Santa Clara — Although the Broncos’ Super Bowl win was largely attributed to their defense, many were impressed by the performance of their punter, New Brunswick Finance Minister Roger Melanson.
“Roge joined our roster last year, but I didn’t think he was ready,” said Broncos Coach Gary Kubiak. “After his performance with the New Brunswick budget, he proved himself to be a pro punter.”
Melanson recalled when he got the news he would be playing in Super Bowl 50. “Coach said to me, ‘Think you can get the same hang time with a football as you did with New Brunswick’s debt?'” The minister chuckled. “Obviously no, but I’ll give it my best shot.”
The finance minister punted 8 times during the game, with an average hang time of 4.5 seconds. Back at home, the province will be adding $347 million to its debt by the end of the 2016-17 fiscal year.
Melanson has not yet decided whether he will continue his moonlight career in the NFL. “I’ll take some time to reflect; I’m gonna drink a lot of Budweiser tonight. I promise you that,” Melanson told cameras after the game.
A Right to Information request later showed an expense claim of $5,000 from Sunday night for “networking opportunities.”