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Bailey's Super Bowl road went through Saline |
BY DAVID GORICKI
THE DETROIT NEWS
January 31, 2009
 Patrick Bailey spent countless summer days running sprints on Brookside Golf Course in Saline, preparing for a shot to make an NFL team.
Bailey, who is from Elmendorf, Texas, worked out in Saline because it's where his agent -- also his trainer -- is based. Bailey's work paid off -- the rookie from Duke signed a free-agent contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers and has made a remarkable journey that will end with him on the field in Super Bowl XLIII on Sunday night in Tampa, Fla.
A 6-foot-4, 235-pound backup linebacker who plays on special teams, Bailey will be on the field for the kickoff. Why has the journey been so remarkable? Bailey was released before the start of the season. He was signed to the practice squad, getting promoted to the 53-man roster more than once.
Bailey has been on the 53-man roster since Oct. 25, performing at such a high level he was named the Steelers' Rookie of the Year.
"It's just amazing," Bailey said in a phone interview from Tampa. "This is where you want to be, playing in the Super Bowl. I know how fortunate I am to be here. It's definitely going to be an experience to remember once I'm on the field for that kickoff."
Of the rookie-of-the-year honor, Bailey said: "I'm honored to receive that award, especially since it's named after (Mean) Joe Greene, who was such a great player for the Steelers.
"It's been a great journey. I was placed on the practice squad after training camp, got hurt (hamstring), then recovered from it. I was down two games, brought up for two, then back down two before being called up for good. I've made my niche over the last 10 games."
Bailey, who has 16 tackles in 12 games, quickly dispensed his 15-ticket Super Bowl allotment among his parents and other family members. He also purchased a video camera to record his magical trip, including Media Day on Tuesday.
"It was incredible," Bailey said of Media Day. "All of a sudden security lets them in, and it's like a waterfall of reporters. It was like a dam kind of broke. All of them made their way to the field."
Dr. D.S. Ping, Bailey's agent and trainer, also will be there.
"I'm so proud of him," Ping said Thursday in Saline. "I've been to every Super Bowl since 1986, but it's always more special when you have a player in it."
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