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Light headlines Purdue Kickoff Luncheon

A three-time Super Bowl Champion says he is encouraged by the direction of Purdue’s football program.

Matt Light was the keynote speaker Friday at the Boilermakers annual Kickoff Luncheon.

He played for Purdue from 1996 to 2000 before a ten year career with the New England Patriots.

Light says despite some recent ups and downs, he thinks the current batch of Boilers have what it takes to put together a successful season.

"Having last year and the experience that they had, going to a bowl game and winning a bowl game, that'll hopefully guess back into it, year after year, in the hunt," he said.  "These guys understand what it means to win.  What it takes to win.”

During his time at Purdue, Light helped guide the Boilermakers to a Big Ten Championship and Rose Bowl appearance.

He says his time in West Lafayette was key in becoming a better player and person.

"What Purdue University does as good as anybody in the country is prepare (players) for life after football," he said.  "That's something I think, as an alumnus, as someone that's been through this process, I'm most proud of.  (I) was able to graduate, was able to get a great degree, be around some incredible athletes, and have a lot of fun and a lot of memories."

The former Boilermaker played in five Super Bowls with the Patriots, winning three.

He retired from the NFL at the end of last season and now will work for ESPN as an analyst.