New England Patriots: 5 Unlikely Heroes of Super Bowl LI

Matt Lengel

There seems to be always a practice squad type player who comes up big in the Super Bowl.  While no one is expecting New England Patriots tight end Matt Lengel to have much of a role in the passing attack, he just may have his number called.

Without Rob Gronkowski, the Falcons will focus in on Julian Edelman and primary tight end Martellus Bennett.  That may just cause Tom Brady to look at his second tight end to make some plays.  If Lengel is up for the task, he may just get a chance to make a name for himself.  He does have just two catches, one of which happened to go for a touchdown, but with his 6-foot-7 and 266-pound frame, he could be a target in the red zone.

See Christian Fauria and Mike Vrabel in previous Patriots Super Bowls.

Signed off the Cincinnati Bengals ‘practice squad late in the season, Lengel is grateful and pumped up for the opportunity to play in the big game.

"“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Lengel told WKYT.  “I can’t let the moment get too big.”"

Matt Lengel has primarily played on special teams in the team’s two playoff games.  While a big play may also come there, it would not be a shock for the Patriots to call some plays to put the former Eastern Kentucky University tight end in position to make an impactful play.