K-MATT STOVER (on joining the Colts) * *
"The opportunity for me to come and be with a team such as the Indianapolis Colts is just a great privilege for me. Being in the league now going on 20 years, to be a part of something special like this, the opportunity showed itself. I kept the cleats on during the offseason. I made sure I stayed healthy and stayed in shape, just in case an opportunity showed itself, and it did. The opportunity here to kick is awesome. I'm very privileged to be here."
K-MATT STOVER (on still feeling young)
"I've always said if I can't kick a 52-yard field goal, then I won't kick. So, I've been able to kick 52-yard field goals. We worked that out in the workout yesterday. It is just a privilege to continue to play. I had a great opportunity there in Baltimore for all those years, nothing bad to say there, I wish them the best. But, when it comes down to it, I'm a Colt today. I'm here to help the team get to a Super Bowl. That's what I'm about right now; there are no personal things, its just about helping the team get there. Adam Vinatieri, you cannot replace. Fantastic guy, fantastic friend – we hung together up in South Dakota, so I've known Adam for quite some time. What a stand-up guy. He's dealing with a knee right now, he could be back, but he may not. I'm here just to make sure this team continues to go in the right direction. And if it needs to be into the Super Bowl, I'm ready for that, too."
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K-MATT STOVER (on if it was a surprise to you)
"It was very fast. But I had an understanding last week from (Vice President of Football Operations) Chris Polian that it possibly could come about. To tell you the courage that he (K-Adam Vinatieri) had to go out there and kick with the conditions in his knee shows you the type of guy he is. For me to come into this opportunity and step in for him, as quickly as I did, meaning yesterday I flew in, worked on the contract last night and signed it this morning. We were out there kicking individually and today working with the team, what a great opportunity. Now I have a few days to get off, get back home, and get all the things settled and be ready to come in and kick against the St. Louis Rams."
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K-MATT STOVER (on adjusting to a new holder/snapper)
"I've done it a few times in my now 20 years and as good as (long snapper) Justin (Snow) and (holder) Pat (McAfee) are, I don't think there is going to be an issue. Adam (Vinatieri) has done a great job with Pat, being that he is a rookie. Adam really trained him up well; he's a great holder. I think they saw that yesterday when I was able to work out with them. We hit almost all the field goals; hit them nice and strong, no confidence or timing issues. There are a couple of things you got to get used to, so next week when I get in here it is all about creating a tempo between the three of us. Justin throws a great ball, and with that being said, great coaching, great team around me. We'll make sure to get the three points."
K-MATT STOVER (on kicking in Lucas Oil Stadium before )
"That was not a fun game, if I recall … It is just an awesome opportunity to go in there and kick in such a great environment. So, many games I played in the old stadium, now in the new stadium, great tradition here with this organization and it is just awesome."
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K-MATT STOVER (on playing under pressure)
"That's why I think they went with a veteran, a guy they feel like they can trust, that has been there before, didn't want to take a chance and 'God-willing', I'll deliver. That's what I'm priding myself on, to make sure that I get out there and make all the field goals that I can. (I want that) if it comes down to a game-winning field goal or in the playoffs, they can depend on me and I've got their trust and I am able to perform like they want me to."
