July 2, 2009
What do you think of the changes in the facility since you played here? It makes me wonder if there's any way I can come back to college and play for another year (laughing). Everything looks great. It's a lot different. The stadium looks huge now. The renovations to the buildings, and even to the buildings on the track side, it's just incredible.
The National Championship really helped build that foundation. How does it feel to have been a part of those teams that have led to this? I'm very proud. I think when coach Brown got here, he started bringing back the Texas tradition of winning. When we won the National Championship, it kind of set the foundation of where we need to get and where we need to stay. We've done that. We're around of the top of the Big 12 and the nation every year. I think about it and I'm really proud.
How much do you follow the current team from Minnesota? I watch them every time they're on TV that I can. I'm always rooting for them, and even when they're not on TV, I'm always checking the scores. It's kind of weird because every year I know less people on the team, but I'm always thinking about them and text (defensive ends) coach (Oscar) Giles and some of the guys I know before the games to tell them good luck and that we're watching them.
What does Coach Giles mean to you? He means a lot. I had a short time with Coach Giles, but he meant a lot. He allowed me to do things and told me that I could things that I, not necessarily didn't think I could do, but he brought them out in me. He was always there for me in good times and bad. There were times where I might have a bad game and I was able to text him at 1 a.m. when I was thinking about it. He was there for me, as well as Tim (Crowder), so I think Tim and I appreciate coach Giles more than a lot of people appreciate their coaches.
Texas has really started sending defensive ends to the NFL at a high rate. How good is it to see that? That's another thing I'm proud of. You had me and Tim, then you have Orakpo and Henry Melton, and now Sergio is a defensive end, so you've got a lot of guys. Hopefully in the next year or so, it would be nice to be known as DE-U. I'm really proud of those guys, and I'm hoping it starts a tradition of not just defensive ends, but d-line in general.
Beyond that, you see a Longhorn on the other sideline almost every week. How impressive is that? It's really cool. Only one time since I've been in the league have I looked over and not seen a Texas guy, and that actually felt really weird. It makes it fun. It gives you bragging rights, and it's fun especially if they're on the offensive side, because you can talk some smack in a good way. It's really nice to see those guys and see that they're doing well in the NFL and be able to keep in touch with them.
How are things for you now that you've had a couple years of experience in the NFL? I feel great. I feel like I'm 100 times better than I've ever been. Physically, I feel like I'm in the best shape I've ever been in. I'm really excited about this season, and hopefully I can get a chance to get out there and play even more and show the Texas nation I'm going to represent (smiling).
Has anything surprised you about the league? To me there haven't been that many surprises. The thing about playing at Texas is you see NFL guys every day. When you get to the NFL, it makes the transition a little easier. You may have had a guy here at Texas that is just like the guy you're going to play against in the NFL. It's the same type of capabilities. I think the only thing that's a little bit different about the NFL than the college game is when you do get to the NFL, whether you're second string or third string, they're all great players.
How has the transition been from living in Texas to living in Minnesota? It's a little different during the winter. It's cold to say the least. During the winter, you definitely have to bring out a different wardrobe. I can say during the spring and summer I think I'd rather be up there because it's a lot cooler, but it kind of makes you a little bit of a softy when you come back here and you're sweating and crying about it being 90 degrees. It's a transition, but I've enjoyed.
On a more personal note, how is married life? It's great. I couldn't ask for anything better. I've got a lovely wife, Jayme, and I've enjoyed every day of it.
Is there anything else that's new personally? I started my track back up this season. I threw some shot put during the offseason and did pretty well. I ended up throwing about 64 feet and qualified for the U.S. Nationals. I ended up not going, but I plan on picking it back up after this football season again.
What made you decide to start again? It's something I never really wanted to let go. At the time, football was the main thing. Obviously it still is. It's just something I didn't want to let go of, and I was too good at it to just give it up. Around March, I decided I would start it again. Hopefully I can make the 2012 Olympics. That would be nice, and we'll see what happens.
The NFL-Olympic combination is pretty rare. How supportive have the Vikings been? They've been very supportive. Originally I thought they might not let me do it, but I went in and talked to (head) coach (Brad) Childress and he had no problem with it. They've supported me all the way.
How often will you get to train moving forward? I'll get to train during the offseason. It has its pros and cons. Obviously the guys I'll be throwing against will have a little bit of an upper hand because they throw year around, but at the same time, I won't get burned out. I'm just going to give it a shot, and if it works out, it works out. If not, it's a passion and I'll enjoy it.
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