The lifespan of an NFL kicker is a short one – ‘wide right’ one time too many and you’re out. It’s why Matt Stover’s 20-year career in the league and a chance to kick on a Super Bowl team is unprecedented. He credits his family and faith in God.

“I graduated high school in ’86. Some of these guys I play with were born in ’87,” said the 42-year old Stover, who kicked for the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens before signing with the Colts this season.

Stover was brought in after kicker Adam Vinatieri, a four-time Super Bowl winner, suffered a midseason injury.

“One thing coach Caldwell and I negotiated while I was being signed was, ‘Coach, I’m going to need to get back [home to Baltimore] when I can," Stover said. "And that happened to be every single week after the game. I was able to go home on Sunday night after the game. I was home on Monday and came back late on Tuesday night.”

Waiting in Baltimore each week – his wife and high school sweetheart, Debbie, and their three children, Jenna, Jacob and Joe.

“I was able to give my family that Dad-presence and the husband-presence they needed for a quick hit, but it was enough to where we were [saying], ‘okay, we’re okay now, I can go for another four days and do it,'" Stover said. "But it was a lot. My wife and I have never been away from each other – 19 years we’ve been married.”

Stover credits the Lord for the opportunity to kick for a Super Bowl contender and for strengthening his marriage each time he had to leave.

“She’s my rock, she keeps me level, she empowers me, she allows me to do this. This would not have been possible without her.”

He added, “It was difficult but she understood that my faith – we both believe it was a calling. It wasn’t just ‘let’s go play football because you have a chance to win a Super Bowl.’ It was actually a calling for us.”

It’s a calling he hopes to use as a platform – a platform to inspire both his children and other families to call upon God in times of uncertainty, times of struggle and in times of celebration – things he faced throughout a tumultuous season. Stover had been with the Ravens since 1996, but the team did not invite him to training camp this season.

“My faith is the key to what I do and why I do it. I’m not here for Matt Stover. I’m not here to show No. 3 off. I’m here to glorify Him and I’m here to help this team win a Super Bowl.”

-- JENNA LAINE
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