By Mark Eckel, Player Engagement Insider
Byron Maxwell calls it a bond that will last a lifetime.
When a player gets to the Super Bowl it fulfills the lifetime dream of everyone who has ever played the game. It’s something that can never be taken away from him.
“You play this game to win, at least most of us do,’’ Maxwell, a cornerback for the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowls XLVIII and XLIX said. “That’s what it comes down to, that’s the most important thing, winning. This is a team sport, more than other sports even, and to get to a Super Bowl you need guys willing to fight for each other. You go once, twice, you form a bond with guys for a lifetime.’’
In 2014, Maxwell and the Seahawks got to Super Bowl XLVIII where they beat the Denver Broncos, 43-8, in what was an eye-opening experience for the then second-year player out of Clemson.
“Coach (Pete Carroll) did a good job of letting us know what it was going to be like, how crazy it would be with all the attention, all the media,’’ Maxwell said “And he just said ‘embrace it. This could be a once in a lifetime experience, so just enjoy it and make the most of it.’ That’s what we did.
“And then it was in New York, so it made it even more crazy, but we were prepared. And I think that really helped us. We didn’t make it a distraction. We enjoyed it. It was fun. Is there one thing I remember most? I can’t say that. It was just everything, the whole thing, just getting to the Super Bowl.’’
Then there’s the game itself.
“When you walk out there (on the field) and look around you know you’re in a big game,’’ Maxwell said. “But you can’t let that get to you. Was I nervous? I’m always kind of nervous before a game, so no more than usual.’’
There were some things out of the usual. This was the Super Bowl, not a regular-season game, or even a playoff game.
“The hardest part for me was, you want to focus on the game, watch tape, do all the things you’re supposed to do to get ready for the biggest game of the year, but you have the outside influence, family members, friends, all calling you and wanting your time,’’ Maxwell said. “You have to block that out.
“When you get there — I mean it’s just so hard to get there — it’s a time to reflect. And that helps you, because you have to take advantage of being there, because you never know if you’re ever going to get there again.’’
Seattle, and Maxwell, got there again the next season. This time they lost to the New England Patriots, 26-24, in a game that went down to the final play — a Seahawks’ interception at the one-yard line.
“Going through it twice, it was easier, because you knew what to expect, you knew what it is was like,’’ Maxwell said. “We’re here again, let’s go do it. I’m not saying the game was easier, it wasn’t, or anything like that. But the experience was easier.’’
And very different.
“You talk about emotions,’’ Maxwell said. “I loved winning it the first time. But I hated the feeling of losing, especially the way we did, a lot more. And what it would have meant it we would have won back to back.’’
What it eventually meant for Maxwell, after two Super Bowl appearances, was a free agent contract from the Philadelphia Eagles worth $63 million over six years, with $25 million guaranteed.
“Sure, it helped me,’’ Maxwell said. “It showed (other teams) I’ve been through the fire. I know what it takes to win. I knew the work it takes to get there. I think that made me better as a player and more attractive as a free agent. Then, just being in the Super Bowl your confidence level goes up. You’ve been to it, everybody talks about it, but you’ve been to it.’’