119 : NFL Pro Interview : Chris Kluwe
Chris Kluwe played college football at UCLA. He totaled 154 punts, 6,624 punt yards, with an average of 43 yards per punt. He entered the 2005 NFL Draft, but went undrafted. He signed with the Seattle Seahawks and was cut before the regular season. The Minnesota Vikings claimed him and he ended up as the starting punter and has remained as the starter since 2005. He is not afraid to speak about his love for video games, or his band, ‘Tripping Icarus’. Click ‘Read More’
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.
116 : NFL Pro Interview : Cord Parks
Cord Parks played college football at Northeastern University. He totaled 171 tackles and 12 pass deflections throughout his collegiate carer. He also participated and ran track at Northeastern too. He entered the 2009 NFL Draft, but went undrafted. He signed with the St. Louis Rams. He has been a member of the Seattle Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings also. In the end of 2011, he signed with the New Orléans Saints.
112 : NFL Pro Interview : Reggie Jones
Reggie Jones played college football at Idaho and Portland State. He entered the 2009 NFL Draft, but went undrafted. He signed a free agent contract with the New Orleans Saints. He was placed on IR after getting injured in camp. In 2010, he signed with the Redskins and was on the team for preseason. In 2011, he signed with the Vikings Practice Squad, and recently signed a future/reserve contract.
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!
89 : HOF Pro Interview : Warren Moon
Warren Moon was the Rose Bowl MVP in 1978. He played football in the CFL for the Edmonton Eskimos. He won five straight Grey Cup Championships. He then entered the NFL, signing with the Houston Oilers. He also played for the Vikings, Seahawks, and Chiefs in his career. He retired passing for over 49,000 yards and about 290 touchdowns. He is 4th all time in Passing Yards, and 6th all time in Passing TDs. He was inducted into both the Canadian Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Read more 
76 : NFL Pro Interview : Nate Burleson
Nate Burleson played college football at Nevada. He entered the 2003 NFL Draft and was drafted in the third round by the Minnesota Vikings from 2003-2005. He also played for the Seahawks from 2006-2009 for his career. He is currently a member of the Detroit Lions. In 2010, he totaled 55 receptions, 625 yards, and 6 touchdowns.
63 : NFL Pro Interview : Everett Lindsay
Everett Lindsay played college football at Ole Miss. He earned 1st-Team All American Honors during his junior and senior year. He entered the 1993 NFL Draft, and was selected in the 5th round by the Vikings. He started his career playing for the Vikings, the Ravens, and the Browns, and then ended his career again with the Vikings. He played in 138 games and started 63 games. Read more
35 : NFL Pro Interview : Brian Robison
Follow @Brian_Robison Follow @ProInterviews
Strauss : So, Brian, why do you make it important to connect to the fans?
Robison : I just feel it’s the right thing do do, without them I wouldn’t be able to have this job.
Strauss : Who was your childhood star? Why?
Robison : Emmitt Smith, What’s not to like and he was/is a class act.
Strauss : And, if you could meet anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
Robison : Too many people to name just one…. God definitely though, maybe we could discuss what he has in store for me.
Strauss : What was your favorite NFL team growing up?
Robison : Dallas Cowboys.
Strauss : When did you see your first live NFL game?
Robison : The first one I played in.
Strauss : What is your favorite song to listen to before a game? What pumps you up?
Robison : Depends, right now I like drop the world with Lil’ Wayne and Eminem, but it depends on the mood I’m in at the time. I don’t have a set one every time and I listen to everything, so it may not even be the same genre.
Strauss : What is your favorite movie of all time?
Robison : 300.
Strauss : What is your favorite snack food?
Robison : On my diet…. fruit. Off the diet…. there isn’t any snacking.
Strauss : What is your favorite type of pie?
Robison : Any type of lemon.
Strauss : What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Robison : Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla or Mint Chocolate Chip. Really any type of Blue Bell Ice Cream…. It’s a Southern thang!
Strauss : What is your favorite TV-Show?
Robison : Chuck.
Strauss : What is your favorite meal?
Robison : Hot dogs.
Strauss : What is your favorite video game?
Robison : Call of Duty.
Strauss : Who is your favorite superhero?
Robison : Never really got into it, but I guess Batman.
Strauss : What is the one thing you can’t leave your house without?
Robison : My iPod and iPhone. Mainly my iPhone…
Strauss : How long have you played football?
Robison : I’ve played since I was four years old.
Strauss : Did you play any other sports in high school?
Robison : I played baseball, basketball, track, powerlifting, and football my freshman and sophomore years. I just did football, basketball, and track during my junior and senior year.
Strauss : What is a favorite memory with a sport other than football?
Robison : Setting the University of Texas school record in the shot put as well as placing 4th at the U.S. Championships that year and being ranked number eleven in the world all in the same year. (2006)
Strauss : At what age, did you realize that you were going to play football in college and in the NFL?
Robison : My sophomore year of high school and during my junior year of college.
Strauss : If you weren’t in the NFL, what would you want to do?
Robison : Throw shot put and discus or become a high school coach.
Strauss : What impact did your high school coach have on your pro career?
Robison : A huge impact, he is like a second father to me.
Strauss : Describe the hardest changes between high school and college football
Robison : The speed and overall talent.
Strauss : Who was the hardest player get by in college? Why?
Robison : Jamaal Brown, during my first year at defensive end, he was very athletic and strong.
Strauss : How did the number process work out at Texas?
Robison : I wanted number 40, but it was taken so I went with 39 and stuck with it.
Strauss : How had your game improved throughout college?
Robison : I learned to let go. Mentally, I saw more and handled more. In addition, I played with instincts.
Strauss : What did you learn from playing football at Texas?
Robison : You have to work hard if you want to be the best, and talent can only take you so far.
Strauss : What is your favorite memory from Texas?
Robison : Winning the National championship, the big comeback against Oklahoma State during my sophomore year. All the personal Big-12 championships I had in track (team and personal) and the field goals I blocked in college.
Strauss : What was the combine like?
Robison : Long, boring, and tiring.
Strauss : What was your draft day experience like?
Robison : 2nd or 3rd round. I was pissed when I didn’t get taken, but it all worked out for the best and it was emotional, because when I finally got drafted my dreams came true and the hard work paid off.
Strauss : What was going through your mind when you finally got drafted?
Robison : Isn’t it really cold there?? And, I don’t remember talking to the Vikings much.
Strauss : What number are you in the NFL? Why?
Robison : 96. It was the last ninety number left.
Strauss : What is your favorite memory as a Viking?
Robison : My first game against Atlanta, I accumulated two sacks.
Strauss : What can you expect from playing in the NFL?
Robison : Wanting to be one of the best and be respected.
Strauss : What do you look for when you watch film? How important has film been to your development?
Robison : I look for anything that gives the play away and what a players weaknesses are. Film is probably the single most important thing to my development.
Strauss : What have you learned from your teammates?
Robison : I’ve learned a lot from the older guys on the D-line and they have helped me develop into a much better overall player and how to understand the ins and outs of the game.
Strauss : What is your nickname?
Robison : Everybody calls me B-Rob, nothing special. I’ve also been called a beast and freak for my athletic ability.
Strauss : Who do you compare your game to? Why?
Robison : I have been compared to others like Aaron Schobel, but I really feel like I am a combination of a lot of guys.
Strauss : What has been the hardest thing for you to do since you started playing football?
Robison : Trying to not overwork myself.
Strauss : What is your favorite charity? Why?
Robison : Right now, I represent The National Alliance for Thrombosis and Thrombophilia (NATT) because I had a blood clot during my second season here and it can be a horrible thing if you don’t stay on top of it. It’s really alarming how many people have this problem and die from it every year. Check out http://www.stoptheclot.org. I also hope to do more in the future.
Strauss : What is an experience that changed your life?
Robison : I just mentioned it above, definitely changed the way I eat and the outlook I have on life.
Strauss : What is your favorite quote?
Robison : Jeremiah 29:11, II chronicles 15:7.
Strauss : For someone aspiring to play football in college and in the NFL, do you have any advice for them?
Robison : Work hard. Work harder. Work hardest.
Strauss : Is there anything you want to tell your fans that I have not asked?
Robison : I love my fans and they are the best and I hope to keep giving them things to cheer about for years to come.
Strauss : Thank you for your time.
33 : NFL Pro Interview : Freddie Brown
Follow @Freddie_Brown Follow @ProInterviews
Strauss : So Freddie, why do you make it important to connect to the fans?
Brown : We all need support, and that includes the fans! If it weren’t for our fans, the NFL would not be what is today. Both on and off the field, I represent a multitude of entities including the National Football League, my team/organization, my college, high school, hometown, my family and my faith. People look up to professional athletes, and I’m doing what I can to be a good role model and a positive influence to society.
Strauss : Who was your childhood star? Why?
Brown : My dad. He played in the NBA and since I was a kid, I wanted to follow in his footsteps to one day make it in the world of professional sports.
Strauss : And, if you could meet anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
Brown : Jesus Christ! He died for this world so that we could have life.
Strauss : What was your favorite NFL team growing up?
Brown : The San Francisco 49ers. My cousin, Ray Brown, played in the NFL for 20 seasons and was with the 49ers for 6 years. He gave me and my family tickets to their games. This is back when they had Steve Young, Jerry Rice, Terrell Owens, JJ Stokes, Ken Norton Jr. and many more talented players, so we really enjoyed watching them play.
Strauss : When did you see your first live NFL game? Who played? Who won?
Brown : I was about 9 or 10. At the time my cousin was with the Washington Redskins and they played the Rams (back when they were the Los Angeles Rams). Unfortunately, the Rams won.
Strauss : If you weren’t playing in the NFL (or after retirement), what would you want to do?
Brown : My initial back up plan was to become a successful businessman, but I’ve always been interested in people with various needs. Someday, I’d like to help build schools, hospitals and churches around the world. I just want to help people in any way that I can.
Strauss : What is your favorite song to listen to before a game? What pumps you up?
Brown : Where Would I Be, by Smokie Norful. I love Gospel music!
Strauss : What is your favorite movie of all time?
Brown : It’s a two-way tie between Shawshank Redemption and Pursuit of Happiness.
Strauss : What is your favorite snack food?
Brown : Fruit smoothies! I’m not one to speak highly of myself, but some of my teammates call me the smoothie king. I disagree with them.
Strauss : What is your favorite kind of pie?
Brown : Apple pie! With vanilla ice cream, of course.
Strauss : What is your favorite Ice Cream flavor?
Brown : Three way tie: Cookies n’ Cream, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Strawberry.
Strauss : What is your favorite TV-Show?
Brown : I don’t watch much TV, but it’s another three-way tie: Scrubs, In the Heat of the Night and Matlock.
Strauss : What is your favorite meal?
Brown : Korean food! I love Korean BBQ Ribs (Galbi), BBQ Beef (Bulgogi), Rice Cake Soup (Ddeok-guk), Spicy Tofu Stew (Soon Tubu), Seasoned Cabbage (Kimchi), Sesame Leaves (Gen Neep) and Steamed White Rice. My grandparents make the best Korean food and it’d be nice to have it more often.
Strauss : What is your favorite video game?
Brown : I’d rather do something constructive like read a book, study my playbook or help someone.
Strauss : Who is your favorite superhero?
Brown : Jesus. No one has anything on Him!
Strauss : What is the one thing you can’t leave your house without?
Brown : I try not to leave without my keys!!! Two other very important things though, are my wallet and phone.
Strauss : So, how long have you played football?
Brown : I’ve been playing football for 13 years. I started playing flag football when I was eleven years old in 6th grade, and I started playing tackle football my freshman year in high school at age fourteen.
Strauss : Did you play any other sports in high school?
Brown : I played basketball for all four years and I played baseball and ran track my freshman year. I decided not to play baseball or run track after that so I could focus more on football and basketball.
Strauss : What is your favorite sport to play other than football?
Brown : Definitely basketball. During the offseason, some of our Bengals players get together and play at our gym in our facilities. It’s one of many ways we can bond as a team and it’s a great way to stay in shape!
Strauss : At what age, did you realize that you were going to play football in college and in the NFL?
Brown : As a kid, I would often talk about playing in the NBA (since my dad played for the Detroit Pistons) but I really became serious about wanting to play football in college and in the NFL when I was about fifteen.
Strauss : What impact did your high school coach have on your football career?
Brown : My college coach Scott Morrison had a great impact on my college and pro career. He taught our high school team philosophies that I still carry with me today. One of them being: Faith, Family and Football. More importantly, he and his family are extraordinary people.
Strauss : Describe the hardest change between the jump from high school to college.
Brown : It was a transition moving to another state and being away from my family most of the year for 4 years. Also, the demands in college are far greater than the demands in high school. I’m grateful to have learned a lot more about discipline and sacrifice.
Strauss : How did you choose a number at Utah?
Brown : 88 was my number in high school and I thought it’d be nice to have the same number in college.
Strauss : What can you expect from playing D-1 football?
Brown : It is the experience of a lifetime! Your college football teammates become your extended family. You go through a lot together and at the end of the day, good or bad, you’re still brothers.
Strauss : Who was the hardest player get by in college? why?
Brown : My former Utah Ute teammate and current Miami Dolphin Cornerback, Sean Smith. How many cornerbacks do you know are 6’3 and 215 pounds? Yeah, I had to try to get by him everyday in practice. Playing against the best only makes you better.
Strauss : What is your favorite memory from Utah?
Brown : Our entire 2008 season! Our team beat Alabama in the Sugar Bowl, we won every game we played with a record of 13-0, and we were the only undefeated team in the nation finishing #2 in the country behind Florida. About 90% of the U.S. thought we were going to lose, and it was great proving them wrong. Also, a couple games before the Sugar Bowl, I caught the game winning touchdown against TCU. I love my Utah teammates; we’re family.
Strauss : Could you have predicted how far football was going to carry you?
Brown : Absolutely not. It is by the grace of God that I am where I am today, and I thank Him everyday for blessing me with this incredible opportunity
Strauss : What impact did your college coach have on your pro career?
Brown : Both my college football head coach Kyle Whittingham and my receiver coach Aaron Roderick had some big impacts on my pro career. They’ve always believed in me, and I’m thankful that they gave me the opportunity to contribute and help our team win games. These two coaches are the main reason I decided to go to the University of Utah. The moment I signed, I knew that it was one of the best decisions I’d ever make in my life. To this day, I feel the same exact way.
Strauss : When were you expecting to get drafted? What was your draft day experience like?
Brown : Although I was told when to expect I’d be drafted, I wasn’t specifically expecting this or that because you really just never know. Receiving a phone call from our head coach Marvin Lewis the day of the draft, right before the Bengals drafted me was pretty neat. My family and I saw my name flash across the TV screen and we were very happy. It was a special moment.
Strauss : Why have you changed numbers in the NFL?
Brown : Being at this level, I just took the number I was given!
Strauss : What do you expect from playing in the NFL?
Brown : Everyday I can become a better football player than I was yesterday. We never know when it’ll be our last day or our last play, so I’m just trying to make the most out of everyday and every play I have at this level.
Strauss : What was it like to be on the Bengals’ practice squad? What is the practice squad really like?
Brown : It was a crucial stage in my own personal development. Everyday I went up against our starting defense and it was very challenging to say the least. Bottom line is, it’s the NFL: the highest level of football in the world, and the competition is fierce.
Strauss : How has your game improved from Utah now to the Bengals’ squad?
Brown : I received excellent coaching at Utah. The NFL however, has the absolute highest form football coaching. Literally everything we do is critiqued and evaluated, and it is essential in any players development. Again, everyday I have at this level is a day that I can become better than I was yesterday and I’m in the process of maximizing my potential.
Strauss : What is the hardest workout to do?
Brown : Everyday is a physical and mental grind, and we are pushed beyond our comfort zones and limits. My teammates go through the same thing with me and that inspires me to work even harder.
Strauss : What’s the hardest workout for you to complete?
Brown : Every workout is challenging in some way, but when we finish it, we gain a greater sense of accomplishment and desire to finish everything we start.
Strauss : How important has film been to your development? What do you look for when you watch film?
Brown : It has been critical! Most of my extra time is spent in the film room.As a receiver, I study myself, the defense, (usually defensive backs and their tendencies) and players who do things very well. I’m pretty tough on myself and there is almost always something to improve upon and correct. I know I’ll never be perfect, but I can strive for it. In doing so, I believe I get better.
Strauss : Who do you compare your game to? Why?
Brown : I don’t really compare myself to anybody because I’ve got my own unique style. I simply do what I can to be the best me I can be.
Strauss : What is your favorite charity? Why?
Brown : There are countless great charities. I give back because there are too many people out there in the world who are broken, hurting, lost, hungry, thirsty or in some other form of desperate and immediate need. We all need to know that we are loved, supported and cared for, and I believe that it is in giving that we truly receive.
Strauss : What is your nickname? Why?
Brown : When I was a kid, people called me Downtown. They still do. I guess Downtown Freddie Brown just has some kind of ring to it.
Strauss : What is something that you look back on that has developed who you are? Why?
Brown : My faith. Everyday it has molded and shaped me into being who I am today, and I’m in the process of becoming who I was created to become.
Strauss : What is an experience you have had that changed your life?
Brown : I’ve had the privilege of opening my eyes to wake up everyday of my life for 24 years. I’m alive and well with a great family, food on the table, a roof over my head and everything that I need. I’m so thankful for everyone and everything I have in my life.
Strauss : What is your favorite quote?
Brown : “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” – 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Strauss : For someone aspiring to play football in the NFL, do you have any advice for them?
Brown : Dream BIG! Work harder than you’ve ever worked, be more disciplined than you’ve ever been and make the necessary sacrifices that will help you get to where you aspire to go. Hang around good, positive people and be willing to do more than what those next to you do. Extra work will take you far. It’s easy to do what everyone is required to do, but very few are willing to do above and beyond what’s asked of them.
Strauss : Is there anything you want to tell your fans that I have not asked?
Brown : No matter how much we’ve experienced, learned, loved or lived, there is always more to be done!
Strauss : Thank you for your time.
Brown : Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity!
05 : NFL Pro Interview : Albert Young
Follow @adotyoung Follow @ProInterviews
Strauss : How long have you been playing football?
Young : I have been playing football since the 3rd grade.
Strauss : Did you play any other sports in high school.
Young : I played baseball throughout high school. I also played basketball, but that just was my freshman year.
Strauss : What’s your favorite sport to play?
Young : Basketball. Too many experiences, so much fun.
Strauss : What was your favorite NFL team growing up?
Young : I’m a Marshall Faulk fan, so definitely the St. Louis Rams.
Strauss : When did you realize that you wanted to play in the NFL?
Young : I realized my ability when I was young. I set a dream as most kids do, and I let nothing interfere with me. Now, I’m in the NFL.
Strauss : If you were not in the NFL, what would you be doing?
Young : Probably playing baseball. I was playing two sports. I’m a trade of two sports.
Strauss : When did you see your first live NFL game? Who played? Who won?
Young : Last year, the first preseason game, Vikings against Seahawks. We all got to play. It was preseason. I got carries.
Strauss : What was your best memory from Iowa?
Young : Probably senior year. We played Michigan State. It was a big game for both of us. I got a lot of carries. The game went into overtime, and it was so exciting. We won. [He rushed for 179 yards on 34 carries and had two touchdowns.]
Strauss : Who was your childhood star?
Young : Marshall Faulk. I always watch his tape and try to make my game more like his game.
Strauss : So Albert, Why do you use social networking sites to connect to the fans?
Young : It’s a great to way be personal and connect to all the fans and not share all the personal information.
Strauss : If you could meet anyone for the first time, who would it be?
Young : I’ve never met Marshall Faulk. I’m a huge fan and I respect his game so much. It’d be great to meet him.
Strauss : What is your favorite movie of all time?
Young : That’s a tough one, there are so many good ones. There’s a whole bunch . You know like, American Gangster, Da Vinci Code, Any Given Sunday, Blue Chips.
Strauss : What is your favorite snack food?
Young : Reeses’ Peanut Butter Cups. Mmmmm.
Strauss : What is your favorite TV-Show?
Young : My favorite television show would be Martin.
Strauss : What would your ideal “last meal” be?
Young : Bone Rib Eye, no sides or salad needed.
Strauss : What is your favorite dessert?
Young : Not a big dessert guy. But, if I had to choose it would so be cheesecake.
Strauss : What is your favorite video game?
Young : All the NBA 2k series for Play Station 3.
Strauss : What is your favorite song to listen to?
Young : No particular song, I have an iTunes playlist set up.
Strauss : What is the one thing you can not leave your house without?
Young : My blackberry.
Strauss : For anyone aspiring to football in the NFL, do you have any advice for them?
Young : Just focus on that goal. Don’t let anything bring you away from it. Try to align yourself with the right people and a proper support group. Do not give up on your goal.
Strauss : Thank you for your time. This phone interview was awesome.
Young : Thank you and thanks to all my fans.
Max Strauss
