Family, football good to Montana State's Lee Perkins

A few hours after a 34-7 loss to the Montana Grizzlies in Missoula on Saturday, the Montana State Bobcats returned home to gloomy Bozeman.

Most of them weren't greeted by smiles. But Lee Perkins was.

"To know you have a little guy and a wife who love you unconditionally, it's pretty good," Perkins said. "It's a lot more important than any football game."

Perkins, the former Great Falls High star athlete, is a reserve senior tight end on the Bobcats. He's also married with a son who today turns 1.

Late last Saturday, there were many disheartened, disconsolate Bobcat fans. But Perkins said his wife Taylor and little boy Lawson were not among them.

"I still got some smiles from them," he said.

Perkins has been producing similar reactions from his coaches for years.

"Lee Perkins is a very valuable part of this football team," said MSU coach Rob Ash. "He's a journeyman type of guy, but you need those guys who are willing to get in there and stick their nose in and do whatever is required.

"He never complains. He always just goes to work and does his job. He's usually undersized compared to the guys he goes up against, but that never deters him one bit."

Perkins graduates Dec. 13 with a degree in Crop Science. A career back on the family farm-ranch near Bynum might beckon. He's not sure.

"It's something me and my wife have to pray about," he said. "I'll have to figure it out here real quick."

For sure, Taylor will have a lot to say about it. And that's fine with Lee.

"My wife is the one who makes the ship float. She's awesome," he said. "She's the reason why everything's going well. I help out when I can, but I'm really busy with school and football. She does a great job. An awesome mom. Puts food on the table and loves me. I couldn't ask for more from here, that's for sure."

A year ago, family obligations caused Perkins to question his football future. Taylor actually started having some contractions during last year's Cat-Griz game and gave birth to Lawson a few days later.

Lee considered hanging up his helmet.

"That crossed my mind at one point," he said. "But I thought I'd made it this far. And I made up my mind that I wanted to finish strong. That this was the last chance I'd get to play football. I couldn't imagine leaving my teammates with one season left. I figured that it was worth it. It's something my wife and I talked a lot about. Obviously, she's my support system."

He's happy he stuck around the football team.

"Oh man, I couldn't be happier," he said. "I think sometimes you have a choice between taking an easier road or a harder road, and the harder road is the better one to take. I'm very glad about it. We have a chance to keep on going here and I love the guys on our team. I really couldn't be happier. It's the funnest season I've had so far."

He plays on some of the special teams, but often sees the field when the Bobcats use personnel packages that require two tight ends or extra blockers.

"I've been fortunate to play quite a bit every game," he said. "Some games I've been in high 20s (plays) and I was in for 50 against Idaho State. It's been a really good year and I've had a great time with it."

He was a star linebacker and track athlete at Great Falls High. Yet he's had no difficulty transitioning into a role player at MSU. Though he's seen playing time all four years of his career, he's never been a headline-maker.

"I've never been one to soak up the spotlight or anything," he said. "I'm not sure my spotlight was in high school anyway. I've played a little bit every year I've been here and it's been a good experience.

"I know what my role is on my team. I just focus on what I can do to make myself better and support the team. We have a bunch of guys with the mentality that nobody wants to be the star. We want to be a winning team and ultimately be national champions. That's where everyone's head is at."

While MSU players and fans alike are disappointed by last week's blowout loss to the Grizzlies, Perkins said this week's playoff game provides a bounce-back opportunity.

He also said the team is together and not casting blame.

"No doubt," he said. "Obviously there are circumstances that go into how the game plays out. I think if anyone tries to point the finger at one person it's pretty ignorant. It's always a collective effort.

"It was a tough loss. No joke. I think it knocked the wind out of a lot of guys. But it's football. You get knocked down and you get back up. Luckily we still have something to keep fighting for."

And for Lee Perkins, there's also the consolation of a family waiting. Including a little birthday boy who could care less about any final score.

"That's right," Lee chuckled. "It's all the same to him. He doesn't worry about my performance on the football field. I love him."

FCS Playoffs

What: Montana State vs. South Dakota State

When: Saturday, 2 p.m.

Where: Bobcat Stadium in Bozeman

TV: ESPN3

Radio: AM-1150, FM-102.7