FOXBORO, Mass. — LeGarrette Blount is grateful he got a second chance with the New England Patriots. After Sunday night, it’s safe to say the feeling is mutual.
Blount was a one-man wrecking crew in a playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts for the second consecutive season, racking up 148 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 30 carries in his team’s 45-7 win over the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium.
Thanks in large part to Blount’s efforts, the Patriots are heading to Super Bowl XLIX, and the 28-year-old is heading to the big game for the first time in his career.
“I haven’t had a feeling like this since I’ve been in the league,” Blount said after the game. “It’s unreal. We’re going to enjoy it while we can, but we’ve got one more to get.”
About two months ago, it would’ve been hard to fathom Blount speaking those words. During a Nov. 17 game against the Tennessee Titans while he was a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Blount walked off the field before the end of the game, upset with his lack of playing time behind starter Le’Veon Bell. One day later, the Steelers released him.
The Patriots knew what Blount was capable of after his solid 2013 campaign in New England — capped by a 166-yard, four-TD performance against the Colts in the AFC divisional round — so they decided to give him a second chance. As the confetti flew after a dominating AFC championship win, it became clear the decision worked out well for both parties.
“I’m grateful to be in this situation, period,” Blount said. “It’s the best. The best place I’ve been. I love being here, I love the team, I love the guys, the coaches, (owner Robert) Kraft, everybody. They welcomed me with open arms, and it’s been an amazing ride.”
The Seattle Seahawks still stand between the Patriots and a Super Bowl victory, but after the Steelers were bounced in the AFC wild-card round by the Baltimore Ravens, it seems apparent Blount landed in the right spot.
Thumbnail photo via Robert Deustch/USA TODAY Sports Images
