Last year at this time, Johnny Maxey had just completed his senior season at Mars Hill University, a Division II school that competes in the South Atlantic Conference. When it comes to the NFL, Maxey might as well have been from the planet Mars.
Only three players from Mars Hill have ever played in the NFL. On Sunday, in a game against the Ravens that could decide the AFC North division title, Maxey could become the fourth.
“It’s really surreal when you think about it,” said Maxey, a 6-foot-5, 283-pound defensive lineman. “Coming from where I started, it’s hard to imagine the concept of playing in a game this big with this much meaning to the rest of the season for us.