Former Oiler Kevin Donnalley enjoys another homecoming

The offensive lineman spent six years with the Houston Oilers.
HOUSTON (AP) -- Having gone to high school in Raleigh and college in Chapel Hill, offensive lineman Kevin Donnalley thought he'd returned home three years ago when he signed with the Carolina Panthers.
The last few days, though, he's enjoyed another homecoming by returning to Houston, the city where his NFL career began way back in 1991.
Of all the Carolina and New England players in the Super Bowl, Donnalley is the only one who played for the Houston Oilers.
He spent six years here, then moved with the franchise to Tennessee in 1997. He returned to Houston for a game in November, but that was a quick trip. Since arriving Sunday, he's had more time to drive around, notice how much things have changed and to reflect on his days with the Oilers.
Memories
"Being in the Super Bowl with the Panthers brings back a lot of memories," said Donnalley, recalling his experiences playing alongside stalwarts such as Bruce Matthews and Mike Munchak.
"How were we not in the Super Bowl? Players were unbelievable. That's the first thing that came to my mind."
Now in his 13th season, the 6-foot-5, 310-pound Donnalley is giving Carolina the same gritty effort Houston people might remember.
He just finished his second straight season of starting every game at right guard, something he also did his last two years with the Oilers.
This year, he helped anchor a line that gave up the fewest sacks in team history and that paved the way for Stephen Davis to set club records for yards rushing and touchdowns.
"They run good schemes," said Patriots defensive lineman Richard Seymour. "They do a good job of coming off the ball, staying low and attacking the defensive line. It's going to be a challenge for us."
Unwanted attention
Donnalley got some unwanted attention in the divisional-round playoff game against St. Louis when he committed several penalties. Teammates bailed him out by winning in double overtime, and now he's headed into his first Super Bowl at age 35.
"I don't think the young guys understand how rare this could be," Donnalley said. "It's such a team game. I realize that having 55 guys in the weight room together is the reason why we are in this game."
Donnalley signed with the Panthers in 2001, but the return to his home state didn't work out so well. He tore a knee ligament in the sixth game of what turned into a 1-15 season.
He was encouraged by the Panthers' 7-9 finish last year and was looking forward to rebounding further this season. Rebound they did, going all the way to the Super bowl,
Yet something else happened that's made this season more special than he ever could've imagined.
Before a game against Tennessee in October, Donnalley met Hope Stout, a 12-year-old girl who was dying of cancer. Touched by her struggle, Donnalley followed up by visiting her at home, quickly developing a friendship with the youngster and her family.
"I didn't know how much she was going to inspire me," he said. "She was telling me things over and over that were so selfless, things I couldn't believe a 12-year-old girl was saying."
Hope died Jan. 4.
"There's not a day that goes by that I don't think of her courage and how she inspired me," said Donnalley, who wore a gold pin with her name on his T-shirt. Her name was also etched on a silver star that dangled from a bracelet on his wrist.