Written by Ben Cox – What does it feel like to be so close to your childhood dream that you can almost touch it? Matthew McCrane is preparing to find out, as he anxiously awaits the NFL draft.
McCrane, who had an impressive kicking career with Kansas State, is at home in Brownwood this week spending time with his family as they prepare to find out if he will get “the call” this weekend.
Having spoken to a number of organizations, almost two thirds of the teams that make up the NFL, McCrane says the interview process is tough. “With each team, they probably have four different interviewers; scouts, security, you name it. It’s like the most strenuous interview process in the world.”
Minnesota, Green Bay, Cincinnati, New England, San Francisco, Miami and several other teams have expressed interest in the former Lion, but his faith in God is giving him a solid footing that keeps him focused. “I grew up in the Methodist church (FUMC Brownwood) and I think that plays a part in what I know is gonna happen.”
Matthew and his parents, Lori and Steven, after signing with Kansas State
McCrane says that faith is what also carried him through his college career. “When I’d miss a field goal, or something goes wrong, to me it happens for a reason. I’m a believer in ‘everything happens for a reason.’ God has a plan for me and I’m a firm believer in that.”
His desire to be in church also led to him choosing football over his first sports love: soccer. During his time playing ODP, or club soccer, McCrane says “I was traveling every weekend, I was missing church, I wasn’t in Brownwood. I’d get in late Sunday night and go back to school on Monday and it was a nightmare…It wasn’t a path I was lead to go to.”
McCrane and his fiance, Megan Roe
McCrane is engaged to Megan Roe of Arlington and plans to be married next March. To prepare for what is ahead of them, the couple called another former Lion for words of wisdom, Jaxon Shipley. Shipley, who was on the Arizona Cardinals practice team during the 2015 season, advised them on how to prepare for life in the NFL.
“Jaxon said you’ve gotta have communication. With the travel and the potential of being cut the very next week, you’ve gotta be prepared for that. Make sure you communicate and be prepared for uncertainty.”
Matthew and his father work on a turn of the century house the elder McCrane is restoring as an investment property
Whatever happens, McCrane plans to accept the outcome of this weekend with grace as well as a little humor. “If I don’t get drafted and if my phone doesn’t ring and I don’t get a free agent deal, all the people of Brownwood need to have their phones handy because I’m gonna be calling for a job!”
He can always work with his father, as he was doing during our interview, restoring homes. Because apparently that’s what you do when you are preparing to become a pro athlete. You work for your dad for free.
