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’
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.
81 : NFL Pro Interview : Stylez White
Stylez White played college football at University of Minnesota. He entered the 2002 NFL Draft, and was drafted in the 7th round. He played for the Texans, Buccaneers, Falcons, Titans, Saints, Redskins, and Bears early in his carer. He then played in the AFL, and was the Defensive Player of the Year. After that, from 2007 to 2010 he played for the Buccaneers and totaled 137 tackles and 24 sacks.
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.
39 : NFL Pro Interview : Traye Simmons
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Strauss : So, Traye, why do you make it important to connect to fans?
Simmons : It’s important because fans give me support and motivation. Sometimes things get hard but the fans can bring my spirits up.
Strauss : If you could meet anyone, who would it be and why?
Simmons : I would want to meet Jesus Christ. I find it very bold and grateful what he did for his people.
Strauss : Who was your childhood star? Why?
Simmons : Deion Sanders. He’s the best there ever was and he made it look easy while looking good.
Strauss : What was your favorite NFL team growing up?
Simmons : Both the Dallas Cowboys and Atlanta Falcons.
Strauss :When did you see your first live NFL game?
Simmons : I saw my first NFL game when I was twelve.
Strauss :What is your favorite song to listen to before a game? What pumps you up?
Simmons : Phil Collins – In the Air Tonight. I don’t know why I love this song but it gives me goosebumps.
Strauss : What is your favorite movie of all time?
Simmons : Friday is my favorite movie. Hilarious!!!
Strauss : What is your favorite snack food?
Simmons : Life Savor Gummies
Strauss : What is your favorite type of pie?
Simmons : Apple pie
Strauss : What is your favorite Ice cream flavor?
Simmons : I love white turtle ice cream.
Strauss : What is your favorite TV-Show?
Simmons : My favorite TV show is Martin. Martin Lawrence is a fool.
Strauss : What is your favorite meal?
Simmons : Mac and Cheese. Not out the box either… From scratch.
Strauss : What is your favorite video game?
Simmons : Madden on PS3.
Strauss : Who is your favorite superhero?
Simmons : Popeye.
Strauss : What is the one thing you can’t leave your house without?
Simmons : My contact lenses, lol.
Strauss : How long have you played football?
Simmons : I’ve played football for seventeen yrs.
Strauss : Did you play any other sports in high school?
Simmons : I also ran track during high school.
Strauss : What has been the hardest thing for you to do since you started playing football?
Simmons : Spend time just being a kid or being myself sometimes. This game transforms you and it sometimes makes it hard to do normal things.
Strauss : What is a favorite memory with a sport other than football?
Simmons : Winning the 10 and under 4×400 meter relay in Nationals in 1997.
Strauss : Could you have predicted how far football was going to carry you? Why?
Simmons : Not really, but I’ve always dreamed big since I was a little kid.
Strauss : When did you realize that you were going to play football in college and in the NFL?
Simmons : I knew I was going to play college and in the NFL when I was 16 years old.
Strauss : If you weren’t playing in the NFL, what would you want to do?
Simmons : I’d be helping kids. I love helping kids maximize their potential.
Strauss : What impact did your high school coach have on your career?
Simmons : My high school coach James “Friday” Richards taught me how to work hard to get what I wanted and that’s something I’ve carried with me throughout college and the NFL.
Strauss : Describe the hardest change between the jump from high school to college.
Simmons : Weight lifting. Lifting killed me at times.
Strauss : How did the number process work out at Minnesota? Why? What happened?
Simmons : Well #15 was my number in Junior College also so I just kept it although I really don’t like #15.
Strauss : How had your game improved from throughout Minnesota?
Simmons : Just being a student of the game help me out and I progressed and got better.
Strauss : What did you learn from playing football at Minnesota?
Simmons : People still play football when its negative degrees outside.
Strauss : Who was the hardest player compete with in college?
Simmons : Arrellious Benn. That guy is a beast. He’s fast, strong, and runs great routes.
Strauss : What is your favorite memory from Minnesota?
Simmons : My favorite memory while attending the University of Minnesota is when I got an interception and returned it for a touchdown against Northwestern my junior year. It was special because I called it out before that drive happened. The best feeling in the world is making a play before it happens so when it finally happens, it’s like you knew it was going to happen all alone.
Strauss : What impact did your college coach have on your professional career?
Simmons : He let me know that football is a business at this level.
Strauss : What was the combine like?
Simmons : It was cool being around such great players you always see and hear about.
Strauss : What was your draft dayexperience like?
Simmons : I was expecting to get drafted in the 5-7 round. Unfortunately I didn’t get drafted. That made me mad actually and I’m here to prove that ALL the 32 teams missed a great CB in the draft. I’m blessed that San Diego picked me up. I feel both of us are getting a great deal out of the situation.
Strauss : What was going through your mind when you signed with the Chargers?
Simmons : Get me on a plane ASAP. I love San Diego!
Strauss : What number are you in the NFL? Why?
Simmons : #37. I don’t know why SD gave me that number, but I don’t care what number it is as long as I have a job, the number doesn’t phase me.
Strauss : What have you learned from your teammates? Who is your favorite Charger?
Simmons : I’ve learned from my teammates that all of us are here to win and be the best. My favorite Charger would have to be Paul Oliver. I grew up idolizing this guy when I was younger and now I’m playing alongside of him. He’s shown me the ropes and what I need to know to be successful.
Strauss : What is training camp like as a Charger?
Simmons : Charger camp is cool. I love the competing and we’re working hard to complete our goals. When I picked off my first pass I was like “Here we go baby! Just like the good ol’ days”. The best part is breaking on a ball and closing on it. No one really knows what is going to happen then I step in front of it and start racing down the field. What a rush!
Strauss : What do you look for when you watch film? How important has film been to your development?
Simmons : I study and critique myself. I study my opponents and watch others mistakes that plays my position. I think it’s bad to make the same mistake as my peers especially if the coach corrects my teammates. That would mean that I’m not listening.Film can make a average player good. It can make a good player great. When I see myself on film I’m able to see what I’m doing fine and what I need to do to improve.
Strauss : Do you have a nickname? What is it? How’d you get it? What’s the whole story behind it?
Simmons : “Big Play” Traye is my nickname. It was given to me in high school then it carried on to JuCo and Minnesota. I got it for making big plays (ints, breakups) or setting up my teammates for big plays.
Strauss : What is your favorite charity? Why? Why do you donate? Why should people donate?
Simmons : I like the Hope Kids foundation. I love to have fun with these courageous kids that has dealt with life threatening illnesses but it doesn’t affect their attitudes. That shows a lot of character. People should donate because it could happen to anyone and we should all help one another when times gets hard. I feel that if you’re a blessing to others, you will receive a lot of blessings.
Strauss : What’s the best thing that has ever happened to you?
Simmons : Me having to go to JUCO. It made me hungry and I learned not to take anything for granted.
Strauss : What is an experience you have had that changed your life?
Simmons : My parents being together for twenty-two yrs. They have should me how to manage my family and how to love my children.
Strauss : What is your favorite quote?
Simmons : “Detour doesn’t mean denial” – Mom
Strauss : For someone aspiring to play football in the NFL, what’s the best advice you can give?
Simmons : Work hard. It really pays off.
Strauss : Is there anything you want to tell your fans that I have not asked?
Simmons : I LOVE YOU GUYS!!! I won’t let you down.
Strauss : Thank you so much for your time.
Simmons : Thank you. Go CHARGERS!
04 : NFL Pro Interview : Darrell Reid
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Strauss: So, Darrell, why do you make it important to connect to the fans?
Reid : To tell the truth, twitter is half for the fans and half for me. In my eyes, twitter is the #1 social network where you can reach super celebrities that are otherwise unattainable.
Strauss : Who was your childhood star?
Reid : I didn’t have a childhood star my grandfather was my role model. Because of the type of player I am my fans are important because i feed off their energy. Also I’d like to give the fans an idea of the type of player I am off the field.
Strauss : If you could meet anyone in the world (alive or dead), who would it be and why?Reid : God. That’s Self-Explanatory. But I have a lot of questions.
Strauss : What is your favorite movie of all time?
Reid : Boyz In Da Hood.
Strauss : What’s your favorite snack food?
Reid : I have a sweet tooth, so I’m usually reaching for the candy.
Strauss : What’s your favorite TV Show?
Reid : SportsCenter.
Strauss : What would your last meal be?
Reid : Thanksgiving at Grandmas. The usual turkey, stuffing, collard greens, mac & cheese, black-eyed peas, corn pudding, homemade rolls & a variety of desserts.
Strauss : What is your favorite video game?
Reid : 2K10. It would be Live 10′ but they left me off the game for so many years, I boycotted it.
Strauss : What was your favorite NFL team growing up?
Reid : Oddly enough with all the football teams in my area Giants, Jets, and Eagles, I was a Die Hard Dallas Cowboys fan!
Strauss : How long have you played football? Did you play any other sports in high school?
Reid : I’ve played football since I was 13, so about 15 years. I also played basketball. Basketball was actually my first love but I stopped growing so…
Strauss : At what age, did you realize that you were going to play football in college and in the NFL?
Reid : I realized I would have a chance to play in college my senior of hs. Then it wasn’t until my senior in college that I thought I had a chance.
Strauss : If you weren’t playing in the NFL (or after retirement), what would you want to do?
Reid : I’m not a big planner so I can’t tell you what I would have been doing if I wasn’t playing football.
Strauss : When did you see your first live NFL game? Who played? Who won?
Reid : I remember my 1st NFL game like it was yesterday. The Jets had a home game against the Panthers. That was back when the Jets had Keyshawn Johnson. I was sitting in the front row end zone and Keyshawn took a reverse for a TD right in front of me. He pointed at me and said “You’ll be here one day.” I think the Panthers won, because I remember the go ahead score and someone from the Panthers getting a penalty for doing the “worm”.
Strauss : What is your favorite memory from Minnesota?
Reid : #1 and most importantly I remember the camaraderie. In college when you come in those 31 other kids, you’re just that…kids. You still have no responsibilities and so life is more care free. Also, you expect to be with these guys for the next 4 or 5 years. Too many other memories to name…I’d be here all day.
Strauss : For someone aspiring to play football in the NFL, do you have any advice for them?
Reid : If you are in high school, don’t rely on your athleticism alone. Make sure you’re getting it done in the classroom also. If in College and not a first round pick make sure you get your degree and first rounders take some financial planning or financial management classes to try to help you manage your money. To all: work, work, work and don’t ever let anyone tell you who you can be in life.
Strauss : Thank you so much for your time!
Reid : It was my pleasure to take the time out and answer a few questions. I appreciate the interest, so thank you also much love to all my fans. 2010 is going to be a big year.
Max Strauss
