Three minutes and forty-six seconds remained on the clock in Super Bowl XLVI. The New York Giants trailed the New England Patriots, 15-17. Eli Manning, the Giants’ quarterback , snapped the ball and (after a few key seconds) delivered one of the most
memorable passes in Super Bowl history to wide receiver Mario Manningham. The Giants went on to finish the drive with a touchdown, which was ultimately all they needed to defeat the Patriots, 21-17.
Everyone remembers the amazing pass by Manning and the even better catch by Manningham in Super Bowl XLVI, but many overlook the contribution of Kevin Boothe during the play, who bought enough time for Eli Manning to make the highly accurate pass necessary to lead the game winning drive. In fact, the importance of the offensive lineman, the quarterback’s best friend, is often not appreciated by many NFL fans.
Before becoming an NFL guard (offensive lineman), Kevin Boothe graduated from Pine Crest in 2001 and later went on to play at Cornell University for four years, graduating in 2005. In 2006, Boothe was drafted by the Oakland Raiders as a starting right guard, but after one short season the team waived Boothe. The New York Giants quickly snagged him, and Boothe has remained in New York ever since. It seems like fate that Boothe became a member of the Big Blue (Giants) in the NFL after playing for the Big Red (Cornell) in college.
Always revered for his hard work ethic and commitment to improving, Boothe has finally transitioned into the dependable starter that the Giants needed in their offensive line, starting all 16 regular season games in 2012. In his career, Boothe has won two Super Bowl titles (XLII and XLVI) with New York . He was especially a key contributor in their most recent Super Bowl win (XLVI), after injuries gave Boothe the opportunity to emerge as a vital pass protector earlier that season.
After over a decade since his Pine Crest days, I had the opportunity to get to connect with NFL lineman and Pine Crest Alumni, Kevin Boothe.
T1: How has attending Pine Crest helped shape your NFL career?
Boothe: I believe that Pine Crest taught me how to manage my time effectively as well as to strive for excellence. When you’re surrounded by such talented people, it makes you elevate your game.
T1: What has been your favorite moment/highlight/experience as an NFL player? Why?
Boothe: I’ve been fortunate to be on two Super Bowl winning teams, but I would say the win in Super Bowl XLVI was my favorite. I didn’t play much in [my first one] , but I started in [my second game], and it felt even better to be out there for the entire game to help my team win the big one.
T1: As you transitioned from high school to college and then from college to the NFL, what challenges have you had to face in order to progress and excel at each level?
Boothe: Everyone was that much better at each level. However, I always feel as though I certainly belong on the same field [as everyone else]. I approach every situation believing that I am just as good as everyone [else that] I am playing.
T1: Can you briefly explain the experience that you had playing in and winning two Super Bowls?
Boothe: When we won the first Super Bowl, I did not know what to do. It all seemed like a blur. It was chaos, and I felt as if I was running around like a mad man for an hour after the game. I vowed that if I ever won again, I would know how to “properly” celebrate. After the second one, it was the same. I still have no clue what I did on the field immediately after the final play.
T1: Did you or do you have a role model who has inspired you either athletically or motivationally as you progress in your NFL career?
Boothe: I grew up a huge Michael Jordan and Jerry Rice fan. Not only were these two of the best athletes of all time, but they also worked the hardest. They knew that they were gifted, but they did not rely on their God-given talents. Instead, they honed their skills and helped their teams achieve numerous championships.
T1: Now that you have already won the Super Bowl twice, what is your motivation to keep succeeding as a professional athlete?
Boothe: [Winning a Super Bowl] is honestly the best feeling in sports. It is something that you never forget. You strive to have that feeling again, so it motivates me everyday to get another. Words cannot describe the joy that I felt on the field and months after winning. I still smile thinking about it, and I want another one.
T1: Is there any advice that you have for current PC student-athletes who are pursuing their dreams, or a message to the student body in general?
Boothe: Anything is possible in life. As long as your heart is in the right place, and you are willing to work and strain to obtain a goal, there is nothing out of reach. GO PANTHERS!
I would like to thank Kevin Boothe for his time, and I would also like to congratulate him on all his successes throughout his first eight seasons thus far. Kevin is currently a free agent, and both myself and the entire Pine Crest community wish him the best of luck in the years to come, whether that be with the Giants or another team. Thanks again Kevin, and we wish you the best of luck in the future!
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