Former Bears LB Colvin a proud Purdue alum, parent

The same is true for Myles’ dad, who was named All-Big Ten in each of his final two seasons at Purdue while blossoming into an NFL prospect.

Selected by the Bears in the fourth round of the 1999 NFL Draft, Colvin emerged as a talented pass rusher. Playing outside linebacker on run downs and defensive end in passing situations, he recorded 10.5 sacks in 2001 and again in 2002. In the process, he became the first Bears player with double digit sacks in back-to-back seasons since Hall of Famer Richard Dent in 1990-91.

Colvin spent his final six NFL seasons with the Patriots, winning two Super Bowl rings before retiring following the 2008 campaign.

Following his playing career, Colvin operated several businesses in the Indianapolis area. But since last September, he and his wife, Tiffany, sold a bakery and four of five UPS stores they owned and purchased a customized Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van to explore the country.

“We’ve been on the road traveling,” he said, “disconnecting from the world, social media, all that stuff, and just enjoying life.”

Many of their trips have been to see Myles play basketball and his older sister, Raven, compete for the Purdue women’s volleyball team. The proud parents considered driving to Arizona for the Final Four but ultimately decided to fly.

Mom and dad plan to arrive in plenty of time to see Myles and the Boilermakers face North Carolina State in one semifinal Saturday night at State Farm Stadium. The winner will play either Connecticut or Alabama in the NCAA championship game Monday night.

“I don’t think I’ll be emotional; I’ll just be excited for him,” Colvin said. “We’re going to be proud regardless of what happens. I’d love to see him standing on a stage with a championship because I’ve done that before and I’ve been able to understand what that feels like to be bonded with a group of people for life, and I think to be able to do that at my alma mater—and hopefully his alma mater one day—is extra special.

“It’s just an awesome situation for him, and I think if the team continues to play well, they’ll be in a good spot and they’ll be cutting down the nets on Monday night.”