115 : NFL Pro Interview : Andre Reed
Andre Reed was a member of the Buffalo Bills from 1985 through 1999. Throughout his time in the NFL, he recorded 951 receptions, 13,198 yards, and 87 touchdowns. He was nominated to the Pro Bowl for seven straight years from 1988-1994. He also made four Super Bowl appearances. He is currently 1 of 15 finalists for the Hall of Fame Class of 2012. Click ‘Read More’ to check out the interview!
108 : NFL Pro Interview : Felton Huggins
Felton Huggins went undrafted in 2006. He has been a member of the Buffalo Bills since 2011. He has recorded one TD in preseason games. He was placed on IR early in the season. He has yet to make his break in the NFL. Click ‘Read More’ to read the interview!
103 : NFL Pro Interview : Bryan Scott
Bryan Scott entered the 2003 NFL Draft, and was drafted in the 2nd round, 55th overall by the Atlanta Falcons. He was a teammate of Michael Vick back in the day. He went through rough years in his career before finding a home in Buffalo. He has been with the Bills since 2007.
78 : NFL Pro Interview : Gibran Hamdan
Gibran Hamdan played college football at Indiana University. He entered the 2003 NFL Draft and was drafted in the 7th round. He played in NFL Europe and also was a backup for many NFL teams such as the Redskins, Seahawks, 49ers, Bills. He ended his career with the CFL. He started his own clothing line called, ‘Alial Fital’ and he talks about it in the interview.
47 : HOF Pro Interview : Thurman Thomas
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Strauss : Why do you use twitter?
Thomas : Just to communicate with friends and fans.
Strauss : If you could meet anyone in the world who would it be?
Thomas : Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Strauss : Who was your childhood star? Why?
Thomas : Walter Payton and Earl Campbell.
Strauss : What is your favorite TV Show? Why?
Thomas : Sanford and Son.
Strauss : What is your favorite movie of all time?
Thomas : Full Metal Jacket.
Strauss : What is your favorite type of pie?
Thomas : Angel pie, that’s what we call our second daughter.
Strauss : What would your last meal on earth be?
Thomas : Lobster, salad, green beans, diet coke, and a hot fudge sundae.
Strauss : How long have you played football?
Thomas : Didn’t start playing until 8th grade.
Strauss : Did you have a favorite sport besides football?
Thomas : Baseball was my favorite.
Strauss : What is your favorite memory from Oklahoma State?
Thomas : Keeping Barry Sanders on the bench 4 two yrs.
Strauss : What was the best thing you learned at Oklahoma State helping you the most in the NFL?
Thomas : Running between the tackles, it made me tougher.
Strauss : What was your draft day experience like? When were you expecting to get drafted?
Thomas : Excited, but teams told me I would go in first round.
Strauss : What is your favorite memory with the Bills?
Thomas : 51-3 in the AFC Championship Game.
Strauss : What is the most vivid memory from any Super Bowl?
Thomas : Two teams- Red, White, and Blue… The Desert Storm.
Strauss : Who was your best buddy from the Bills? What was the best memory you had of that player?
Thomas : Biscuit, just his speed and quickness.
Strauss : What is it like being a Hall of Fame RB? What is it like to look back on your career and see that you amassed over 12,000 rushing yards??
Thomas : Never cared about stats. I didn’t actually know how many yards, I retired with…
Strauss : Who had the most impact on your career? How?
Thomas : Elijah Pitts (RB Coach in Buffalo) told stories about Lombardi.
Strauss : If you could look back on one play, and you had to tell people that never had a chance to see you play, that “this play” of thurman thomas would define your career, what would that play be?
Thomas : I don’t think one play defines a career.
Strauss : What do you want your career to be remembered for?
Thomas : Not being selfish, being a team guy.
Strauss : What is your nickname? Why?
Thomas : Squatty, I don’t really know why.
Strauss : What is your favorite charity? Why?
Thomas : I don’t have a favorite one. All charities are great.
Strauss : What is an experience that changed your life?
Thomas : Having my first kid. Responsibility came at a young age.(twenty-three).
Strauss : If you could describe yourself as any ice cream flavor, what would you be and why?
Thomas : Vanilla, no clue why.
Strauss : What is your favorite quote? Why?
Thomas : “Let Go and Let God.”
Strauss : For someone aspiring to play football in the NFL, what is the best advice you can give them?
Thomas : Work hard, but always have a second plan.
Strauss : Thank you for your time Thurman.
Thomas : Thank you Max.
45 : NFL Pro Interview : Tutankhamen Reyes
Follow @TutanReyes Follow @ProInterviews
Strauss : Why do you make it important to connect to the fans?
Reyes : Well… Twitter is the easiest way that I can connect with the public. Everyone is on it. I don’t feel as if I’m bigger than anyone or untouchable so I guess its my way to reach the fans and people that support me.
Strauss : And, what was your favorite NFL team growing up?
Reyes : My favorite team growing up was the Giants. In high school, I wore #87 and played tight end like Howard Cross did who played tight end for the Giants at that time.
Strauss : Who was your childhood star? Why?
Reyes : My childhood star was my mother. She was the one that kept me on the right path and instilled values in me that I live by today. In terms of a sports figure it was Ricky Henderson. He played outfield for the Yankees and was the fastest man in baseball. I liked the confidence and swagger he brought to the game, and nobody could catch him stealing bases.
Strauss : If you weren’t playing in the NFL, what would you want to do?
Reyes : If I wasn’t playing ball, and baseball didn’t work I would have wanted to be a businessman of some type. I just knew if I wasn’t playing ball I would want to wear a suit. I always admired the people I saw going to work in a suit. As a child I thought it was cool to have to get dressed up and look sharp just for work, haha.
Strauss : If you could meet anyone, who would it be and why?
Reyes : If I could meet anyone dead or alive I would want to meet Bill Gates. I would want to know how he amassed and kept his wealth over the years. We have the same birthday so I figure I have that potential in me as well haha.
Strauss : What is your favorite song to listen to before a game? What pumps you up?
Reyes : One of my favorite songs to listen to before a game Is Jay-Z “Do It Again (Put Ya Hands Up)” The intro lets me know rest time is over “5 Seconds Is Up…Let’s GOOO!”
Strauss : What is your favorite movie of all time?
Reyes : My favorite, hmmmmm, I’d say Scarface. But any gangster movie is good with me.
Strauss : What is your favorite snack food?
Reyes : My favorite snack food is Golden Oreos….nuff said haha
Strauss : What is your favorite type of pie?
Reyes : My favorite pie is Sweet Potato Pie.
Strauss : What is your favorite TV-Show?
Reyes : My favorite TV-show is Martin, although I’m really feeling Entourage right now.
Strauss : What is your favorite meal?
Reyes : My favorite meal would have to be my Mother’s Thanksgiving dinner. Turkey, Mac & Cheese, Sweet Potatoes, Greens, Stuffing, Corn Bread, Salad, Macaroni Salad.
Strauss : What is your favorite video game?
Reyes : My favorite video game would have to be Godfather.
Strauss : What is the one thing you can’t leave your house without?
Reyes : One thing I can’t leave my house without is my blackberry. Definitely need that…
Strauss : When did you see your first live NFL game?
Reyes : Ummm first live NFL game had to be my 1st pre-season game against the Jets. I was on the Saints and we lost. But it was cool because my 1st NFL game was in New York, and I had like 25 people there to see me play.
Strauss : How long have you played football?
Reyes : I’ve been playing football since I was at least seven. That’s as far as I can remember. But organized ball, Pop-Warner, since I was 12. I’ve been in the NFL for ten years.
Strauss : Did you play any other sports in high school?
Reyes : My favorite sport growing up was baseball. I thought I would play professionally. My favorite experience was hitting 2 home runs in a game when I was twelve. It meant even more because my mother was there to see it.
Strauss : When did you realize that you were going to play football in college and in the NFL?
Reyes : I always believed I could play in college and professionally, but I guess I realized I had a chance to play in college in my sophomore year in high school. I had to be about 15. My high school coach said I could play at any college in the country if I focused and stayed committed. I realized I could play in the NFL my senior year in college. My roommate and former Chicago Bear Terrance Metcalf was the one who drilled it in that I had a real shot at the NFL. It meant a lot coming from him because I always thought he was a better lineman than I was.
Strauss : What is your favorite memory from Mississippi?
Reyes : My best memory would have had to be my last home game played, which was senior day. At Ole Miss we walk through the Grove, which is a park, before the home games. It’s a way to greet the fans before the game. I brought my son with me on the walk through the grove. He slept right through all the noise and cheering. As the seniors were announced and they said my name, I held my son up for the world to see. It was like the scene from Lion King haha. I was so proud to have a little man.
Strauss : Why did you choose the number at Mississippi?
Reyes : I chose 76 at Univ. of Mississippi because I moved from tight end to offensive line. I wanted 77 because that was the year I was born. That number wasn’t available so I went with 76. I loved it at the time.
Strauss : How has the number process working for you since you’ve been changing teams?
Reyes : The number process isn’t that important to me after 10 years in the NFL…
Strauss : What impact did your high school coach have on your college and professional career?
Reyes : His impact was that of a supporter and a father figure when I was in college. He passed while I was in college and didn’t get a chance to physically see me reach my dream of playing in the NFL. I know he is proud though. He told me I could make any Division-1 College if I focused and he was right and some.
42 : NFL Pro Interview : Stevie Johnson
Follow @StevieJohnson13 Follow @ProInterviews
Strauss : So, Stevie, why do you make it a habit to connect to the fans?
Johnson : The fans actually make us cool. Think about that one for a second haha. For real though the Fans are the ones spreading our names, they pay their hard earned money to see us. They look up to us for strength and inspiration. I think its important to connect with the fans because I am a fan myself. So I somewhat understand how they feel about us. Why not though. Its way cooler being a people person.
Strauss : Who was your childhood star? Why?
Johnson : Deion Sanders. Talk About Swag! I didn’t even know what Swagger was back then but I’m pretty sure he was the definition in his time. He was PrimeTime. Deion Sanders had Style, Charisma, Skills, Confidence, and he was a great showman for the sport.
Strauss : What was your favorite NFL team growing up?
Johnson : San Francisco 49ers & Dallas Cowboys. Emmitt Smith and Deion Sanders. Where ever they were, I watched.
Strauss : When did you see your first live NFL game?
Johnson : I was maybe fifteen or sixteen. SF 49er game with my Dad. I’ve only been to two professional football games in my life. Outside the fact that I’m in the NFL now. Crazy? I know right haha
Strauss : If you could meet anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
Johnson : Doesn’t really matter to me. Honestly, Everyone is important in someway. You can learn something from anyone. So I’d like to meet everyone.
Strauss : What is your favorite song to listen to before a game? What pumps you up?
I keep my iPod on a Gametime Shuffle with a lot of music I can dance to. I like to dance and get loose. So I have YB The Rockstar, BlackCard Boyz, Jerk Music, Taj-He-Spitz, G5Gi, Ray Guevara, Dre Huss, Messy Marv, Bailey, Ricky Rozay, dro, Juelz. etc. Or I just listen to my own songs with Them Certified FlyGuyz CF WingTeam Marley, and J-Rich. So many I can name. Bay Area Music dude I can just keep going. the ipod is on shuffle lol.
Strauss : What is your favorite movie of all time?
Johnson : Aww, Man.. My wife and I watch so many movies. How can I name one?!? Plus I’m the type of person to see a movie and if its good I say thats my favorite movie. But The Neighborhood Classics are my fav. like Friday (all of them) are my favorite.
Strauss : What is your favorite snack food?
Johnson : I eat a lot of Cereal. Cap’n Crunch, Pops, Apple Jacks. Or I’ll eat a huge pack of Oreos Double Stuff until I’m telling my wife my stomach hurts.
Strauss : What is your favorite type of pie?
Johnson : Sweet potato pie and Pecan Pie. Sweet Potato wins though.
Strauss : What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Johnson : Cookies N’ Cream.
Strauss : What is your favorite TV-Show?
Johnson : I Like Waynes Bros. Fresh Prince. My wife And Kids. Also Martin.
Strauss : What is your favorite meal?
Johnson : Whatever my wife and mom cooks. My dad is also a great cook So whenever they cook it’s Great.
Strauss : What is your favorite video game?
Johnson : Madden and NBA 2K Hit me on Twitter @StevieJohnson13 and challenge me on PS3.
Strauss : Who is your favorite superhero?
Johnson : Superman. He’s Fast, Strong, Can Fly, and Can See Through Things how Awesome is that.
Strauss : What is the one thing you can’t leave your house without?
Johnson : Long Trips. Definitely My PS3. Short Trips. Most Definitely My iPod Touch.
Strauss : How long have you played football?
Johnson : Probably when I was twelve or thirteen. I don’t remember. First Year was Jr. PeeWee Football Fairfield-Suisun Indians in California.
Strauss : Did you play any other sports in high school?
Johnson : I Played Basketball and I ran track for a little Bit Then I stopped running track because I was tired of all the running at track practice hahahaa. Hoop was my 1st sport though.
Strauss : When did you realize that you were going to play football in college and in the NFL?
Johnson : Well, I was never actually thinking about being in the NFL until I got to College and balled out. Of course it was the ultimate goal but I had to take it step by step ya kno. Ball in HighSchool get to college, Ball in college (JuCo 1st) get to NFL. So it was Steps.
Strauss : If you weren’t playing in the NFL, what would you want to do?
Johnson : I’d Want To Be A BaseBall Player. But I can’t hit the ball! hahaha Seriously, I’d probably be making Music With my Cousin YB The Rockstar current Artist on Akons Konvict Music Record Label.
Strauss : Describe the hardest change between the jump from high school to college.
Johnson : The Responsibility was the biggest change to me. In High School to be successful all you had to do was know what you were doing and maybe 1 or 2 other people. In college you had to know what everyone was doing including the defense. I Thank Keenan Burton for showing me that at UK.
Strauss : What impact did your high school coach have on your pro career?
Johnson : Well, I’ve been fortunate enough to be a factor everywhere i’ve been thanks to god. Another blessing is that none of my coaches from AAU basketball. Jr PeeWees PeeWees Jr Midgets High School JuCo and UK none of my coaches treated me like I was the Star you know. I still had to work which instilled a workers mentality to never be satisfied.
Strauss : How did the number process work out in college?
Johnson : Well, the number thirteen was open everywhere I went. In College I wanted something different besides a 80 number. So I thought to get #13. Show them that thirteen isn’t unlucky. Plus 13th amendment and also 1 and 3 together is B which is my Wife’s nickname. But it’s just a number. lol.
Strauss : What was your favorite memory from Chabot college?
Johnson : Not even the football game. Just the practices and hanging out with the guys. it was non-stop comedy. The bond we built from not knowing each other to becoming lifetime friends.
Strauss : What did you learn from playing football at Chabot college? How did that help you at Kentucky?
Johnson : JuCo Life was a struggle. We had to fight for everything. nothing was giving to us. We had to buy our own cleats and gloves and whatever else we needed. JuCo made me appreciate Kentucky a lot more and never to take the experience of Division One for granted. Junior College built strength and character in me that I saw most guys who came straight out of HS to D1 didnt have. they took a lot for granted and most of them guys lost their opportunity. My tough memories at Junior College kept me focused in Kentucky.
Strauss : Who was the hardest player get by at Kentucky? Why?
Johnson : I didn’t pay attention to names in college. I just knew defenses so it didn’t matter who was guarding me. Really I didn’t care. I just wanted to do my Job and that was make plays for my team. I’m just now beginning to pay a little attention to guys in the NFL after talking with George Wilson, Lee Evans, and Roscoe Parrish.
Strauss : What is your favorite memory from Kentucky?
Johnson : My Favorite memory at UK is honestly all of Them. Just Being At Kentucky was an awesome experience for a kid from San Francisco, California. It was a blessing to be there at that University and to be around all the people there and my teammates and coaches. Beating #1 Ranked Louisiana State University and #9 Ranked Louisville Was great. Watching and helping the Fans Storm The field. Man I’m proud to call Kentucky my 2nd home. I Loved it all!
Strauss : What was the combine like?
Johnson : Honestly, The combine sucked hahahaha. No it wasn’t that bad. Well yes it was. We sat around all day and waited to be checked on by doctors. then go to another room and do the same thing. next thing you know your on the field. Thats the only time it was fun. Being on the Field doing things and socializing with the other great players entering the draft.
Strauss :What was your draft day experience like?
Johnson : Draft Day was OK at best. I was expected Early 2nd day. It started off cool. Seeing my friends get drafted. waiting…. then the expected time coming…. then passing….now I’m getting a little frustrated…laying on the couch with my lady….. she’s getting pissed hahahaa…. we ended up falling asleep and I just ended up waking up to a call from the Cowboys saying they would like to sign me as UFA after draft. So I spoke with them for a little bit. Then I Spoke with the Miami Dolphins they said they would like to sign me UFA. Then all of a sudden I got a call from Buffalo and with the 224th pick in the 7th Round the Bills Selected me. It was A great feeling. The Family and Block was excited. I was very happy, then thought about how late I went. From then on I said I’m going to be on a mission to be one of the factor Wide Receivers out of my draft class.
Strauss : Why are you #13 in the NFL? Why?
Johnson : For the same reason I stated earlier, lol.
Strauss : What is your favorite memory as a Bill?
Johnson : My 1st touchDown against The Jets on the Road. It was The best. 1st NFL TD and Doing the sticky fingers after I scored. I’m surprised I didnt get fined when I look back at the film of that. There’s more where that came from.
Strauss : Could you have predicted how far football was going to carry you? Why?
Johnson : Nah, I never could have predicted it. I only saw NFL serious my @nd Year at Kentucky. So I’m Just Trying to keep it rocking.
Strauss : What do you look for when you watch film? How important has film been to your development?
Johnson : I watch every route a WR run and see how the DB react to them so I know how to run it against them. I watch for Defensive coverages how they hide them. and I am also highly critical on myself when I run routes so I find something almost all the time with a route I ran and how I can get better and be consistent. Well this will be my 1st big year in the NFL so we shall see. I know it was great for me in College so I’m hoping the same goes here with the Buffalo Bills.
Strauss : What has been the hardest thing for you to do since you started playing football?
Johnson : Leaving My Family. I wish I can take them with me everywhere including Away and Training Camp. It’s so much easier when they are around. Just the comfort of my Wife and two kids.
Strauss : Who is your best buddy on the Bills?
Johnson : I don’t have one best friend, I kinda bounce around talk to everyone. Like I said I’m still a fan, even though I am in the NFL so all the guys I talk to I’m basically soaking up game from them.
Strauss : What is your nickname? Why?
Johnson : Stevie Styles is the nickname my Big Cousin TeShawn T-Lowe Gave me. He said I was versatile and had many styles. So he called me Stevie Styles and it just stuck with me since a teen.
Strauss : What’s the best thing that has ever happened to you?
Johnson : Meeting my wife in high school, I believe she made me better. Also giving me guidance. She also showed me my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, On July 4th 2008.
Strauss : What is your favorite charity? Why? Why do you donate? Why should people donate?
Johnson : Right now I dont have one main charity. However, I’ve started a Certified WingTeam that has yearly camps for the kids in the community check it out at http://www.wti.sm4.biz/ and http://www.certifiedflyguyz.yolasite.com/
Strauss : What is an experience that changed your life?
Johnson : My Family. Seeing My kids born. Raising Them with My wife. ITs Amazing and it opens a mans eyes to the Real deal. No more games you know. YOur not only trying to feed yourself. Now you have a responsibility with a family.
Strauss : What is your favorite quote?
Johnson : Live. Love. Laugh.
Strauss : For someone aspiring to play football in the NFL, do you have any advice for them?
Johnson : Don’t ever give up on something you feel strongly about. Keep Pushing. And its always competition. So always work on your craft to get better. Stay humble and really try to be the best that you can be. Be yourself To the fullest. Set Goals and Go after them.
Strauss : Is there anything you want to tell your fans that I have not asked?
Johnson : I Really Just Appreciate All My Fans Out there. I am as Real As They get. I interact and like to have fun. I’m just like yall.
Strauss : Thank you for your time.
Johnson : Thanks, Stay Fly and keep doing what you do bro.
Max Strauss
