This season, Light has grappled with the likes of Tamba Hali, Trent Cole, Dwight Freeney, Brian Orakpo, and, most recently, Elvis Dumervil to keep them from putting his star-spangled signal-caller on his rear. In this afternoon’s AFC Championship clash with the hard-beaked Ravens, he will be doing it with a fifth Super Bowl on the line.
“That left tackle position is so important to the passing game to protect the backside of the quarterback,’’ testified Tom Brady. “And there’s nobody I’d rather have back there than Matt.’’
Stability and longevity have been the hallmarks of a performer who has played 155 regular-season and 16 playoff games since 2001 (an ankle injury cost him all but three games in 2005) and who has started all but two.
“He’s been a real stalwart for us all season and, really, for a decade,’’ said Belichick. “He’s been here a long time and done a great job.’’
Light’s tenure here coincides with that of his charitable foundation, which he established when he entered the league and which he plans to continue after he retires.
“This doesn’t end when I stop playing football,’’ vowed Light, who could have several more productive seasons if he stays healthy. “This won’t be a flash in the pan.’’
Light always has taken the long view, which is why he banked a big chunk of his seven-figure signing bonus and enrolled in the NFL Business Management and Entrepreneurial program after he signed a six-year contract extension. He had seen other players make wrong decisions when presented with business opportunities, Light said during his week at Harvard five years ago, and he didn’t want to do the same.
“I have a fairly good sense of what it takes to make it in the world,’’ he said.
