Shockey's maturity pays off for Saints

MIAMI — Jeremy Shockey's own team wouldn't claim him the last time he took the Super Bowl stage. Now, everybody wants a piece of No. 88.

He was an outcast, now he's a hero.

The oft-maligned New Orleans tight end hauled in a 2-yard game-winning touchdown with 5:42 remaining as his Saints defeated the Indianapolis Colts 31-17 in Super Bowl XLIV.

The victory erased memories from two years ago, when he was shunned by the New York Giants. While the Giants stunned the previously undefeated New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII, Shockey was confined to a suite.

Shockey wasn't allowed to dress out that day, but did receive a championship ring.

This ring, like all the others he's won at various levels of the game — will go to his mother.

"She's the holder of the rings,' he said.

This one won't be tainted.

"It's a great feeling right now," Shockey said. "I don't care about the catch, I just care about the team. Ever since you start playing football, you're dreaming about playing in this game. I dreamed and prayed all day and night about being in this situation."

The moment was even sweeter because the University of Miami product calls this city his "adopted home."

The 29-year-old frequents South Beach and lives the lifestyle of many single, wealthy athletes. He likes to have a good time. He even admits he'd stay in college if NCAA rules would allow.

The party-boy image is enhanced, or perhaps darkened, by his gaudy tattoos and a tough-as-nails attitude.

Deep down, however, Shockey says most people have it all wrong.

"I work hard on my career and my profession as you guys do. I take a lot of pride in it. I don't do this for the money" he said. "I have metal in my leg and broken bones and I've got ligaments that are torn — I have a love of the game. The passion is still there."

Shockey became emotional at times during his postgame news conference and wanted to clear up some misconceptions regarding his not-so-friendly parting with the Giants.

"A lot of people made it out to be me being jealous of New York winning without me," Shockey said. "It was the complete opposite. It wasn't about that. I just talked to (former Giants defensive coordinator) Steve Spagnuolo this week. "He gave me good words of advice."

In a way, Shockey doesn't want to grow up; well who can blame him. He leads a good life. However, his time with the Saints has done that for him.

He had just three catches for 13 yards Sunday. But it's not about the numbers.

"He's brought an attitude we needed," running back Reggie Bush said. "We've been called a finesse offense for a while. He's been nothing but special since Day 1.

"I told him before the Super Bowl: 'God had a bigger plan for you (than what happened in New York). You don't even know what you're a part of right now.' It's special. He has to appreciate it."

Shockey says he's probably run the route that led to Sunday's game-winner 1,000 times in his career and only scored a couple of times.
Football can be humbling. It can also be rewarding.

"I have great memories from high school, junior high, college and my time with the Giants," he said. "This feeling is as special as it gets."
His message wasn't complete. The man with a bevy of rings is already looking for another; one that goes on his left hand.

"I'm single," he said, showing off a bare ring finger on his left hand, "Wink, wink."

Shockey talking about marriage? Of course, the New Orleans Saints did win the Super Bowl. Anything is possible.

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(shreveporttimes.com)