POCATELLO, Idaho- A trip to the National Football Conference (NFC) championship seemed out of reach for former Idaho State's Evan Dietrich-Smith. Dietrich-Smith, playing center/guard for the Green Bay Packers, never thought in his wildest dreams that he would have the opportunity to make it to the National Football League (NFL), and even more so, to have a chance to play for the NFC championship.
“I really didn't think I would have been in this position,” Dietrich-Smith said. “I was just kind of one of those dudes that worked hard and let the chips fall as they may.”
Dietrich-Smith is enjoying the moment right now. He works hard, his daily activities consist of meetings, practice, film, working out, and relaxing when he can find the time. A very busy schedule, but more than a dream come true for the former Bengal.
While attending Idaho State, Dietrich-Smith found great success playing on the offensive line. He started in 44 games, which is the most all-time for an Idaho State offensive lineman and he received multiple honors with four-time honorable mention all-conference honors, MVP honors and the ISU Lifter of the Year Award.
From there, he was signed to the Green Bay Packers as a non-drafted free agent. He saw action in thirteen games during his rookie season (2009). Going from college to the pros is a difficult task for most athletes.
“There is a big difference between from college to professional football,” Dietrich-Smith said. “In college, you're a student-athlete and football pays for school whereas in the pros it's your job and it is something you have to take pride in and do year round.”
Now Dietrich-Smith will be apart of one of the biggest games football has to offer. The former Bengal offensive lineman loves the feeling of the intensity of the playoffs.
“In the playoffs the game tempo, game speed, and the atmosphere is a lot more intense then the regular season,” Dietrich-Smith said. “The stakes are higher in the playoffs and a lot of guys don't get to experience it.”
The Packers recently beat the NFC's No.1 seeded team the Atlanta Falcons 48-21 and will be playing the Chicago Bears on Sunday for a trip to the Super Bowl.
If the Packers make it to the Super Bowl, the former Bengal will be the third consecutive former Idaho State football player to play in this game.
“I think it would be sick,” Dietrich-Smith said. “I've never been to a Super Bowl, only watched it on TV so to potentially be there I think it would be tight because not a whole lot of guys get to experience it in their career.”
If the Packers beat the Bears on Sunday, Dietrich-Smith hopes to meet the Jets in the Super Bowl.
“It would be fun to play against Rex Ryan again,” he said.
Even though he has made it to the professional level, Dietrich-Smith never forgot the place that gave him to opportunity to make it to the next level.
“I remember the people I've played with,” he said. “Even though we didn't have a lot success as a team at times, the guys I've met and the guys I've played with are people I will remember my whole life. I had a lot of fun playing football for them (ISU). Football is a team sport and you have to trust the guy next to you so I was able to get to know guys better.”
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