CHICAGO — When Super Bowl XLIX kicks off Feb. 1, Chicago's Darius Fleming will be on the field.
After injuries to his left knee cost him two consecutive NFL seasons, the St. Rita High School (2008) and Notre Dame graduate will be in the world's biggest game as a special teams player with the New England Patriots, who face the defending champion Seattle Seahawks at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on NBC.
"I'm fortunate to be where I am and on this team," Fleming, an Auburn Gresham native, told DNAinfo Chicago Wednesday night. "We knew what type of team we had and the opportunity we had in front of us. Now we’re there, and it’s pretty cool how hard we fought throughout the year, and we want to finish on a real high note."
Fleming, who was drafted by the 49ers in 2012 but missed that season and 2013's campaign due to knee injuries, was signed by the Patriots before this season. He was on the practice squad until New England promoted him to the 53-man roster on Nov. 29. He's been a special teams contributor on kickoffs, punts and field goals since.
"It took a week or two to get my feet wet because it’s been awhile since I played, but I’m around a great group of guys who hold you up when you’re not at your best," said Fleming, who said he likes playing on special teams.
"When you get to this level, you can't be picky," said Fleming, officially listed as a linebacker. "I look forward to playing special teams — being around guys who have same mindset as you. A big play in the kicking game can swing the momentum of the game."
Fleming said he's received a handful of requests for tickets, and a few family members will be in attendance — with Fleming jokingly noting, "I'm not saying any names because I don’t want people to get jealous."
Fleming led the Mustangs to the 2006 Class 7A state crown as a junior before a standout career as an outside linebacker at the University of Notre Dame. Ironically, Fleming was actually a better bowler than football player, and as a St. Rita sophomore, he almost transferred to nearby Brother Rice, which had a better bowling squad.
St. Rita football coach Todd Kuska was glad Fleming stuck around. He said Fleming overcoming the multiple knee injuries is truly inspirational.
"Nothing that Darius does surprises me. He is a living example of what pride and determination can do," Kuska said Wednesday. "He did not want his injuries to define him — he put in an extreme amount of effort to overcome not one, but two torn ACLs, and is now about to see that all pay off as he takes the field in the Super Bowl. He definitely has all the support from the St. Rita community, as well as from St. Rita herself."
And when Fleming steps onto the field at kickoff, it's St. Rita and Chicago he'll be thinking about.
"I definitely appreciate all the support I get from Chicago and St. Rita and my neighborhood," Fleming said. "That’s definitely who I’m playing for when I’m out there on the field."
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