My Story

My name is Matt Lengel. My football journey started in second grade with a dream of one day playing in the NFL. Through triumphs, joy, disappointment, and setbacks, I was fortunate enough to turn that dream into a reality. I was born and raised in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, where I attended Cumberland Valley High School. After graduating, I was fortunate enough to receive a scholarship to Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts. Unfortunately, after my redshirt freshman season, Northeastern discontinued its football program, forcing me to transfer to Eastern Kentucky University. At Eastern Kentucky, I played my first two seasons before tearing my ACL in the opening game against Purdue during my third season. I spent the entire year rehabbing, only to enter training camp the following season and tear the ACL again in the same knee. It was one of the most difficult periods of my career, but I left that experience with even more gratitude to be able to play the game I love. I was granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA and returned to play my final season at EKU. After that season, I signed with the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent. I spent two consecutive seasons on the Bengals' practice squad. During my second season, I was signed to the New England Patriots' active roster midway through the year. I finished that season as a member of the Patriots' Super Bowl LI championship team and earned the incredible privilege of playing in the game. I re-signed with the Patriots the following offseason and entered training camp with the team, but ultimately suffered another injury that ended my time in New England. From there, I continued my NFL journey with stints with the Cleveland Browns, Houston Texans, and eventually a return to the Cincinnati Bengals. With the Bengals, I saw more playing time and had the opportunity to contribute on Sundays. Unfortunately, I tore my ACL once again in the final game of the season. I went through another rehabilitation process before eventually signing with the Indianapolis Colts and playing for them at the end of the following season. After years of chasing the dream I had as a kid, battling through injuries, setbacks, roster changes, and the uncertainty that comes with professional football, I ultimately decided to retire before the 2020 season. Looking back, my football career wasn't exactly the path I imagined when I started playing in second grade. But every setback, every injury, every opportunity, and every difficult decision shaped me into the person and player I am today and I am incredibly thankful for every aspect. Now, I want to use everything I've learned throughout that journey to help the next generation of tight ends. My goal isn't just to teach you how to play the position. It's to help you understand what it takes to prepare, compete, overcome adversity, and maximize your potential both on and off the field. This is my story and now I'm excited to help you write yours.