Minnesota Vikings And Former USC QB Matt Cassel Made His First Start In A College Stadium Today

It's a big day for Minnesota Vikings quarterback Matt Cassel. Not only is he playing the team that drafted him -- the New England Patriots -- but the 10-year NFL veteran is making his first ever start in a college stadium. Seriously.

">September 14, 2014

">@ESPNStatsInfo: This is Matt Cassel's first start on a college football field (other than preseason). Didn't start a game at USC.

— Ben Goessling (@GoesslingESPN) September 14, 2014

Cassel went to USC from 2001-2004. Unfortunately, Cassel's time in Los Angeles coincided with the careers of Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart. While Cassel did play from time to time -- he completed 20 of his 33 career passes for 192 yards with no touchdowns and an interception -- his entire career was spent as a backup.

After playing in New England and Kansas City to start his NFL career, Cassel signed with the Minnesota Vikings this offseason. While the team is building its new stadium in Minneapolis, it is playing its games in TCF Bank Stadium, the home of the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Since today is the team's home opener, that means Cassel is starting in a college stadium for the first time.

This has to be a cool moment for Cassel, especially considering that one of the guys he backed up (Leinart) is no longer in the league. It's a fun fact that shows that hard work does eventually pay off, even if that's only because your pro team has to temporarily play in a college stadium.