Former Patriot Heath Evans blogs about Super Bowl XLIV

I find myself in a bittersweet time of my life. Super Bowl 44 (which has always been my number).  My second Super Bowl in three years. But I am not preparing to face the Giants to cap off our undefeated season with the Patriots; instead, I am on the sidelines of the Saints facility with a reconstructed ACL.

Like I said — bittersweet. Here, I have the opportunity for the ring that every NFL player wants, but I am not on the field to earn it. I’ve never thought of myself as emotional or selfish, but now I find myself having self-centered and crazy thoughts. Most players, when they go on Injured Reserve (which means they are done for the rest of the season, no matter what), are basically free from all team responsibilities and they go home to rehab and prepare for the next year. The Saints asked me to stay in town and to be a part of all the meetings, game plans, and all the rest — everything but practice and games on the field.  Maybe being "out of sight and out of mind" would be a blessing.

Instead of doing too much self-pity, I’ve tried to focus on two things: putting on my coaching hat at the facility — imparting whatever wisdom I’ve gotten from my nine years in the league to what is a very young running back room. Then outside of the facility, I am focusing on the Heath Evans Foundation (www.HeathEvans.Org). We have a great opportunity to raise money and awareness for the problem of childhood sexual abuse through our raffling of four Super Bowl tickets, $5,000 cash, and three nights at the Saints team hotel! Visit the site to get your chance to win — and keep an eye on this blog for all my thoughts and emotions as we prepare to make history for the Saints franchise and the great "Who Dat" Nation!

I can't help but personally wish Heath Evans the best of success with his recovery, with his team in the Super Bowl and with the charity work that is so important in his life.