Retired Jets and Dolphins QB, Chad Pennington Interview

Chad Pennington played college football at Marshall. He entered the 2000 NFL Draft, and was selected in the 1st round by the NY Jets. He played for the Jets for eight years from 2000 to 2007, and the Dolphins for three years from 2008-2010. He earned Comeback Player of the Year award twice in his career. He retired as the quarterback with the highest completion percentage in NFL History. 

Check out Chad Pennington’s 1st and 10 foundation, www.1stand10foundation.com

Strauss : Do you have any way for fans to connect with you? Have you considered joining twitter?

Pennington : I’m not really a technical person. I’m more old fashioned. Email is a big step for me.

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

Pennington : I would want to meet Jesus. I would want to walk with him and see the reaction and effect he had on people when they met him.

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

Pennington : My college degree is Broadcast Journalism. I also have an interest in coaching as well as other things.

Strauss : What is your favorite TV Show?

Pennington : My favorite TV show growing up was Dukes of Hazzard. I still watch the reruns on CMT

Strauss : What is your favorite movie of all time?

Pennington : My favorite movies are We are Marshall with Legends of the Fall as a close second.

Strauss : What is your favorite type of pie?

Pennington : Key Lime Pie.

Strauss : What would your last meal on earth be?

Pennington : Gravy and Biscuits. Two eggs over easy. Some grits. A hashbrown casserole. All with a large glass of milk.

Strauss : Do you have a favorite memory with a high school sport other then football?

Pennington : I played High School basketball. One of my favorite memories was leading my basketball team to the state tournament.

Strauss : What is your favorite memory from Marshall?

Pennington : My favorite memory at Marshall was winning the 1999 MAC Championship against Western Michigan. We were down 23-7 in the 3rd quarter and we came back to win 34-30 with 7 seconds left.

Strauss : What was it like to have Randy Moss as a teammate at Marshall?

Pennington : He made things simple. Put the ball in the air and let him do the rest.

Strauss : What was your draft day experience like?

Pennington : Great time with family and friends at Norris Lake in Tennessee.

Strauss : What was going through your mind when you finally got drafted?

Pennington : Finally, we can go celebrate on the houseboat we had rented

Strauss : What were the emotions like?

Pennington : I felt honored and blessed to have an opportunity to play in the NFL. I wasn’t that nervous, just excited and thankful.

Strauss : What is your favorite memory with the Jets?

Pennignton : Winning the AFC East Division in 2002.

Strauss : What was the transition like for you, moving from the Jets to the Dolphins?

Pennington : Smooth transition. A whirlwind, didn’t have time to reflect. I had to focus on helping the Dolphins win immediately.

Strauss : What is your favorite memory with the Dolphins?

Pennington : Winning the AFC East Division in 2008 and making NFL history by going 11-5 when the Dolphins were 1-15 in 2007.

Strauss : What was it like to win each Comeback player of the Year award (2006 and 2008)?

Pennington : Each time was very rewarding. Both years were unique but similar in trying to get back to the playoffs.

Strauss : What is it like to be the Leader in Completion Percentage in NFL History?

Pennington : I take pride in being very accurate and making good decisions

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

Pennington : Fishing. I love Smallmouth Bass Fishing on the  Greenbrier River in West Virginia.

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

Pennington : My Father. He helped me set a foundation as a young football player.

Strauss : What is your nickname?

Pennington : Most of my teammates call me CP or Coach. CP for short and coach because I boss them around like a coach when I am on the field.

Strauss :  What is the 1st and 10 foundation?

Pennington : The foundation was established in 2003 by my wife and I. We started it to help improve the quality of life for people in West Virgina, Tennessee, and South Florida. We enjoy creating opportunities and spending our money and time to help people.

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

Pennington : Butter Pecan.  Nice and Smooth with a little crunch to mix it up every once in awhile.

Strauss : What is your favorite quote?

Pennington : “Have character; Don’t be a character. “ A quote my dad would tell me all of the time growing up.

Strauss : What is the best advice you have received?

Pennington : To learn how to love, accept, and forgive. When you learn how to do this, life is fun, rewarding, and worth living.

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

Pennington : Focus on the small goals rather than the bigger dreams. If you want to get to the top of the stairs, you can not skip steps.

Strauss : Is there anything you want to tell your fans that we have not talked about?

Pennington :  Thanks to all of the fans who have supported me over the years.

Strauss : Thank you so much for your time again! It was an honor meeting my childhood star.

Pennington : No problem. In the NFL, a player hears more negativity than positive support. It’s really refreshing when I talk to a fan who appreciates what I do and respects me for what I’ve had to overcome.