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“The four never expected to be reunited later in life, but 20 years later, here they are going for another Super Bowl title,” writes WEEI sports radio network’s Ryan Hannable.
They were teammates back in 1998 at John Carroll University and are coaches for the New England Patriots today: director of player personnel Nick Caserio (’99), offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels (’99), assistant quarterbacks coach Jerry Schuplinski (’99) and director of pro scouting Dave Ziegler (’00).
Their bond was formed as members of the 1998 Blue Streaks, when, “Trailing 27-26 in the final minutes, kicker Dave Vitatoe (now executive director of alumni relations) had a chance to win it with a field goal, but he missed, snuffing out John Carroll’s postseason hopes in the process,” writes Hannable. “I will never forget it,” Vitatoe said “He walked up to me and put his arm around me and said, ‘Come here.’ He pulled me aside and we just talked for a long time. I don’t know if we even talked about football or the game. We just talked and hung out. I will never forget that.”
It was clear these four shined when it came to how seriously they took the game.
“They thought at a higher level when it came to football and they took it just a bit more seriously than the rest of us,” Priestap said. “I remember thinking how these guys truly are exceptional. It was almost like being in an academic course with someone who has a thought process above yours.”
So, how did all of them end up in New England?
Let’s start with McDaniels.
The year after graduating from John Carroll, his dad helped him get a graduate assistant position at Michigan State under Nick Saban. Also a GA that year was Brian Daboll, who became a defensive assistant with the Patriots.
30 for 30: The Two Bills
Last night I watched the premiere of 30 for 30: The Two Bills on ESPN. If you ever want to see the real Bill Belichick, this if for you. The man is a football genius, and his love for the game and respect for Bill Parcells is moving.
Tom vs. Time
I also highly recommend watching Tom Brady’s Tom vs. Time. Even if you feel you know everything there is to know about Tom Brady there are moments any sports fan will never forget.
Originally posted on Yoursurvivalguy.com.
