after a practice, which I really wasn't supposed to do," said Kelley, who was an all-state tight end. "But it was great, I'll never forget it and I don't think he ever will, either."

Kelley played a year for Barcelona in the now-defunct World Football League before retiring. When he watches the Super Bowl, Kelley will see six players from Boston College compete in the game. Still ranked third in BC school history in tackles, Kelley thinks the championship game will be a good one.

"The Giants have a great pass rush," said Kelley. "If they disrupt Tom Brady, they should win the game. It will definitely be a good one, though."