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Posts from the ‘AFC North’ Category

8
May
135_NEW LeeBUCS collage

135 : NFL Pro Interview : James Lee

James Lee first went to the University of Georgia to play college football, but later transferred to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference to play at South Carolina State. While he was at South Carolina State, he started 31 of 33 games. He entered the 2008 NFL Draft, but went undrafted and then signed with the Cleveland Browns. He was waived before the regular season, but was claimed and signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was a member of the Buccaneers from 2008-2011, playing eighteen games, with nine starts. He recently signed a contract with the Washington Redskins.

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25
Apr
132_NEW MikeRYAN collage

132 : NFL Pro Interview : Mike Ryan

Mike Ryan went to University of Connecticut. While at UConn, he started 32 games, playing in 34. He was best known for his versatility and agility on the offensive line. In 2010, he was nominated to receive First-Team All Big-East honors, and in 2011, he received second-team All Big-East honors. He is known for his versatility on the offensive line, and can play both guard positions as well as both tackles. He talks about everything he can in this exclusive interview. Click Read More.

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22
Apr
129_NEW BrandonLindseyPITT

129 : NFL Pro Interview : Brandon Lindsey

Brandon Lindsey attended Aliquippa High School and was a teammate of Darrelle Revis (Jets DB). He then went to play at the University of Pittsburgh. He was a teammate of Greg Romeus (Saints) and Jabaal Sheard (Browns). He played defensive end during his sophomore and junior seasons. When Pitt changed their defense, he switched to outside linebacker for his senior season. He was second-team All-Big East during both his junior and senior year. He entered the 2012 NFL Draft. Click Read More.
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22
Mar
121_NEW GlennINDY collage

121 : NFL Pro Interview : Cody Glenn

Cody Glenn played college football at the University of Nebraska. He played running back throughout his first three years there, and then switched to linebacker for his senior season. He then entered the 2009 NFL Draft, and was selected in the 5th round by the Washington Redskins. He was cut in the preseason, but the Colts signed him and he remained with the Colts from 2009 to 2011. He played in Super Bowl XLIV mainly on Special Teams, and very recently he signed with the Baltimore Ravens.

11
Feb
117_NEW NalboneMON collage

117 : NFL Pro Interview : John Nalbone

John Nalbone played college football at Monmouth University in New Jersey. While he was there, he totaled 101 receptions, 1080 yards, and 9 touchdowns. He was an all-NEC selection during his sophomore, junior, and senior year. He entered the 2009 NFL Draft, and was drafted in the 5th round, 161st overall by the Miami Dolphins. He has been a member of the Vikings, Broncos, Eagles, Bengals, and is now with the Seahawks. He signed a futures contract at the end of the 2011 season.

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9
Jan
111_NEW MathisPHI collage

111 : NFL Pro Interview : Evan Mathis

Evan Mathis played college football at Alabama. He earned First-Team All-SEC Honors in 2004. He entered the 2005 NFL Draft and was drafted by the Panthers in the 3rd round. He played for the Panthers from 2005-2007, then Dolphins in 2008, and the Bengals from 2008-2010. He most recently started 15 games for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2011.

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20
Dec

49 : NFL Pro Interview : Quan Cosby

[NEW Interview as of 12/20/2011]

Strauss : What was the transition like to the Denver Broncos?

Cosby : It was great. The Denver Broncos are a first class organization and special team. There are great veteran leaders and some young stars in the making.

Strauss : What has Tim Tebow been like to you? 

Cosby : He’s great and the same with everyone. He’s a great teammate but I don’t have a specific memory to share about him, however a lot of them are just in the exciting games. Seeing his composure and leadership during them.

Strauss : What’s the difference between how Kyle Orton approached the team, and how Tim Tebow does? 

Cosby : The main difference was experience. Kyle Orton had more years and went about the team as a veteran. Tim Tebow had to earn that respect and leadership role and he did that by his work ethic and his competitive nature.

Strauss : What is Coach John Fox really like?

Cosby : Coach Fox is the real deal. Although, lots of people are getting credit for our success this season. He is at the top of the hill. His leadership and coaching style are exactly what this team has needed. His belief in us transformed our mindset, when things didn’t look so well. If he continues to do this, he should be Coach of the Year! 

[OLD Interview as of 11/22/2010]

Strauss : Why do you use twitter? How do you connect to your fans?

Cosby : Fans make our game the game it is although they can be tough on us at times for them to feel somewhat a personal connection to us(pro athletes) and have real conversations with us I believe mean a lot to them, and to us also. We’re as “human” as it gets and like fans to know and realize that…

Strauss : If you could meet anyone, who would it be and why?

Cosby : There are many I’d like to meet, but if I had to pick one that I haven’t already met, being as blessed as I am it would be any kid that has it similar and as tough as I did as a child so I could let him/her know they can do better then statistics tell them, and encourage them to do so. Again, I’m very fortunate and have met many inspirational people. Most of my time now is spent trying to encourage youth.

Strauss : How long have you played football?

Cosby : I have played football since the 7th grade.

Strauss : Did you play any other sports in high school?

Cosby : Yes, I went to a small school so I basically played every sport football basketball baseball and ran track. I believe all the sports help the other plus I just really love to compete, not to mention living in a small town it kept me busy and out of trouble, was drafted in baseball and played pro baseball for four and a half years.

Strauss : What was your MLB draft experience?

Cosby : It was cool, kind of crazy, with so many rounds and people but fortunately being drafted in the sixth. I didn’t have to wait as long and loved every second of my time in Pro Ball, lots of life long friends.

Strauss : What is your favorite baseball memory from Baseball? Why?

Cosby : My favorite memory would be in the rookie league and getting to the championship game, and the plays made to get there had a great year. And again, the guys on that team I’m still in touch with and became great friends.

Strauss : What is the most important thing baseball has taught you that helped you the most in football?

Cosby : Baseball taught me to get my degree. Every year, I saw so many guys get released and have nothing to fall back on. And, that was a major factor in me going back to college. In football its taught me the importance of consistency.

Strauss : What sparked a change for you to decide to go to Texas?

Cosby : I chose Texas because it felt right and what I believed God put on my heart through prayer.

Strauss : What is your favorite memory from Texas?

Cosby : The National Championship and Fiesta Bowl, but also many great times with friends away from football.

Strauss : What was the best thing you learned at Texas that has helped you the most in the NFL?

Cosby : I learned to compete daily.

Strauss : Who was your best buddy from Texas? What was the best memory you had with that player?

Cosby : Too many to name one, fighting together and sticking together, on and off the field would be the best memories.

Strauss : What was your NFL draft day experience like?

Cosby : It was great spent it with the icon Dr. Bill Cosby and ESPN.

Strauss : Were you expecting to get drafted?

Cosby : I wasn’t, I live life a little different hoped to, but in my life back has been against the wall many times and I was prepared for that and to handle that possibility.

Strauss : What is your favorite memory with the Bengals?

Cosby : Clinching the division last year, was special for my teammates and me and to see the fan appreciation as well

Strauss : What’s your favorite thing to do in spare time?

Cosby : Hang and chill with family and friends, that’s what life is really about football can be a bonus but life with friends and more importantly family is the best

Strauss : Do you have a nickname? What’s the story behind it?

Cosby : If you play professional sports in my opinion, we all do. Mine, mainly is Q of course because of my first name, no real story behind it.

Strauss : What is your favorite charity? Why?

Cosby : I’m a social work graduate, so I don’t have a favorite I love them all but I really like Make A Wish Foundation, those moments for those unfortunately involved sometimes are the only truly high moments of their life and in the end. It’s an awesome moment for both parties, when kids come to us we learn and appreciate the kids just as much as they do us.

Strauss : If you could describe yourself as any ice cream flavor, what would you be and why?

Cosby : Vanilla I am what I am, you can appreciate the norm or add a little something to get what you want, I change daily.

Strauss : What is your favorite quote? Why?

Cosby : “Live everyday like it’s your last.” …Because of the uncertainty of life of course.

Strauss : For someone aspiring to play football in the NFL, do you have any advice for them?

Cosby : Get your education first but don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t… If you believe, there is always a possibility.

Strauss : Thank you Quan.

Cosby : Thank you Max.

15
Dec
107_NEW GambleCLE collage

107 : NFL Pro Interview : Joel Gamble

Joel Gamble played for D2 college called Shippensburg University up until the 2004 season. He entered the 2005 NFL Draft, but went undrafted. He wasn’t offered a chance to play for an NFL team until he was given a chance four years later. He earned his first chance with the Eagles, then the Browns and Titans.

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11
Nov

34 : NFL Pro Interview : C.J. Mosley

I met C.J. Mosley at T.E.A.M. Elam Charity Event, http://prointerviews.org/events/first/

[Updated Interview as of 11/11/11]

Strauss : What is Jacksonville like?

Mosley : It’s pretty big, but still laid back. The people are real friendly here!!  

Strauss : What’s it finally like wearing the number 99? Why do you wear it?

Mosley : It feels good. I feel like I’ve been reunited with a long lost friend or something… LOL!! I changed my number at the beginning of camp, but I did not really feel worthy of it then. I wear it with pride now. I wear #99 because Warren Sapp was my all-time favorite Defensive Tackle!!

Strauss : With the injuries to the defensive line, how important has your role become with the Jaguars?

Mosley : My role has always been the same. To fill in when needed. Nothing has changed, and I’m very excited to have and do this job! 

Strauss : What was your first sack like with the Jaguars’ organization?

Mosley : I just got it vs. Houston!! I was very, very, very happy because I know how hard I worked to be on this team and actually be a guy my teammates and coaches can trust to grind along with them!! The 1st thing I did was point to the Jaguars bench!

Strauss : Who’s your best friend on the Jaguars? Do you have a good story to share from the season? 

Mosley : Honestly, this team is filled with great people from the top of the roster to the bottom. But my fellow defensive line, I consider everyone of them to be my brothers except #69 Douz!! He’s not in the circle.  Lol!! JK!! Yeah I got a quick, little story. So, during camp I was working on getting my weight down. That consisted of eating right and on a schedule. So I was eating a protein bar in meetings with my position coach which is really a normal thing to do.  I was advised by Kampman to do it. So I’m eating the protein bar and I guess my position coach was having a bad day or something. All of a sudden out of nowhere he just starts yelling at me saying, “Don’t be eating no F$&$&ng candy bars in here!!” Lol!! Everybody was dying laughing!! Clearly it’s a protein bar, not a candy bar, and clearly I was working on getting my body right by eating right. I looked at the “candy” bar with a look of disgust and threw it on the table which almost got me kicked out the room!! I haven’t had a protein bar since!! lol.

[Old Interview as of 07/25/2010]

Strauss : How long have you played football?

Mosley : I’ve played football as long as I could remember. Wasn’t organized football until the 7th grade.

Strauss : Did you play any other sports in high school?

Mosley : Yes, I did track and I placed 3rd in State in the shot.

Strauss : What is your favorite sport to play other than football?

Mosley : Basketball was always my 1st love. Most memorable, let me see. You know how LeBron does those trick shots at the before games! I had one that is gonna be pretty difficult to do again. I kicked a basketball a little ways out past half court and the ball went in the basket. Swish!!!! I ran out the gym screaming, and of course nobody saw it, but me. Lol!

Strauss : If you weren’t playing in the NFL, what would you want to do?

Mosley : Some type of production. I love movies, and 99% of the time I predict the outcome. And I love music, beats in particular, then lyrics. Hip Hop of course.

Strauss : When did you realize that you were going to play football in college and in the NFL?

Mosley : Probably like at age 12 or 13 I told myself I wanted to play pro ball. At like 16, I realized I had to go to college first, lol!!!

Strauss : What impact did your high school coach have on your career?

Mosley : My high school coach is Coach Vernon at Waynesville High School in Missouri. He had a lot to do with my success. He’s one of the reasons I made it this far. In high school I didn’t have a car, so every day I had to hustle for a ride home after practice or working out. My homeboy Jon Alexander scooped me a lot during the year. Or my brother Theo. But in the summer it was all Coach Vernon. He asked me how come I didn’t come to workout? I said I didn’t have a ride, so I wasn’t coming! He came and got me every day, or made sure some1 else picked me up if he couldn’t!!

Strauss : Describe the hardest change between high school and college football.

Mosley : Hardest change would be time. Just managing time. Yeah workouts was on some marine type stuff, but just managing time was ridiculous. Class from 8am-2:30am, then practice, then watch film after practice. Then study hall from 7-9pm because I needed to hit the books harder was tough. Maybe had 2 free hours out the day.

Strauss : Why did you choose number 99 at Missouri?

Mosley : Besides Warren Sapp, 99 is the last number on the roster and also the highest. Ain’t  no going past 9nine 9nine.

Strauss : What is your favorite memory from Missouri?

Mosley : Several stick out. Best team moment is beating the Nebraska Cornhuskers for the 1st time in like 40+ years I think it was. I’ve had a lot of decent individual performances but personally my best moment had to be the vicious hit I put on KU’s quarterback Bill Whittemore.

Strauss : What was it like to earn First Team all Big 12 honors in 2004?

Mosley : A little weird. The Associated Press named me 1st Team and the coaches named me honorable mention in 04 when the coaches named me 2nd team All Big 12 the year before! So I thought that was funny. It’s documented, look it up!

Strauss : How had your game improved throughout your tenure at Missouri?

Mosley : In college, it was all athletic ability and my defensive coordinator at the time Coach Eberflus putting us in the right places to make plays.

Strauss : What did you learn from playing football at Missouri?

Mosley : At Mizzou, you were held accountable for your teammates actions as well as yours. Because what you do may hurt the team on and off the field.

Strauss : What impact did your college coach have on your pro career?

Mosley : Coach Craig Kuligowski is a great Defensive Line coach. Although his words weren’t the kindest, saying I’d probably get cut my first year in the league, I know he has a special place in his heart for me!!! Lolol.

Strauss : What was your draft day experience like?

Mosley : My draft letter was 2-4, so I was expecting to go anywhere in there. But as we all know, things sometimes don’t happen the way you wish for them to. It was the worst and best day of my life at the same time. Worst for going through the rounds and not hearing your name called and flash across that screen but best because it happened. And right before it did, Coach Tice of the Minnesota Vikings at the time called me and kept his word in drafting me also expressing how much he loved me. But not just saying it, actually showing me when I got there in Minnesota.

Strauss : What was going through your mind when you were drafted by the Vikings, 191st overall?

Mosley : Just every emotion you could have from being disappointed and angry to relieved and happy and appreciative to being wanted.

Strauss : What was it like to earn playing time in your first year in the NFL?

Mosley : It was a dream come true. Our Pro Bowl DT Kevin Williams got hurt, and Coach Baker sent me in to do a job. Had 7 tackles 2 sacks and 1 forced fumble with my 1st and 2nd sacks in the NFL vs the Browns.

Strauss : What was it like to get your first sack?

Mosley : The 1st sack in the NFL was the ultimate instant confidence booster. Ironically, it was against the Cleveland Browns QB, Trent Dilfer, which was also a strip sack!

Strauss : What do you expect from playing in the NFL?

Mosley : I just expect to be the best I can be, and fulfill my dream of being a champion.

Strauss : How has your game improved since college?

Mosley : Just being a smarter player. Knowing what to expect and what’s coming rather just being so aggressive and reckless.

Strauss : How important has film been to your development? What do you look for?

Mosley : Film is very important. In high school and college you can probably get away with not watching any film and just beast everyone. But since everyone on this level is roughly the same size, strength and speed, you have to find a way to gain an advantage and small tendencies like a formation or a O Lineman leaning a certain way can definitely give you a heads up on what is about to happen! I look fortendencies like O Lineman stance (is he heavy or not is a clue to run or pass) formations & down and distance.

Strauss : What is the hardest workout for you to complete?

Mosley : There is none really, I just act like they are all tough. Most irritating is probably super setting with a circuit.

Strauss : How has the number process worked throughout your entire NFL Career?

Mosley : I was drafted as 96, and I chose that because I was drafted in the 6th round. And if your not a high pick in the draft your not going to have a lot of room to work with or be choosy about. So I was really a victim of that with 95 and 69. But the theory behind 69 is I just flipped a 9 off 99. Now freaking Scott Fujita has 99….

Strauss : What has been the hardest thing for you to do since you started playing football?

Mosley : Playing through the pain, not physical but mental. Playing through the loss of loved ones. Both Grandparents on my father side, and Great Grandmother and Grandmother on my mothers side past in a close time frame to each other. Capped off by my Grandfather Richard Hope having a stroke a couple days after his wife had one. And finally my heart, my mother Angela Mosley passing from breast cancer.

Strauss : Who gave you the nickname C.J. and what about Big Downs?

Mosley : My father, I’m Calvin Jr. My real nick name is “Big Downs” given to me by my college roommate and best friend now Orlando Gooden! If it was a big down in the game like 3rd down, I tried to make it my duty to put the team on my back and make a big play! So “Big Downs”, I listened to K Rino enough to think of a cool acronym. “Downs” Destroying Obstacles With Nonstop Success.

Strauss : What is your favorite charity? Why? Why do you donate?

Mosley : My favorite are Brad Smith or Abe Elam’s charity events. Brad because that’s my guy, but Abe because of his story and what he stands for. I donate to give back, and if you can’t donate $, it donate your time. It’s important for our youth to actually see us so they realize their dreams are not that far from reality since we could have similar stories or backgrounds.

Strauss : What was your favorite part of the Abe Elam event where we met?

Mosley : Definitely the bowling, that was plenty of fun and relaxing, but seeing the kids was also great. Oh, and next time you challenge me, get some lessons so you stand a chance against me! Lolol.

Strauss : Could you have predicted how far football was going to carry you?

Mosley : Of course not. Although it was my dream, at one point I thought I might not even get the chance to play because I was drafted so late, expecting to go earlier. But everything happens for a reason and I wouldn’t take the experience back for nothing because it made me want to work even harder.

Strauss : What is an experience that changed your life?

Mosley : Definitely meeting my beautiful wife Cassandra Mosley, who is going to be a killer real estate agent in South Florida.

Strauss : What is your favorite quote?

Mosley : “Each battle is won before it is ever fought.”

Strauss : For someone aspiring to play football in the NFL, do you have any advice for them?

Mosley : Don’t try to do too much growing up too fast. Be a kid and handle what your supposed to handle. Take care of school then football, and everything else will come.

Strauss : So, C.J., who was your childhood star? Why?

Mosley : Warren Sapp! Because he was vicious, sweet, powerful and just mean!

Strauss : If you could meet anyone in the world, who would it be and why?

Mosley : It would be Osama Bin Laden, I don’t think I need to say why.

Strauss : What was your favorite NFL team growing up?

Mosley : Dan Marino and the Miami Dolphins.

Strauss : When did you see your first live NFL game? Who played?

Mosley : That’s a tough one, but probably a Dolphins game.

Strauss : What is your favorite song to listen to before a game?

Mosley : I’m glad you asked me, I have several! If it was one or two songs only it would be Pastor Troy’s monumental Master P diss entitled “We Ready”. And DMX “Stop Being Greedy”

Strauss : What is your favorite movie of all time?

Mosley : Awwwwww man…so many. Martin Lawrence “Life” or “Roscoe Jenkins” as far as comedy. Other than that is “Running Scared” and “Boondock Saints”

Strauss : What is your favorite snack food?

Mosley : Popcorn… All flavors. The airport in Chicago has a store that sells the best popcorn I’ve had.

Strauss : What is your favorite type of pie?

Mosley : Pecan Pie or Cheesecake.

Strauss : What is your favorite Ice cream flavor?

Mosley : Butter Pecan or Cookies and Cream

Strauss : What is your favorite TV-Show?

Mosley : My favorite TV show is Dexter, which Brady Quinn put me on.

Strauss : What is your favorite meal?

Mosley : Anything my wife cooks.

Strauss : What is your favorite video game?

Mosley : My favorite video game was Halo, I used to wreck on that before they started cheating. Now it would have to be the God of War series.

Strauss : What superhero do you think would win ANY fight against any other Superhero?

Mosley : Favorite superhero. They don’t make tough superheroes any more man. Superman has kryptonite, The Hulk gets weak for any pretty girl, Ironman and alcohol don’t mix well at all. Can’t pick God, huh?

Strauss : What is the one thing you can’t leave your house without?

Mosley : My iPhone as it is my iPod also.

Strauss : Is there anything you want to tell your fans that I have not asked?

Mosley : Yes, I play for you. Every day after a hard practice where we are feeling sorry for ourselves, Coach Mangini has us meet a group of kids that can’t even walk, or can’t even talk right. And in some cases their last wish before a terminal disease or illness takes effect is to just attend a practice and meet the team. So when I’m on the field or before a game that’s who I think about. The people who really has it rough, or something to complain about, or the guys playing Arena Ball wishing and working to be where I am.

Strauss : Thank you for your time and should I wear 69 at my school, like you did last year?

Mosley : No prob homeboy. PS…get #99. Broke my leg in 69, and a terrible year, not sure you want those problems!!!!! Lololol!

26
Oct
100_NEW SearcyTHEU

100 : NFL Pro Interview : Leon Searcy Jr.

Leon Searcy played college football at the University of Miami. He is one of few players who can claim that he won three National Championships in his collegiate career. He was drafted in the 1st round in the 1992 NFL Draft by the Steelers. He also played RT for the Jaguars, and retired after an 11 year career.

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13
Sep
97_NEW JeromeSimpsonCIN

97 : NFL Pro Interview : Jerome Simpson

Jerome Simpson entered the 2008 NFL Draft, and was drafted 46th overall. He never produced many stats early in his career. Finally in 2010, he showed major productivity in the final two games. Since Dalton’s arrival, his production has grown and he is most well known for his flip TD in the Cardinals’ game. Read more »

17
Aug
96_NEW NessMIA collage

96 : NFL Pro Interview : Nate Ness

Nate Ness played college football at Arizona during 2007 and 2008 after playing JuCo at El Camino College where he recorded 19 interceptions and 8 touchdowns. He totaled 97 tackles and 7 interceptions while at Arizona. He entered the 2009 NFL Draft, but went undrafted. He has been a member of numerous teams. Read more »

10
Aug

03 : NFL Pro Interview : Carlton Powell

[UPDATED INTERVIEW AS OF 8/10/2011]

Strauss : How is camp going so far?

Powell : So far so good. I’m liking the atmosphere. Great coaches. Great teammates.

Strauss : What do you think of the Jets DL coach, Mark Carrier?

Powell : He’s awesome. He has a lot of experience. He’s played in the league before. It’s great to have him out there coaching us and helping us out.

Powell : What is something you are trying to get out of camp?

Right now, I’m just learning the system. I’m trying to take advantage of the reps I get and make sure they’re quality reps. I’m trying to show the coaches what I can do.

Strauss : On something, besides quickness, that he wants to work on during camp?

Powell : I definitely want to work on reading blocking schemes and getting off of blocks, and getting to the quarterback.

Strauss : What role do you see for yourself this year with the Jets?

Powell : Well, right now I’m just playing the support role. I’m doing what can to help the team out. If things change, I’m ready for any position that they want to put me in. I definitely want to help this team out. This is definitely a Championship caliber team, and I just want to be part of it.

[OLD INTERVIEW as of 04/09/2010]

Strauss : Who was your childhood star?

Powell : My childhood star was Mr. Brett Favre himself.

Strauss : If you could meet anyone in the world, who you have not met before, who would it be?

Powell : If I could meet anyone in the world it would be Alicia Keys, no reason necessary. LOL.

Strauss : Why do you make it important to connect to the fans?

Powell : I feel like in some cases I still am a fan so it’s not hard to relate to people when you are able to see where they are coming from.

Strauss : What was your favorite NFL team growing up?

Powell : Hands down, my favorite NFL team growing up the Green Bay Packers.

Strauss : What is your favorite movie of all time?

Powell : My Favorite Movie of all time is a toss up between Coming to America and Life.

Strauss :  What is your favorite TV-Show?

Powell : My Favorite TV Show is King of Queens.

Strauss : What is your favorite snack food?

Powell : My Favorite Snack Food is Andy Capps Hotfries.

Strauss : What is your favorite meal?

Powell : My favorite meal is pretty basic. A Porterhouse [Steak] Medium-Well, baked sweet potato, fried asparagus, and Strawberry cheesecake.

Strauss : What is your favorite video game?

Powell : Favorite Games: For Xbox 360- Call Of Duty Modern Warfare II and for PS3- Assassins Creed II and for Wii- Mario Kart

Strauss : How long have you played football?

Powell : I have been playing football since the 6th grade.

Strauss : Did you play any other sports in high school?

Powell : In high school, I participated in track (indoor and outdoor), wrestling, and basketball.

Strauss : What is your favorite sport to play other than football?

Powell : My favorite sport to play besides football would have to be basketball.  My most memorable moment would be the first time I beat my dad, thought I was the man then.

Strauss : At what age, did you realize that you were going to play football in college and in the NFL?

Powell : I was probably around 13 [years old] when my Dad’s friend started asking me what college team and NFL team I would play for, that’s when I spoke it into being and so far so good.

Strauss : If you weren’t playing in the NFL (or after retirement), what would you want to do?

Powell : My other career choices were becoming a pharmacist or physical therapist. But now, I’m getting into technology and want to do software engineering.

Strauss : When did you see your first live NFL game? Who played? Who won?

Powell : My first live NFL game was when the Denver Broncos played the Atlanta Falcons in Atlanta. Denver won 24-20 and I just remembered how weird it felt watching Matt Ryan out there because I played a lot of crucial games against him when he was at Boston College.

Strauss : What is your favorite memory from your attending college at Virginia Tech?

Powell : There are soo many good memories but 2 really stick out in my mind.

First, would be my first game I played in my red-shirt freshman year, against southern california (USC), a night game on Fed-Ex Field. It was amazing. Goosebumps the entire time, me, Chris Ellis, Vince Hall, Xavier Adibi, Duane Brown, Kory Robertson, Barry Booker, David Clowney, and Josh Hyman.  It was an epic night, I forced Leinhart to throw some bad passes and chased reggie bush around.

And secondly, our inaugural season in the ACC when we won the championship in Miami. Celebrated for at least an hour on the field, running up and down with the flags, Beamer had to come get us before the busses left.

Strauss : For someone aspiring to play football in the NFL, what’s the best advice for them?

Powell : Anyone aspiring to play D1 or in the NFL should first know that there is no such thing as working too hard, and must believe in themselves as well as have a good support network that will encourage them to be great.

Strauss : Thank you for your time.

Powell : Thank You, I hope this was informative to all the fans out there, Be Blessed…

1
May
84_NEW REYCin collage

84 : NFL Pro Interview : Vincent Rey

Vincent Rey played college football at Duke University. He totaled 330 tackles, 28 tackles for a loss, 5.5 sacks, 3 interceptions, 3 fumble recoveries for TDs during his collegiate career. He entered the 2010 NFL Draft, but went undrafted. He signed with the Cincinnati Bengals and in 2011, he became a key producer on Special Teams. Read more »

2
Mar
72_NEW BynerCLE collage

72 : NFL Coach Interview : Earnest Byner

Earnest Byner played college football at East Carolina University. He then entered the 1984 NFL Draft and was drafted in the 10th round. He played for the Browns for 7 years (84-88, 94-95), the Redskins for 5 years (89-93), and the Ravens for two years (96-97). He then worked in Player Personnel with the Ravens. Following that, he became the RB coach of the Redskins, then Titans, and Jaguars. He won Super Bowl XXVI with the Redskins.
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