BYU football: Kyle Van Noy makes big play in Super Bowl 51

Former BYU football star Kyle Van Noy was traded to the New England Patriots in October. Last night, he made a huge play in the Super Bowl.

It’s crazy how things turned around for former BYU football linebacker Kyle Van Noy.

Six months ago, Van Noy’s career was floundering. He wasn’t playing much with the Detroit Lions. Lions coaching didn’t know how to use him. It seemed like he would never be making an impact for an NFL team.

Then the phone rang.

And everything changed for him.

Van Noy was traded to the New England Patriots in October and immediately started playing a major role in Bill Belichick’s defense.

Between the regular and postseason, Van Noy posted 59 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception.

Last night, in Super Bowl 51, he made the biggest play of his life.

With 52 seconds remaining in the third quarter, New England trailed 28-9. On 3rd-and-11 Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan dropped back to pass. Van Noy ran a stunt, looping around the offensive line, and found his mark.

Van Noy and defensive end Trey Flowers were each credited with 0.5 sacks on the play. It was the only tackle Van Noy would make – but it couldn’t have come at a bigger moment.

Granted, playing well in big moments is something Van Noy is used to.

Next: Reliving KVN's best BYU games

In 2012 he led BYU football to a win over San Diego State in the Poinsettia Bowl. He blocked a kick, intercepted a pass and forced and recovered a fumble for touchdown.

Van Noy will likely play a role in the Patriots linebacking corps next season, but many draft analysts predict New England will target middle linebackers in the NFL Draft.