I loved playing the game of soccer, but the NFL offered stability and a better opportunity to make more money. Was it a difficult decision to pursue pro football rather than pro soccer?īAHR: The decision from pro soccer to football was easy. My enthusiasm diminished with this real world reality.ĭBN: You were selected in the sixth-round of the 1979 NFL draft by the Steelers. What was that experience like, and how did you find out you had been traded to the Pennsylvania club?īAHR: Pro soccer sadly was a job and the NASL was mostly worldwide pros extending their careers at that time. It would be disgraceful and dishonorable.ĭBN: Right after college, you signed with the Colorado Caribous of the North American Soccer League. Ball winner, occasionally scored goals, kept it simple and could contribute to any team. I was what was generally referred to as a journeyman player. He was quick and reliable and was drafted by the Yankees. My other brother Casey was the best defender. Hero trading card set #9ĭBN: Growing up in a soccer family, which of you three brothers had better foot skills and which was the better defender and which acted like he got fouled on every possession?īAHR: Chris was the play maker and goal scorer. Did you choose this school because it was in-state or were you considering other offers?īAHR: I had an appointment with the United States Naval Academy, but prior to the next season their soccer coach retired, so I accepted the Penn State offer. Most colleges I had looking at me were recruiting me to play soccer and also kick for their football team.ĭBN: You were an All-American playing college football at Penn State and set four major college records while earning an engineering degree. How did you get the job as kicker and how did you arrange that practice schedule?īAHR: My brother Chris established the system. He won a Super Bowl with the Steelers in 1979 and later with the Giants in Super Bowl XXV.ĭawgs By Nature caught up with Matt at his home in Pittsburgh where he lives with his wife Maresa of 36 years of marriage to see about his experiences with the Browns, what he does for a living now, and why the game of soccer has held such a dominant place in his life.ĭBN: At Neshaminy High School growing up, you were the kicker on the football team but you only practiced on Tuesday nights and played in actual games on Friday nights. Matt played for the Pittsburgh Steelers (1979-1980), San Francisco 49ers (1981), Cleveland Browns (1981-1989), New York Football Giants (1990-1992), Philadelphia Eagles (1993) and the New England Patriots (1993-1995).
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