After he was released by the Titans early this offseason, Matt Hasselbeck had a choice of what to do next.
He could sign somewhere to compete for a starting quarterback job or he could move into the role of an wise old backup to a player on the way up the hill that Hasselbeck climbed long ago in Seattle. Hasselbeck opted for door No. 2 and became the backup to Andrew Luck with the Colts.
“I wanted to start, sure, but more than anything, I wanted to win a Super Bowl,” Hasselbeck said, via Zak Keefer of the Indianapolis Star. “That was my first priority. When it came down to it, that’s what I wanted most. And that’s why I’m here.”
It’s easier for Hasselbeck to say that because there weren’t many appealing teams making moves for veteran starters this offseason, but you can certainly understand why a player with extensive starting experience with good teams might prefer backing up on another one more than being front and center for a team headed for an early pick in the 2014 draft. Not only does it offer Hasselbeck a better chance at that elusive ring, it also offers him a better supporting cast should circumstances force Luck out of the lineup.
It’s also easier for Hasselbeck to say that because he feels convinced that Luck is the kind of quarterback who can win a Super Bowl. He hasn’t been shy about praising Luck since signing in Indy and remains effusive, saying that Luck has the potential to be “one of the greatest of all time.” There are worse wagons to hitch oneself to if a Super Bowl’s what you seek.