When you think of the New England Patriots, you'll surely think of guys like Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski, people who generally have the cameras on them and who draw the most crowds during interviews.
You probably won't think of offensive lineman Joe Thuney, even though he helps play a pivotal role in protecting Brady and getting Sony Michel and the Patriots' ground game going.
However, Thuney is about to make history. Next Sunday when he lines up against the Los Angeles Rams, he will become the first player in NFL history to start in the Super Bowl in each of the first three years of his career.
Pretty impressive for a player that most casual football fans know nothing of.
“It wasn’t just me,” said Thuney, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN.com. “A lot of people helped me in the past three years, and then before that, with the draft and everything. It’s a big team effort. I have a really good support system. A really good family. It’s been a great organization to be a part of, with great coaches and teammates.”
The 26-year-old, who played his collegiate football at North Carolina State, was originally selected by New England in the third round (78th pick overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft.
He has not missed a game since entering the league.
“It’s pretty crazy,” he said. “You don’t really think about that stuff, and then you look back on it, and it’s kind of there. I just want to prepare the best I can, and perform the best I can, and that’s kind of the major thing I’m focused on.”
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