Browns FS, Abe Elam Interview

Abe Elam grew up in Palm Beach, Florida. AE played collegiately at Kent State University and was used as a punt returner and as a safety. He entered the 2005 NFL Draft, but was undrafted. He then signed with the Miami Dolphins, but was cut. He then signed with the Dallas Cowboys. Afterwards, he became a member of the New York Jets, and then was traded to the Cleveland Browns during the 2009 NFL Draft in the “Mark Sanchez Trade”. This interview was conducted before the 2010 NFL season.

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Strauss : So, Abe, why do you make it important to connect to the fans?

Elam : I connect to my fans because they are my supporters and they help fill the stadium.

Strauss : Who was your childhood star?

Elam : Jerry Rice.

Strauss : If you could meet anyone (alive or dead), who would it be and why?

Elam : Martin Luther King, because of the lasting effect he has made on our country.

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

Elam : I would love to be a commentator or start a Sports-Marketing firm.

Strauss : What was your favorite team growing up?

Elam : I was a big Notre Dame fan.

Strauss : What is your favorite TV-Show?

Elam : MTV Cribs

Strauss : What is your favorite snack food?

Elam : Watermelon

Strauss : What is your favorite meal?

Elam : Oxtails and Pigeon Peas in Rice

Strauss : What is your favorite video game?

Elam : Madden Football Series.

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

Elam : The Miami Dolphins against the Kansas City Chiefs. Chiefs won. Christian Okoye dominated that game!

Strauss : How long have you played football?

Elam : I been playing football since I was 6 years old.

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

Elam : In high school I played three sports. Football, Basketball, and Baseball.

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

Elam : Basketball, when I was younger, I won two state championships.

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

Elam : I loved football since I was six years old, and from then on it was my dream to play professionally.

Strauss : What is your favorite memory from your attending college at Kent State?

Elam : Playing with guys like Josh Cribbs, Danny Muir, Jack Williams, and Usama Young… We finished the season strong going to UCF and winning in Florida for my last game.

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

Elam : Education first, work, then trust God, and good things will happen.

Strauss : Your younger brother, Matt is in college at UF, what tips do you give him about playing football?

Elam : I always express to him that he has to be a master of his craft. He also needs to devote hours daily to becoming a better player and a better person.

Strauss : Thank you for your time.

Elam : Thank you.

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