Champagnie enjoying the ride that is football

BryantBulldogs.com exclusive

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Bryant University football senior Patrick Champagnie (Boston, Mass.) couldn't help but smile. He was walking into an NFL stadium, albeit the home of one his favorite team's biggest rivals.

That was the scene on Thursday morning when, along with classmate Matt Sewall (Portsmouth, R.I.) and defensive coordinator Kevin Kelly, Champagnie, a diehard New England Patriots fan, walked into MetLife Stadium for Northeast Conference Football Social Media Day.

Of course, there were other reasons to smile. For one, the arrival of media day meant that football season was right around the corner. Just 13 days to be exact. And also, he had to smile because his braces that he's had since his freshman year would come off on August 16.

But, first and foremost, this was a football trip for Champagnie. One of many that the sport has taken him on since his love for it began when he was six years old.

"My dad is a huge Dallas Cowboys fans," Champagnie said. "He played in the military so I was always watching it, so when I was old enough to play I never looked back."

Football took him from Boston Latin to Buckingham Browne and Nichols in Cambridge, Mass., where he was named All-ISL, All-New England, All-Scholastic and team MVP as a senior. Champagnie's play caught the eyes of the Bryant coaching staff and allowed him to achieve something he had always dreamed of.

"It means everything to me," Champagnie said of playing Division I football. "It was my dream, so for me to be able to live it out is a blessing."

Champagnie has seen his role increase in each of the last two years with the Black and Gold and should be key part of Kelly's new defensive scheme this fall. He has appeared in all but two games the last two seasons, appearing on special team and as a strong safety. Champagnie, who has the body (6-1, 202) to be a linebacker, should slide into a starting role this fall and has the chance to be a star.

For Champagnie, who has aspirations to be recognized among the NECs elite, it has always been about the team accomplishments first and foremost. An aggressive player who brings a quiet and confident leadership style, Champagnie and the rest of the senior class has a very common goal.

"Win an NEC Championship, period," Champagnie said.

The game of football has certainly given Champagnie some memorable moments. He hopes there is a few more in store for the fall of 2017.