McLendon Set For Shot at Super Bowl Glory

Champion. It is the pinnacle of all professional sport. It is what athletes train, work, prepare and study for. Everything an athlete does is a facet that, when combined, becomes a pedigree of greatness.

For some, the journey is harder. But, in the end, it is all worth it so long as the soft rain of confetti comforts their spent, exhausted form when the clock reaches zero. It is a stark contrast to the effort, blood and sweat put into their trade. But no matter what form it may come in, it still serves as a congratulatory reminder of what you are: a champion.

Troy University, particularly its football program has served as a shining example of success. Having won or shared the Sun Belt conference crown for five consecutive seasons, being a champion is pretty much inherent. Not surprisingly, some of the kids who become men on the football field of Veterans Memorial Stadium have gone on to stardom or productive careers in the NFL. A select few earn the right to call themselves champion.

This Sunday, a former Trojan will get his turn to make history.

Steve McLendon, a former defensive anchor for the Trojans, is a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. His team will play the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XLV on Sunday. If the Steelers are successful in winning their unprecedented seventh Lombardi Trophy, McLendon will become the fourth Trojan to play for a Super Bowl winning team.

A pair of former Trojans, defensive end Osi Umenyiora and kicker Lawrence Tynes, were integral parts of the New York Giants' historic upset of the New England Patriots three years ago. While former Troy offensive lineman Kerry Jenkins was an integral part of Tampa Bay's Super Bowl XXXVII winning squad.

McLendon, who was a stout defensive tackle from 2006-08, knows what it's like to be a champion, having played for three conference championship teams at Troy. But, his journey has been unlike any other. McLendon made it a point to note that his time at Troy molded him into what he is now.

By his own admission, McLendon had to take time to mature. While he didn't play much in his early college career, Troy consistently hammered into him and his teammates what it means to succeed.

"It's preparation. The coaches put us in to play hard, fast and smart," McLendon said. "If we did that, we would be victorious."

McLendon also learned the concept of team according to the Troy Trojans. He takes his lesson with him onto Heinz Field in Pittsburgh and will look to take it with him when he steps into Cowboys Stadium on Sunday.

"We learned to play as one," McLendon recalled of his time as a Trojan. "We play as a team. One for all, all for one." As a result, the men that went into battle became more than just teammates.

"We're like brothers."

He credits God for his success and has remembered to stay humble throughout his journey.

"Anything's possible with God," McLendon said. "I try to stay humble…but it's amazing to have this kind of chance. Never say never."

A fitting motto to live by and one that has grown to define his pro career, McLendon embodied the mantra as he displayed an uncanny ability that is long associated with what he hopes to become once again. The ability to survive, adapt and overcome in the face of adversity.

McLendon entered the 2009 NFL draft fresh off of a solid college career, but he was not able to parlay that into having his name called by the time the draft ended. However, he was signed by the then-defending Super Bowl champion Steelers as an undrafted free agent the following day.

It is fitting, possibly even fated, that McLendon, who had spent so much time playing for a championship-caliber team in his collegiate days, would get the chance to continue his playing days with a team long noted for its consistency and winning ways.

Of course not all fairy tales, as this seems to be, are as easy to come by.

"It was hard work," McLendon said of his battle to remain on the team.

McLendon immediately was in for a fight, scratching and clawing his way to try and earn a roster spot on a team noted for its depth and talent on defense. Unfortunately on the day of the final roster cut, McLendon saw his dreams dashed.

Yet, it was only for a day as Pittsburgh clearly liked what they saw and immediately resigned him to the practice squad.

That began a cycle of dejection and elation for McLendon. He was cut from the practice squad on November 25 then resigned December 2. A reserve contract on January 7 was followed by another final roster cut on September 4. He was signed to the practice squad the next day.

"I never give up, no matter how big the task. I don't like to use the word 'never' but I never give up," McLendon stated.

Then injury struck. Depth was needed. McLendon was called into action and signed to the active roster. Once he saw playing time, he immediately made an impact against the Tennessee Titans, making one stop and recovering a fumble.

Still, McLendon did not have long to enjoy his success because he was waived again on September 20. Two days later, it was back to the practice squad.

But history repeated itself as another player was bitten by the injury bug, and McLendon was called to active roster duty. This did not last long as he was waived in order to make room for Ben Roethlisberger, who was returning from his four-game suspension.

Again, McLendon was quickly signed back to the practice squad and, on October 30, he was put on the active roster, where he has ramained.

"I'm able to say I accomplished one of my goals," McLendon said. "It's a blessing. I'm thankful for the people who helped me and were behind me."

Though McLendon was down, he was never out. McLendon's perseverance has led him back to the doorstep of a championship. The scene may still resonate within his mind as if was yesterday.

He knows the feeling; he knows the euphoria associated with it well. His journey has proven that no matter what life may throw at you, you can't keep a man bred for winning down for long.

He's won some battles, he's lost some battles. But what matters through it all, is winning the war. The war is this Sunday in North Texas. McLendon is as battle-tested as it comes and when all is said and done, he hopes that all of his trials will have paid off.

"I have one life, one play, one shot and one chance. You never know when that chance will come again," McLendon said. "I am going to do everything possible to get that Lombardi."

If the Steelers are successful, McLendon can once again refer to himself as a very familiar title that tells you everything you need to know about his character, his background and the man himself.

Champion.

Troy University Athletics

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