Michigan State football: Catching up with Matt Seybert, Part 2

Former Michigan State football tight end Matt Seybert talks about everything from his professional career aspirations to streaming.

Hey, everyone. Today, I bring you part two of my interview with former Michigan State football tight end Matt Seybert. This section covers Matt’s journey post-MSU to today along with some of his favorite things from on campus and off. I appreciate everyone’s support with this project. It was truly a blast to do.

For those who missed it, you can check out part 1 of the interview here: Michigan State football: Matt Seybert interview, part 1.

Thanks again to Matt for the time and enjoy all.

Professional career

So after you left Michigan State football, you had aspirations of playing professionally. What was it like going into trying to make an NFL roster or playing pro ball as the pandemic was starting?

It was tough. The end of the year was tough. We had our pro day canceled. I was back in East Lansing and it was actually canceled like the day before. Everything was moving so fast. COVID hit. Everything shut down. I went back to Traverse City then flew out to Phoenix shortly after to start training.

Honestly, though, that pro day would probably not have went that well for me. I had torn my MCL in bowl game prep before the Pinstripe Bowl in 2019. I tore it pretty good, too. So I was really delayed in pro day prep. I don’t know if I would have hit my times or not. So I ended up getting that whole extra year which was nice but it wasn’t as well cause then I had to go against a whole other year’s worth of talent, too. It was twice as hard. It was tough.

But I ended up having a great pro day. I had the Arizona Cardinals calling me a couple times a week saying they were looking to draft me potentially in the sixth or seventh round. I had a couple other teams contacting me as well. So that was getting me hyped. No one pulled the trigger post draft unfortunately.

It ended up being a tough time. I really believed in myself and I am still extremely proud that even though it was just a training camp spot and I didn’t make the 53-man, I’m still proud I ended up putting my name to paper for an NFL signing and played for the Chargers.

So how was training camp and how did that go?

Camp was cool. It was wild being in a locker room with all the guys like Derwin James, Kennan Allen, and Justin Herbert. It was weird cause they’re the faces you just see constantly on TV and Twitter and now I’m a player and I’m one of these guys. I felt weird still seeing all these guys growing up. I mean Keenan is older and being five lockers down was a surreal thing.

Camp was great. I actually had a great camp. Didn’t drop a single pass. I was killing it. My biggest thing was the playbook. I definitely had a couple of MAs because the playbook there was so deep. It’s an incredible amount to learn in just a short time. That’s what got me.

Like an NFL playbook is so much more diverse than a college playbook. There’s so much more. The NFL, I had about five different options I could do on just one route. So I had five options and then had to be able to break it down based on the coverage I was getting. To learn that, probably about 100 different ways for all the plays, it was just overwhelming for me. Physically I had a great camp. I didn’t get as many reps as other guys obviously cause I was a UDFA. My one thing I wish I had more opportunity with was kickoff and special teams. Because that’s really where I’d earn my keep. To fly down and try to take people’s heads off. I don’t think I got along with the special teams coordinator as well as I probably needed to.

Describe the feeling of what it was like to get that offer. What was the first thing you did when you got the news? 


It was crazy. I had just got back from a spring league in Indianapolis that was airing on like FOX Sports 1. It wasn’t a big deal yet. We didn’t have anyone in the stands or anything because it was COVID still. I went back. I had a good spring league. Had a good stretch for about six games. Had some good catches, some touchdowns. Put some good tape together. I really went crazy on kickoff. I had something like six tackles on eight reps in kickoffs in that league. So I put together some tape and I had a list of emails for pro scouts that I had got. I just put the tape together and just sent it out and was hoping for the best.

So the next morning I woke up. I was asleep. It was a Saturday morning and I was kinda sleeping in. It was like 9 or 10 in the morning. My phone started ringing and it was a number I didn’t know. I usually don’t answer my phone for numbers I don’t know but I answered it and was like, “Hello,” and a voice got on and said, “Hi, this is (so and so) assistant GM of the Chargers, and we’re calling to let you know we’re going to sign you.”

I was shook because normally you at least have to go workout for a team as an undrafted guy and they said, “Yeah we are gonna sign you” — just straight off that film. Really, I could not believe that phone call. It was the craziest moment of my football career. I for sure started crying and I immediately called my parents. I was living with my brother at the time and it was just crazy.


Did Justin Herbert give you any grief about the Oregon vs. Michigan State football Red Box Bowl?

Oh, god. We both gave each other shit. I remember cause we were playing the 49ers or maybe it was the Rams that preseason and the score was like 9-6 in the fourth quarter. And he and I were going back and forth saying, “This is traumatizing.” It’s literally the Redbox all over again. So yeah we were giving each other (expletive) about it. It was funny.

Did you feel like there was a part of your game that you improved on the most from your time in Chargers camp?

For me, I’d have to probably say my run blocking. I was always able to block. You have to be able to block playing in the Big Ten going up against these big, physical dudes but an NFL training camp is different. Those dudes are all elite so I felt when I got my feet under me and I figured out how to maintain and finish blocks against guys that are in the NFL, I got a lot better at it overall.

Is there something about NFL training camps that you think an average fan doesn’t know but should?

I would say training camps are tough. If you are a free agent and you get signed for a training camp, you don’t get the playbook until you’re there. Or like the week of. I feel like that stuff goes over people’s heads. You don’t get to learn anything ahead so it’s a huge disadvantage if you’re a free agent unless you’re a top priority guy. It’s pretty open outside of that. You get to see a lot of stuff.

In 2022, the USFL was starting back up. What was the process like to get involved with that?

Yeah. My name was pretty hot for that league. Just coming off of being with the Chargers but not quite making it. So I was at the top of my game really. I didn’t have to do anything, the Maulers actually reached out to me and just let me know they were going to draft me in that first USFL draft. So that was nice.

When they started, you were drafted in the USFL draft to Pittsburgh. Describe what it was like being selected in the draft by them?

It was nice but that situation ended up being tough. I tore my MCL again. I got rolled up on in a punt formation and I ended up being out pretty much that whole first season with the Maulers. That ended up being a shit-show for me. Things went downhill quick. I missed about eight weeks. Obviously then an NFL team isn’t going to take a chance on you if you’re banged up or injured in that. Especially as a UFA guy. So I had to go a whole other offseason again into this last USFL season.

I had a pretty good year. My agent and I felt pretty confident that we’d end up getting some sort of opportunity but unfortunately I didn’t get an NFL opportunity and then my USFL team got taken away with the UFL merger. So that was kind of another downhill moment for me. So I’ve been sort of taking these hits as far as the football career goes. I’m just taking ’em on the chin so I’m hoping to get a little bit of a miracle this year. I’m 27 now. The clock is ticking a little bit but I’m in the best shape of my life and I feel like I’m playing some great football. So I’m going after it still.

What’s your favorite thing about playing football professionally? NFL or UFL?

Honestly — and I’m going back to the people thing again — but I’ve met some of my best friends and some of the best people in these spring league games. I’ve had three of the people that were just in my wedding I’ve met post-college in these spring leagues. In these games, you’re really going through it. It’s not how it is at Michigan State. You’re kind of like bottom feeders so I’ve really bonded a lot with the guys.

For me personally, I had to pay money to get into that spring league right before I signed with the Chargers. Not me getting paid. I had to pay money just to be there. So these are the types of leagues the people really want to be there and want to play football. Trying to chase a dream. So I’ve met a lot of people just like me there.

What are your current football plans? Still training and hoping to play more?

I’m praying for a training camp invite but I’m not sure how realistic that is. So it’s probably going to have to be UFL. I’m going to a showcase in October for that where it’s similar to a combine. You do all the drills and show them I’m in great shape. I’ll hopefully be able to open some eyes and show them I’m in great shape and hopefully make a UFL roster. That’s my goal right now is to prepare for that. I’m out in Phoenix right now training like I would for a combine.

Streaming College Football 25

So on to the streaming. How did you get interested in streaming CFB?

I was just so hype for the game and everyone was so hype about it. I was talking to my buddy Sal Cannella. He’s on the Bucs now. He was saying, “Ya know, College Football is the only game you play so you might as well just stream it.” He said he had buddies last year that started streaming and it kind of like blew up a bit. And you never know what could catch fire so I decided that was a good point. I went and got this little camera and made a Twitch account and I just like sharing the experience with other people who like the game. It’s so fun interacting with everyone in chat.

Note: Matt just made Twitch affiliate.

What are your thoughts on the game so far?

I love it. I think it’s the best video game that’s came out of my life. You know, obviously, it’s got some problems like any game does when it first comes out, but I think it’s the best that’s been created. They did an outstanding job replicating the stadiums and like the fight songs and traditions. The details in it. It makes me feel like it’s football season already.

If you were currently in the game, what do you think your overall rating would be?

Oh, man. Honestly. If it was 2019 and it was my prime. I think I’d be like an 82. Before that season, probably somewhere in the 60s cause I was still learning.

Are you actually trying to achieve the Saban Challenge on CFB25?

I am but I failed a little bit cause I lost in the semis with frickin Louisville. Michigan State offered me right after that. That might have been my one chance to get like Saban’s LSU championship before going to Alabama. I’m still going for all of it. As many as I can get. Who knows maybe in my last year of the dynasty I can try to go win one at another school or something but we will have to see.

Of all your former teammates from high school to pro ball, who would be the most satisfying to beat in a game of CFB25?

Oh, man. Probably I would say Tyree Jackson. He was a QB at Buffalo. He’s still one of my best friends. He plays tight end for the New York Giants right now. But I’d say him cause he talks the most (trash) about Madden and stuff.


Any goals for your streams/streaming career?

No specific goals. Now that I’ve made Twitch affiliate, it would be nice to make some money to help me out though. Also maybe in a year from now or something, it would be cool to get like 100 people watching my stream at once. Averaging hundreds of people watching would be a nice goal to have.

Miscellaneous questions

What’s a favorite charitable cause you have? If it came out tomorrow and you got the Jared Goff-type contract, would you be donating anything to a specific charity/mission?

I don’t really have a foundation thing but I’d say something with helping the homeless. I would probably help some type of specific homeless shelter in the community I’m in. Those get me every time. Every time my wife and I can, we try to help. Especially with like the heat out here (in Phoenix) or back home in the winter in Michigan. It’s so dangerous.

What are some hobbies you have outside of football?

Fishing. My dad and I fish a lot. The bass fishing back home is nice. Also swimming. I love the water. In pools though. Not the ocean.

I read somewhere that you were into acting?

I do. Yes. I actually just auditioned for a big speaking role recently. I was on the show “All American”. The people that ran that have a new show coming out on Hulu. I think I did a great job so I am waiting to hear back on. So yeah, I’d do any audition I could get my hands on for that.

If you could have any other career outside of football, what would it be?

Yeah acting. Anything that keeps me dreaming and is kind of competitive and wanting more. Acting gives me that. I think it would be fun and I think it’s interesting.

Favorite Michigan State football game day tradition?

Ooh. The Spartan Walk from the Kellogg Center. That was the coolest thing. Endless fans for the whole walk. That really screams game day. I loved that. It got me in that mode.

Favorite college stadium (not including Spartan Stadium)?

The Shoe and Beaver Stadium. For sure. They are both so loud. The atmosphere was insane. Those are my favorites, for sure.

Favorite stadium you’ve played in outside of college?

SoFi definitely. It’s so beautiful. They did an outstanding job building that. It’s massive.

Favorite pregame music? Music artist/genre?

Rap and reggae mostly. Chef Keef, LilUzi, Young Boy, Bob Marley. I try to keep a balance so I’m not overly hyped. Hard rap will get me hyped and feeling aggressive for football.

Favorite pre-game meal?

Jerk chicken. I feel like that’s just my go-to now.

Favorite place to eat in East Lansing?

Bostons. A little sports bar chain by Eastwood. My friend group and I would always go there. That was our spot. It had great food and was nice.

Not in East Lansing?

Ruth Chris’s. If I was ever going to treat myself I’d go there.

Favorite movie?

Miracle. It’s No. 1 for me. Funny movie-wise would be Dodgeball or the Longest Yard.


Anything else you would like Michigan State football fans to know?

No Not really. I appreciate all this. Just know, I’m a Spartan Dawg forever. I’m really pumped for football this year. I’m going to trust in Coach Smith and Aidan Chiles to bring us home and go green,

Again, a big thanks to Matt for taking the time to talk about his time with Michigan State football and more. It’s rare that Michigan State football fans can hear the behind the scenes from a former player.