2/2/2010 11:57:29 AM
MOREHEAD, Ky. – When Charles Byrd dreamed of making it to the Superbowl, he always thought it would be as a player, but for the former Morehead State football player Byrd will definitely settle for being a coach. Byrd, the strength and conditioning assistant for the New Orleans Saints, will be in Miami when the Saints face the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday Feb. 7 in Super Bowl XLIV.
Byrd, who started working for the Saints in August of 2008, has had quite the journey on getting to this position. After his graduation from MSU, Byrd continued his football career spending time with the National Football League's Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers and Washington Redskins organizations from May to September of 2005. He then joined on with the Las Vegas Gladiators of the Arena Football League from January to March of 2006. Byrd then got into coaching and was hired as a staff assistant for strength and conditioning at Miami (OH) University. He was then hired as a graduate assistant defensive coach for the RedHawks.
Byrd was on cloud nine when asked about his thoughts on going to the Superbowl.
“My emotions are going crazy, I just can’t help it, but at the same time I am trying to get back down to earth so we can get on to the next game.”
For the New Orleans Saints this will be the first trip to the Super Bowl in franchise history, and the city is absolutely ecstatic.
“This trip to the Superbowl means so much to this city, when we win you can just see the spirit that the city has. We are trying to help rebuild it.” says Byrd. “When we get back from away games, we will have thousands of fans waiting to greet us at the airport; it is a pretty special feeling”
For Byrd, coming to Morehead State meant something special.
“It felt great coming to MSU right after high school, I just knew that all of the hard work I had put in would finally start to pay off.”
Byrd says there were many reasons he selected MSU, but focused on a few.
“Morehead State was only about three hours away, and when I got here it was all of the good people, the coaching staff was great, and I also was given the opportunity to play right away as a freshman.”
Byrd earned his bachelor's degree from MSU in 2005, and was a standout defensive back and punt returner for the Eagles. He was a three-time Football Gazette All-American (2002, 2003, 2004) and twice earned All-America recognition from the Sporting News (2003, 2004). Byrd also was a three-time first-team All-Pioneer League selection. In 2003 Byrd was the FCS National Statistical Champion in passes defended.
When asked how he felt about his time at MSU:
“It’s just been a blessing; it took so much hard work and sacrifice.”
Morehead State head football coach Matt Ballard remembers Byrd as an outstanding player and young man.
“Charlie will always be remembered as one of the most outstanding players to play here. His All-American awards and other accolades speak for themselves, but that pales in comparison to the type of young man he was when he was here. His smile was infectious; he was a great leader and a great teammate,” said Ballard. “I had no doubt he’d have success and I am thrilled he’s been successful with the New Orleans Saints. Nobody deserves that more than Charlie Byrd.”
Byrd has one last thing to say about his time with the Saints this season.
“This season has been a journey, a long journey, the guys come in April and basically it is just non-stop from there on out. It is a steady grind, and we have to work hard everyday. It has been a great experience; I have been through a lot. We have three mottoes here and they are: smell greatness, be special, and finish strong. It has been an experience of a lifetime, a dream come true.”
Superbowl XLIV between the New Orleans Saints and the Indianapolis Colts will kick-off this Sunday Feb. 7 at 6:25 pm ET from Sun Life Stadium in Miami, Fla.