posted April 30, 2006 - print me!
neworleansprofootball.com

Q: Were you anticipating a trade? I know it had been rumored as a possibility?

A: "I was anticipating a trade and I knew New Orleans was in the mix and there were a couple of other teams that were also inquiring about me. I'm glad to be wanted, basically."

Q: Did you feel that wasn't the case in Philadelphia?

A: "It wasn't so much that I wasn't wanted, it was like I didn't feel wanted. I felt like I was there, I was already signed, so they were like let's go with this. It was kind of like that. They showed a lot. They showed me a lot of love while I was there and then they gave me my first opportunity to play professional football."

Q: Do you think this is a fresh start for you?

A: "Yes. When they drafted a couple of guys in the first round, they're coming to play right now. I'm doing what I have to do in the off-season. This actually gives me a fresh start. I know a couple of the coaches there and they pretty much know me because they were with me when I was a little bit younger. It is a fresh start."

Q: Wasn't Coach Payton a rookie NFL coach when you were starting your career?

A: "Yes, he was at Philly when I was there. I went up against him when he was with the Giants as coordinator and then he went on to Dallas as the coordinator. He's a stand up guy and actually I think he coached against me in college. I'm not real sure, but I know he coached at Eastern Illinois and I know we played them a couple of times."

Q: Do you have any idea of how the Saints would use you?

A: "It doesn't matter. I just want to come in and put my best foot forward and try to help win some games and get this thing rolling."

Q: Do you really not know what to expect having played 10 years with the same team?

A: "I don't know what to expect just as far as what they will have me doing things, but I do expect they want me to come in and make plays, because they wouldn't have brought me in otherwise. My motto has always been players make plays, so the coaches coach and the players make plays, so I feel like they feel like I'm a playmaker, so I'm coming in to make plays and not have too many mental errors or anything and try to be a leader by example. I'm a guy who jokes around a lot, but I try to do everything the coaches ask of me and of my ability."

Q: Do you know Jermane Mayberry?

A: "Yes. We actually came in in the same draft together. He's my good buddy. I haven't talked to Jayberry in a while, because he's been down there. It will be good."

Home  Back