Dane Fletcher, second year linebacker for the New England Patriots out of Montana State, is not a household name, but that could very easily change on Super Bowl Sunday. Pro Player Insiders caught up with him during Media Day, getting ready for Super Bowl XLVI.
Signed as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2010, something the Patriots are very good at identifying, and he has become an integral part of the New England version of the No Name defense. The 6’2”, 244 pound outside LB has quietly put together a productive season for the AFC champs with 32 tackles, and a forced fumble, as well as a fumble recovery.
As he gets ready for his first Super Bowl experience, he was shocked, but enjoying the Media Day immersion. “This is wild. I’ve never seen anything like this. All this media and reporters and fans up there, it’s crazy. I’m enjoying every second of it.”
PPI: What does [playing in the Super Bowl] mean to you?
DF: It means a lot to me, but most importantly I think it means a lot to where I’m from, and my community, and all my friends and family back home.
PPI: Can you talk about what this kind of media circus is like here? I mean, this is a whole new thing.
DF: Wild. This is wild. I’ve never seen anything like this. All this media and reporters and fans up there, it’s crazy. I’m enjoying every second of it.
PPI: Have the players that have been on this stage before, have they given you any tips on what you need to do for this week?
DF: Yeah, I kind of listen in here and there. And the main thing I’m getting out of it is you don’t know how big it is until that first kickoff. And then after that it kind of settles down, it’s a game again. I’m just trying to stay as focused as I can because when it comes down to it, I want that ring.
PPI: Any quirky pre-game rituals that you depend on before games?
DF: No. I like to listen to Boondock Saints. That’s the last song I have to listen to before I go out is a little bit of Boondock Saints, kind of gets me in the right mood. Nothing too crazy before that, nothing too mellow, and just kind of hang out.
PPI: How about meals or anything like that? Do you have a favorite meal or favorite pre-game meal?
DF: No, not really. I don’t really eat too much before that, too much food.
PPI: What are some of the things that you like to do outside of football?
DF: I love to snowmobile. I grew up playing hockey and I love getting the skates back on and playing anywhere. I don’t know. I got a new little nephew and he’s one years old now and I love just hanging out with him. My favorite thing ever, probably right now, is just sitting down watching cartoons with him because I enjoy them probably more than he does, but at least I got an excuse now.
PPI: You guys landed on Sunday. Have you got a chance to get around the city at all?
DF: Yeah, I went out a little bit last night, watched the fireworks, saw the zip line that’s up. The city’s set up great. Indianapolis did a great job setting this thing up.
Hidden beneath the big names like Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski, and Wes Welker, Dane Fletcher is there making an impact on the defensive side of the ball for the Patriots. Don’t be surprised to hear the name more than once this Sunday after a punishing tackle or a forced fumble.
