Meet the Lights

susie shooting at the celebrity shoot out

A Family Affair

Matt Light was born on June 23, 1978, in Greenville, Ohio. His experience of growing up in a rural farming community taught him the values of hard work, responsibility, and accountability. He started playing football as a kid at Greenville High School, and eventually won a scholarship to Purdue University, where he served as left tackle behind his friend and future Super Bowl MVP, quarterback Drew Brees. He took up the same position in 2001 for Tom Brady, after being drafted by the New England Patriots, launching what would be a storied NFL career. Matt met his wife Susie, a native of Hammond, Indiana, while at Purdue. They married during his rookie year with the Patriots, and now have four children: Grace, Collin, William, and Anna.

It was during Matt’s early days in the NFL that he and Susie decided to found The Light Foundation, to give young people the opportunity to experience and enjoy the outdoors the way they had in their own lives. The goal: to help kids develop the skills, values, and mindset they need to create meaningful and productive futures.

The Patriot Way

Matt was drafted out of college in the second round by the New England Patriots in 2001. He would make five Super Bowl appearances, win three Super Bowl championships, and make three trips to the Pro Bowl over the course of 11 seasons in the NFL. His reputation for leadership, in the locker room as a captain, on the field, and in the League, as an NFLPA player rep, and then a member of the Executive Committee was widely known. Matt was recently inducted into the Patriots’ Hall of Fame, becoming its 27th member.

Matt’s Honors & Awards 

In addition to Matt Light’s athletic achievements, he has also received a number of high-profile awards for his charity work. Matt received the third New England Patriots Ron Burton Community Service Award in 2005, and in 2008, was presented the President’s Volunteer Service Award for his outstanding work in the community by the Bush administration. In addition, he was named the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Special Legend in 2011, the Pop Warner Humanitarian Award winner in 2012, the Gridiron Club’s “Man of the Year” in 2012, inducted into Purdue University’s 2013 Athletic Hall of Fame, and named All Sports United’s 2014 Humanitarian Award recipient. Matt is also a member of the New England Patriots “All-Decade Team” for the 2000s. Most recently, he was named to the Boston Business Journal 2015 “40 Under 40” list, and the publication’s 2019 “Power 50,” for his leadership and philanthropic efforts in the greater Boston community.

Speaking Opportunities

Matt has been the keynote speaker at many events, given motivational speeches for corporate retreats and conferences, and spoken about leadership and other high-level topics to audiences big and small. He’s also in demand as an emcee or an auctioneer for charity events in New England and beyond. If you’d like more information about the type of topics Matt covers, where he’s spoken before, or if you’re interested in hiring Matt for an appearance or speaking engagement, please contact Margrette Mondillo at margrette@mattlight72.com

matt-light-hall-of-fame

“The Light Foundation means the world to our family and has become a way to show our children the importance of serving their community. Our hope is that someday they, along with all the children we work with, will become leaders and carry on a legacy of giving.”

– Susie Light

Get In Touch

440 Greenville Nashville Road
Greenville, OH 45331
(937) 316-6352

1 Merchant St. #4
Sharon, MA 02067

For media requests, please email margrette@mattlight72.com