This edition we take a look at the headliner of our North Andover, MA camp Matt Light. Matt has been playing with the New England Patriots since 2001 as an offensive lineman.  He took time away from his off season training to answer a few questions for the SI Blitz readers. Let see what he had to say to all of the fans and aspiring players.

SI: At what age did you start playing football and who was your biggest influence?

ML: I started playing when I was 8 years old. My father was my biggest influence. He always pushed me to work hard, as did my coaches.

SI: Matt, you played football at Purdue University. You started all your games there from 1998 - 2000 at tackle on the offensive line. You were also voted to the All-Big Ten second team in 1999 and were selected as a Consensus All Big Ten first team player. What do you think you did that helped you achieve dreams of playing well in college and for the NFL?

ML: I never worried about what I could have...I always focused on what I needed to do to get better. As long as you are willing to work hard the rest will work itself out.

SI: How did it feel when you were drafted into the NFL and what has been your best moment so far?

ML: It didn't seem real when I got drafted into the NFL. There are so many great moments that I have had. Just being a part of a championship team my rookie year was great!

SI: What is the toughest part about playing in the NFL and how did you overcome it?

ML: There's a lot of responsibilities that come with being a pro. Keeping everything in perspective isn't easy but again hard work trumps it all.

SI: Congrats on being named to the Patriots All Decade Team this year. How did that feel?

ML: It was an honor to be mentioned along with the rest of the team. I am very grateful.

SI: According to Patriots.com "In his nine seasons in New England, Light has been a part of six division championships, four conference titles and three Super Bowl crowns." How does it feel to be a part of a team with those stats?

ML: Well...the hard work is paying off!!!

SI: What do you think helped your team achieve those victories and what personally did you do to contribute to the success of the team?

ML: I've just done my part. I don't get caught up in all the hype. I haven't done anything out of the ordinary. I've always tried to improve my performance in anyway possible and push my teammates to do the same.

SI: You've been headlining football camps for some time now. What keeps you coming back year after year?

ML: Once you make a commitment to doing something you have to go all out...I've committed to working with kids through this camp and I enjoy the work that we've done over the years. The guys and gals in the camp know that its more than just football during camp. They work hard and gain each other's respect and I enjoy being a part of that.

SI: Can you talk about what NFL players such as yourself can offer to kids attending the Sports International Football Camps?

ML: Technique...fun...life skills. All the things that young people who enjoy the game of football should be focusing on.

SI: Did you attend any football camps as a kid? How did they help you in your football career?

ML: I went to a camp held at OSU and it pushed me to work harder because of the level of competition. At my camp I like to see the kids compete and learn. The kids leave with a sense of accomplishment that keeps them coming back.

SI: You also started the Matt Light Foundation that receives some of the profits from your camp. Please tell us a little about it.

ML: Our mission..."The Light Foundation strives to empower young people to reach their highest potential by initiating and supporting hands on programs and events that promote the development of rational moral values and personal financial acumen so as to instill a sense of self-reliance, sufficiency and independence. We endeavor to accomplish this mission by combining traditional outdoor activities and experiences with athletic endeavors addressing the physical and mental aspects of humanity that make us all unique." Our foundation aids youth programs in Ohio, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. 

For more information visit http://www.mattlightfoundation.org

Thanks to Matt Light for taking time out of his busy schedule to talk with us.