Super Bowl 2015: How Seattle's Chris Matthews Went From Working at Foot Locker to Playing in the Big Game
He was a sneaker salesman before getting his big chance
— -- Seattle Seahawks rookie wide receiver Chris Matthews never thought he'd be playing in the NFL -- let alone in the Super Bowl.
Matthews, 25, was key for Seattle in the first half against the New England Patriots this evening during Super Bowl XLIV at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
ESPN reported that Matthews wasn't on Seattle's roster as far as two months ago -- but against the Patriots he showed how essential he can be to the team. He made four catches and was a MVP candidate until the Patriots won the game.
Cut by the Cleveland Browns in 2011, Matthews all but gave up on the NFL, and ended up playing in Canada before trying to make a living by working at Foot Locker and as a security guard.
Matthews recalled in an interview in the recent issue of Sports Illustrated how the Seahawks signed him. He got a phone call last year from a Seahawks official asking him to fly out that very evening for a tryout.
"I don't get off of work until 9 p.m. I don't know if I'll make it," he told the caller, according to Sports Illustrated.
"All right," the caller said. "We'll let you know."
Minutes later, Matthews' agent called him, according to the magazine.
"What are you thinking! Get yourself home, pack up and go. Are you out of your mind?!" his agent said.
Matthews made the flight and the team's practice squad -- and the rest is history.