A change of scenery at times can mean all the difference.
Eight months ago, former Alabama offensive guard Evan Mathis was battling contract disputes with the Philadelphia Eagles. The 34-year-old, who was a three-time All-Pro selection via Pro Football Focus, was cut from the team on June 11, 2015 after holding out of organized team activities.
Mathis became a part of an ultimate team dream Sunday, winning Super Bowl 50 with the Denver Broncos. Denver knocked off Carolina at Levi’s Stadium by a score of 24-10.
Mathis agreed to $2.5 million contract for one year with the Broncos on Aug. 25, 2015, just two months after he was released from Philadelphia. Providing a balanced run game to pair with a solid defense is what delivered Denver to the playoffs, an AFC championship and now a Super Bowl title.
Mathis paved the way for running back C.J. Anderson to have a productive season. He chimes in with 810 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 175 carries. Anderson would not be denied in the second half, accounting for the Broncos’ lone offensive touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Mathis anchored Alabama from 2000-04 at right tackle and left guard. He was a first-team All-SEC selection in his senior season, guiding the Crimson Tide to the No. 1 rush offense in the Southeastern Conference. Mathis can now add a Vince Lombardi Trophy to his list of achievements.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
