Patriots’ linebacker and Fenwick High School alum Robert Spillane, Class of 2014, overcame an ankle injury to play in Super Bowl LX. He posted 2.5 tackles.
Spillane suffered an ankle injury during the New England Patriots’ 10-7 victory over Denver in the American Football Conference title game.
Spillane had said he was optimistic he’d make the Super Bowl. And Spillane’s name was mentioned frequently on the game’s national TV broadcast though it was a long, frustrating day for the Patriots as they lost to the Seattle Seahawks.
His Fenwick coach, Gene Nudo, said last week, “He’s added so much to New England’s defense and everywhere he’s been, he’s added to the quality of the team with his leadership and hard-nosed attitude about playing ball.”
Nudo appreciated Spillane’s football smarts, toughness and willingness to help the team.
Nazareth Academy alum Julian Love, Class of 2016, won back-to-back IHSA state football championships with the Roadrunners his junior and senior seasons. Almost 10 years after he graduated, Love once again experienced a championship feeling as he helped the Seahawks win Super Bowl LX over the Patriots 29-13 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, Feb. 8.
Love, a free safety, had one of the game’s biggest plays. His 38-yard interception return of a Drake Maye pass in the fourth quarter all but ended any hopes of a late New England rally. In addition to his interception, Love had 2.5 tackles for the Seahawks.