In the week leading up to Sunday’s Super Bowl in Santa Clara, California, players and coaches participated in media day, where they spoke to different members of the press. While hundreds of interviews took place all over the San Jose McEnery Convention Center, one interview in particular stood out above the rest.
Reporter Dave Stevens was on-site, interviewing players ahead of the game. Unlike his peers, Stevens could not speak at eye level with most players due to a congenital limb difference. Recognizing this, New England Patriots linebacker Jack Gibbens joined Stevens on the floor for the interview.
Gibbens, 27, is in his third season in the league; he originally signed with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent before joining the Patriots in 2025.
The interview drew attention on social media, earning praise from fellow reporters and Gibbens’ alma mater, Abilene Christian University.
Stevens was lighthearted in his approach, joking about Gibbens’ defensive skill set. “Well, Jack Gibbens, you’re not normally on your butt, because you’re putting the quarterbacks or the other guys on their butt,” Stevens said. “Thank you for coming down to my level for a little bit.”
After his son told the journalist he had gone viral on X, Stevens shared the interview on Instagram and X. Comments flooded in, with some calling on him to become a full-time journalist for the New England Patriots.
Dave Stevens’ life journey
Stevens’ own journey is remarkable, and is a story he now shares as a motivational speaker through his program, “Dave Stevens Speaks.”
Shortly after his birth, his 15-year-old mother placed him for adoption. A hospital employee contacted a local couple who later adopted him.
With his family’s support, Stevens became a three-sport athlete in high school, competing in football, baseball and wrestling. He set three Arizona state high school records.
His athletic career didn’t end there. In the late 1980s, Stevens continued to compete in all three sports at Augsburg University in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He later signed a three-week minor league contract with the St. Paul Saints and started one game at second base, according to his website.
Following his playing days, Stevens worked at ESPN for more than 20 years. His resume includes coverage of 14 Super Bowls, three World Series and three NCAA Final Fours.