Could you tell us a little about your childhood?
I had an extremely blessed childhood, I had a wond
erful mother who worked her tail off to provide me and my sister with everything that we needed. We didn’t always get what we wanted, but we had what we needed to survive!!! It did not take me long to realized how hard my mom worked to provide for us so I did everything I could to help out by staying out of trouble about as much as I could. I seen a lot in my childhood and don’t regret any of my past. Everything I encountered and endured made me who I am today. My childhood molded and shaped me into the man I am!!! I did not allow my environment to become a crutch and I did not allow it to hold me back. My neighborhood, my childhood only pushed me harder to become a better man!!!
How did you like attending Appalachian State and what made you choose the school?
Appalachian State was a new experience for me. It was a huge change of pace, coming from Atlanta. Atlanta is all flat land compared to the mountains of Boone, N.C. plus I didn’t need a lot of distractions. Boone was a small town that seemed to be a lot quieter compared to the big city life of ATL and I needed that. All I wanted to do was play football and get my education, No Distractions!!! They were always in the top 5 in the nation in football and was one of the top academic schools in N.C. it was a no brainer!!! Plus I feel in love with the family oriented mentality the players had with one another.
I know the early years may have been hard for you, can you tell people how you persevere throughout
everything?
My 1st couple of years in the League was really rough being a un-drafted free agent in this league is always rough. It was the 1st time in my life that I had been cut from anything!!! It was a rough transition and I just kept praying and kept playing. It was amazing to have such a opportunity and I did not wanna take anything for granted so I just tried to work harder every day. I did not wanna give up on my self so I never did.
How has it been in the NFL playing for 3 different teams and what has been your most memorable moment?
It’s been a tough road, but its also been fun, inspiring, and educational playing in 3 diff
erent cities. My most memorable events was the Super Bowl and my wedding. The both of them was a once and a life time opportunity. I feel extremely blessed for be able to do them both on a football field.
Would you like to comment of your free agent status? Any teams you would like to play for?
Yes I will comment on free agency, it hasn’t been that great to me at all this off season. I would love to be picked up sometime soon, I feel better than I have in a long time. I am ready to go and if i had a choice i would rather go to a team that really needed a player like myself, and wants to utilize me.
Some have said that there is some sort of tension between
the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburg Steelers, can you comment on the situation and if so what is really going on?
[Laughs], it’s like any other football rivalry. You have two really passionate teams playing against each other twice a year, so its gonna get heated. Then if you add in the two hottest defenses in the league it comes down to physicality and who hits who the hardest. [Laughs], it gets personal, nasty, and critical for a win in our division!!!
We heard that you have an event coming up soon in partnership with DTLR can you tell us a little bit about it?
Absolutely we are having a FREE football clinic in Atlanta, Ga for 8th graders to rising seniors, this isn’t just a regular football camp. It comes complete nutrition lessons, SAT prep, and life skills. Yes there’s football too. This is an opportunity for kids to get some free knowledge from NFL players about real life and football. The road isn’t easy and just like every thing else football takes a lot of dedication. When I was a kid these types of things didn’t happen, I do not remember a free camp! So please sign your kids up and come and join us. Chauncey Davis, Ovie Mughelli, and Daniel Wilcox for a one day inspirational football camp to help keep your child motivated about football!
I’ve heard that you are the locker room DJ. What’s on your IPod play list these days?
[Laughs], I play a little bit of every thing. I’m from ATL so I play a lot of down south music. T.I., Young Dro, Young Jeezy, Yung L.A., one of my all time favorites is Anthony Hamilton.
You have had a huge impact on the community, aside from the football camp, what else would you like to do for the youth?
I would like to slowly work my way into some things to help young women. Now that I’m married and my wife is on board maybe that will happen in due time. I want the foundation to expand and to be able to help many cities across the world and not just in my own neighborhood!!!
Any advice for those who strive to play professional football?
Yes, to always believe in yourself and to continue to work your tail off. Always to outwork the man beside you and never settle for less and push for better, push for perfection!!! Self motivate yourself, correct yourself, and do everything it takes for you to be the best at your craft!!!
