Titans DT, Shaun Smith Interview

Shaun Smith played college football at South Carolina. He entered the 2003 NFL Draft, but went undrafted. He signed with the Dallas Cowboys and was a member of their practice squad. Throughout his career, he has played for the Saints, Bengals, Browns, Lions, and with the Chiefs. This interview was conducted mid-way through the 2010 NFL season. [UPDATE: In 2011, he signed with the Tennessee Titans. He posted 25 tackles, 1 sack, and 2 STFs this past year.]

www.shaunsmithshouse.3dmesports.com

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Strauss : Why do you use twitter?

Smith : I like twitter because it’s fun and also because I use it to reach out to all my fans.

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

Smith : I would like to meet Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. because he believed in nonviolence. He played a huge part of the Civil Rights Movement.

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

Smith : I would want to be a social worker. I like to help people.

Strauss : Who was your childhood star?

Smith : I did not have one.

Strauss : What is your favorite TV Show?

Smith : Meet the Browns. My daughters and I always watch it.

Strauss : What is your favorite movie of all time?

Smith : My favorite movie is Any Given Sunday.

Strauss : What is your favorite type of pie?

Smith : I love apple pie.

Strauss : What would be your last meal on earth?

Smith : I would like fried chicken with Mac & Cheese.

Strauss : How long have you played football?

Smith : I have played football since I was seven years old.

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

Smith : I played basketball and I ran track in high school.

Strauss : Why did you decide to attend Butler Community College after high school?

Smith : I went to Butler because my grades were not up to par. So, I went there to help me get ready for Division I football.

Strauss : What is your favorite memory from Butler?

Smith : Winning the National Championship.

Strauss : What was the most important thing you learned at Butler?

Smith : I learned to always put your best foot forward.

Strauss : What is your favorite memory from South Carolina?

Smith : After practice on Thursdays, all the fans would come to the stadium. They would always wish us luck against our next opponent.

Strauss : Who was your best friend from South Carolina?

Smith : Langston Moore. We constantly competed against each other.

Strauss : What was your draft day experience like?

Smith : It was long and nerve-racking… I never got drafted, but the Dallas Cowboys called me. And, other teams called me saying they want to sign me as a free agent though.

Strauss : What is your favorite memory within the entire in NFL?

Smith : I love coming out of the tunnel on game days. I love it when you hear all the fans cheering for you!

Strauss : What has been the best part of your playing football?

Smith : The best part is that I get to play football and have plenty of fun with my teammates.

Strauss : What was it like to be a UFL champion?

Smith : I only got to play one game with them, and it happened to be the UFL Championship.

Strauss : What’s the greatest part of being in Kansas City?

Smith : One of the best parts about Kansas City is the fans that are here. I also enjoy living in Kansas City because there are a lot of restaurants with plenty of good food.

Strauss : What do you want your career to be remembered for?

Smith : I want to be remembered for speaking my mind. I want to be remembered for being great at stopping the run, and hopefully soon, I’ll have a championship ring on me.

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

Smith : I love playing video games. I love traveling too.

Strauss : Who has had the most impact on your career?

Smith : Bill Parcells has had the most impact on my career.

Strauss : What’s your nickname?

Smith : SS, because that’s my initials.

Strauss : What is your 91 Ways foundation?

Smith : The 91 Ways Foundation is to help uplift kids in the community. It also used to teach kids how important it is to get an education.

Strauss : What is an experience you have had that changed your life?

Smith : I’ve been cut by different teams. It has made me a stronger person. And, if you want something, you have to really keep going at it.

Strauss : What is your favorite quote? Why?

Smith : “It is what it is.” (Because it really doesn’t get any better).

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

Smith : Make sure this is really what you want do with your life, and give it your all!

Strauss : Thank you for your time.

Smith : Thanks Max! Keep up the great work!