FT: Monday (1/28) Interview Transcripts

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NE Monday Transcripts -- Rodney Harrison
01/28/2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Super Bowl XLII – Monday, January 28, 2008

QUOTES FROM NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS PRESS CONFERENCE
S RODNEY HARRISON

(on if this Super Bowl is more special because the start of his season and coming back from injury) “I think it’s probably a little bit more special for me, for the simple fact that the older you get, you understand that your time playing football and having this opportunity really wears down. For me to have this opportunity at this point and stage of my career, 14th year, is pretty special.”

(on NFL players and problems with steroid and substance abuse not getting the same scrutiny as baseball players) “That is none of my concern. I’m just here looking forward to and planning on beating the Giants and preparing for them. That’s none of my concern.”

(on only three teams reaching the Super Bowl twice throughout his career and those being the Rams, Giants and Patriots and his role on Rams getting here for his hit on Trent Green and if he thinks about his place in history) “Not at all. I was a teammate of Trent Green’s and was very disappointed that, that hit actually occurred. He turned out to be a terrific quarterback and did some wonderful things, made a lot of money. He really doesn’t have anything bad to say about his career. But, I don’t really focus on (my place in) history. There’s a time and place for that, and it’s certainly not right now.”

(on if he felt bad to see Green suffer another severe concussion to end his season this year) “No question. He is a quality guy. He’s a great person, a great football player, and it’s frustrating. We, as competitors, are out there trying to compete and stay healthy, and sometimes the game won’t allow you to stay healthy. Sometimes you get a shot on your knee, you get rolled up on, you get a concussion and those are things you can’t control. I don’t care how many weights you lift or how much working out you do, but that’s why we signed up for it.”

(On his pride in the 30 sacks and 30 interceptions) “Well, I mean that is something I really haven’t reflected on yet because I don’t feel like my career is over yet. When I’m done playing and am relaxing with my kids, that’s probably a story I’ll tell my two boys. But right now, that really doesn’t have any relevance to the game.”

(on if the loss to the Colts last year in the AFC Championship sparked a more aggressive off-season for the Patriots) “I don’t know. You would have to ask Bill Belichick that but obviously we made some great moves this off-season, bringing in some guys. His number one reason for bringing in guys is to help this team out and really get us to that next level, and that next level is where we are at right now. Last year was last year, and we were very disappointed about that but we came back very strong and we worked extremely hard since March preparing, working hard, lifting weights, meetings, two-a-days, just everything to put it all together for this opportunity right now to win one football game, and that’s the goal.”

(on the kind of pressure it puts on opposing secondary given the Patriots free agent wide receiver acquisitions) “The analogy I use is in ’03 when we played the Colts, unstoppable. It seemed like they were unstoppable, and it seems like for our offense, it’s like going against the ’03 Colts, with so many different weapons – the wide receivers, the running backs, the tight ends, just so much talent – and that’s what we have.”

(on beating nine teams with winning records) “We can’t control who we play or who is on our schedule. We go out there and try to win a football game. At first it was, ‘you guys are putting up too many points.’ Now, it’s come around where we are only winning games by three points, and you guys (media) started complaining about that. We are just happy to be here.”

(on if it’s a point of pride to beat the best teams in the League) “I really haven’t though about it. I don’t think many of my teammates have thought about it. I think ever since I’ve been here in ’03, wins and losses have been put on the shelf. We learn from them and we move forward.”

(on what his reaction was when the Patriots signed Wes Welker) “I was ecstatic. I was so excited. I told my brother. I was just ecstatic, because he was probably the toughest guy (to cover) because no one could stick him man-to-man. When we went against the Dolphins, he was just so quick, so tough, and he wouldn’t mind coming and crack blocking on you. He could just do so many different things.”

(on if he was surprised that a guy like Welker was even available) “Yeah, it’s shocking because he’s a great talent. He can hurt you in so many different ways, so if he comes available, you’d be crazy not to take a shot at getting him. But, that just shows you once again, (Bill) Belichick and doing Scott Pioli doing a great job with personnel and grabbing guys who people overlook, whether he’s 5’6” or 5’8”, or a free agent, it doesn’t matter. They know football, and they know football players.”

(on if he was concerned about Randy Moss’ ability to adapt to the Patriots Way) “I really didn’t know the exact situation coming in with Randy. I didn’t really know Randy personally. I played against him for several years when he was in Minnesota, so of course, I think everyone probably had…they were pretty skeptical. Can he really fit in and do the things that we wanted him to do? But you look back at his situation with the Raiders, and he’s always played hard. He’s always been a productive receiver, so being in a situation like that, I can understand why he was frustrated – losing, not getting the ball, wanting to win. He’s a very competitive guy, and a very intelligent guy. Being here, he’s been the ideal teammate. He’s been working hard. I mean, he looks like he’s 27 or 28 years old out there. He’s just a fun guy to be around.”

(on the journey of Tedy Bruschi) “Every time I see this Patriots symbol (pointing to the logo on his hat), it reminds me of Tedy Bruschi. That’s what Tedy Bruschi is – he’s the heart and soul of our team. He’s a guy who demands respect, a guy who has the respect of all of his teammates and peers and the organization, and a guy who really symbolizes what it’s like to be a New England Patriot. He’s one of my best friends on the team. So, he’s a guy who they looked at and said he’d probably never walk, let alone play football, and for him to come back and make that tremendous journey, and to show the heart and resiliency to get back on that field, that’s inspirational.”

(on if Bruschi is the embodiment of the Patriots Way) “That’s what it’s about. It’s not about guys parading themselves and trying to draw attention to themselves. We have a lot of talented guys and the first thing people said when I first got here was that they were a bunch of blue-collared guys who did things a certain way, but we have some good football players on this team, and the reason why maybe we don’t get the attention that other individuals get is because we don’t parade ourselves. We don’t try to say how good one individual person is. It’s all about the team. It’s all about the team, and nothing else matters. You can have a bunch of great individual players, but it’s something special to have a great team, and it takes a bunch of special individuals to make up that team.”

(on Asante Samuel) “He’s the best corner in the League, hands down - the best corner in the League, hands down. I’d put him up against anybody. He’s consistent, very smart, and he can do it all. He can tackle, knock balls down, and he can match up on the best receiver. He’s the best cornerback in the League.”

(on if coming to New England was the best decision he could have ever made) “Yeah, I had a choice. I had a choice and an opportunity to sign with the Denver Broncos or the Oakland Raiders. I prayed on it, and someway, somehow, God led me to New England. I had on shorts and a t-shirt and I never imagined I’d play for the Patriots, but it was a great decision and a true blessing for me to be able to experience what I have experienced. I’ve learned more in five years here than in nine of my previous seasons in San Diego.”

(on what it is about Bill Belichick that makes him so special) “He’s smart, well prepared, he has knowledge of all three areas – special teams, defense and offense. He’s a guy who doesn’t overlook any detail. That’s Bill Belichick. He just pays attention to every single aspect or detail about this football team, and that’s the thing that really separates Bill Belichick from others.”

(on Junior Seau talking about this team having chance to be in the greatest ever category) “We have an opportunity to do something special. First and foremost, win a football game, win a world championship. Then, whatever records you want to look at, whatever history you want to make out of it, it can last forever. I think that’s what Junior means by that situation. It’s an opportunity. I think Tedy Bruschi summed it up. He said, ‘we’ve won one game, 18 times in a row.’ Now, we have to try to go out there and win one more.”

(on if the spy issue served as extra motivation) “No. You step on the field and you are already pissed off enough. You don’t need added incentive. You are doing it for your job. You are doing it for your teammates. The media of course always has something to say, so of course you like to spit in their face by going out and winning and playing hard, no disrespect. You are always going to have critics, people looking at you and saying different things, but if you can’t find motivation going out on that football field, you need not play.”

(on the fine line between being aggressive vs dirty) “I don’t know because football is a dirty sport. You look at the receivers out here, how linemen cut block, and how receivers intentionally go at your knees and try to take you out, which I was taken out last year by Bobby Wade. Is that dirty? I mean, I missed the AFC Championship and he could have ended my career. But, they look at me and say I’m dirty. It’s all good. I’m not going to change who I am, the way I approach the game, or the way I play.”

(on seeing Tom Brady out at practice) “He’s the leader of our team. He’s special, and to have your number one guy out there working hard and just being out there with his spirit, of course it brought a smile to our faces. Tom will be there Sunday, don’t worry about that.”

(on how he gives out his allotment of Super Bowl tickets) “It’s a tough situation because you have had so many people who have supported you throughout your career. For me, I’ve been fortunate because this is my fourth Super Bowl, and I’ve been able to really share in this special moment with so many people. I think when I was a rookie, I got 30 tickets. Now, I’m only getting 15 tickets. Now that I’m married, my wife helps out and you just find the people who have supported you and been there for you, whether you are a professional athlete or an ordinary guy, and you just go with your heart.”

(on if Junior Seau needs a Super Bowl win to validate his career) “I don’t think he needs a Super Bowl. I think what he does speaks for itself – 12 consecutive Pro Bowls, how many all-Pros? Just what he meant to me in my life and other young guys around the League, that’s something that you cherish and you really hold near to your heart. I don’t think he really needs that, but I think there’s nothing wrong with having that. For him, I think it’ll just put that stamp of approval on an already successful career.”

(on dealing with the death of Marquise Hill) “What I promised myself was that the way I approach my life was going to be the way I was going to honor Marquise. I get up every day and as I walk past his locker, I remember him and I just thank God for the opportunity for me to wake up in the morning. It’s the small things, like saying ‘I love you’ to my wife and my mom and my kids, not taking anything for granted or letting a day go by where I don’t really bust my butt. He was a young guy, 23 or 24 years old, and he was tragically lost. So for me, and I think most of my teammates, we really honor him by just looking at his locker and working every day and appreciating things in this life.”

(on getting back on the practice field on Monday) “It was fun today. Just getting off that long flight and resting last night and being able to get on that football field and see the sunshine and being out of that cold weather, it was just enjoyable. You never know when you’ll have another opportunity like this, and I’m cherishing each moment and each day. It’s truly special. This is the biggest sporting event in the world and little Rodney Harrison from Markham, Illinois has an opportunity to play in this game once again, and I’m so blessed by it.”

[Ras]

NE Monday Transcripts -- Matt Light
01/28/2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Super Bowl XLII – Monday, January 28, 2008

QUOTES FROM NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS PRESS CONFERENCE

T MATT LIGHT

(on the Patriots’ wide receivers blocking) “I think all of our receivers have done an excellent job of getting into the secondary or getting on some of the guys that are tight to the line of scrimmage, some key blocks to free the running backs to get to the second level. As a lineman, when you have a guy like Wes (Welker), who is not the biggest receiver we’ve had around here, flies around and throws his body in front of people. That’s a lot of fun. Our crew has done a great job all season.”

(on if the Giants will bring more pressure because of Tom Brady’s foot situation) “They’re a type of defense that wants to get to the quarterback regardless of what’s going on. They’re very good up front. With the combination they have on the outside with Osi (Umenyiora) and (Michael) Strahan, you team that up with the guys that they have on the interior, who are pretty quick guys, that’s a combination for disaster for an offensive line. They don’t make it easy for you. Their goal this season, and they’ve been very affective doing it, is getting to the quarterback and I’m sure they’re going to try it quite a bit in that game.”

(on his concern over Brady’s mobility) “I never concern myself with anybody that we’re playing with, whether it’s Tom or anybody else. Their situation is their situation. Nobody knows what’s going on other than him and he’s the only one who can answer those questions, as to how he feels. I’ll tell you one thing, if he’s out there he’s going to be giving you everything that he’s got. I don’t worry about that at all. There’s nothing I can do about it.”

(on how Brady looked in practice) “I try not to look at him too much. You guys do enough of that. I’m concerned with what’s right in front of me and I really haven’t paid much attention to it.”

(on the Patriots’ offensive line receiving accolades) “If you do your job and play hard and try to improve what you do every time you go out there, especially in our case, we’ve gotten recognition this season. Whether it’s due or not, we’re not the judge of that. It is a great honor. I think it was said best by Tommy (Brady), that’s a team achievement. If we didn’t have success as a team then no would be looking at us. That’s probably a good way to look at it. These postseason awards, the opportunity to go the Pro Bowl, or All-Pro and all of that, it’s never just about the guy that got the award. There is usually a lot of other people that play a role in that too. I think we’re all pretty humbled by it.”

(on protection in the last Giants game) “I think those guys played really well. Russ (Hochstein) has played a backup role in a lot of big games in New England. I don’t think we really missed too much by not having Nick (Kaczur) and Steve (Neal) out there from the standpoint that these guys know what to do. All of our backups know what’s expected of them. They all know the system. I thought they did a really good job of stepping in there and playing well against a really good defense. When we look at that game, there are a lot of things that we need to do better. There are a lot of things that we didn’t do very well. At the end of the day we did win that one. But those guys present a lot of challenges for us up front. They do a lot of different things and they’re very good at what they do. We’ll have our hands full. It will be nice having Nick and Steve back. I know they’re very excited to play in this one.”

(on if he’s notice a change in Head Coach Bill Belichick) “He might have joked with you guys but we’re pretty serious in our meetings. I try not to analyze him too much. I think we’ve done a great job of staying focused and doing what we do. I don’t think that he’s really changed from that standpoint.”

(on how Brady’s quick decision making helps the offensive line) “It’s a lot easier for us, obviously, whenever you have a quarterback that can see everything that the defense is doing, make the adjustments, step up here and there. I think a classic example of that was in our last game against the Giants. Osi got a good step on me and he was barreling up field. Tommy took a step at the last minute to avoid a potential strip sack. Those are the kinds of things he does. He has great awareness in the pocket. He knows when to step up and get rid of the ball. He makes it a lot easier for us up front.”

(on how Brady has grown) “I don’t really rate what he does but there is nobody that prepares better than Tommy. I’ve never been around a guy that takes each moment of practice and preparation as serious as he does and can stay as focused as he does when he’s out there. He’s obviously one of the great quarterbacks in this league and deservedly so. I think it comes down to a great work ethic. Every game means a lot to him. I don’t know how much more you can rate a guy, other than that. Anytime you have a guy out there doing what he does, it pushes everyone around him. He leads by example. When you have somebody like that it helps you pick up your game a notch. Every game you’re playing for perfection. That’s what he’s doing and it trickles down to everybody else.”

(on what separates coach Bill Belichick from other coaches in the league) “I think one of the biggest things he does is he doesn’t accept any excuses. He tells it to you like it is. You have to have thick skin at times. The one thing I can tell you for sure is that he’s going to demand everything out of you. He’s going to give you, in turn, everything that he’s got. There’s nobody that spends more time in that building than him.”

(on if Belichick yelled at him during a Pro Bowl) “He challenged me. That’s the downside to losing the AFC Championship Game.”

(on New England’s success with handling distractions) “I think what happens when you have so much attention, all the media stuff, understanding how to deal with that, some of the younger guys get to see how you react to that. It’s tough to deal with all the things that go on during the season but it’s probably magnified even more so. The No. 1 thing you can do is focus on what’s going on immediately. There’s no real remedy to dealing with distractions.

(on how they built the ‘one-at-a-time mentality’) “When we come to work, our schedule, we don’t have down time. We just stay so focused on what we have to get done and never being satisfied. I think that’s the other thing too. We’ve won some games and we’ve won them by a large margin. When we go back and watch that film, we don’t focus on the things that we did well. We focus on all the things that we have to do to get better, to prepare harder, that’s what helps you stay focused.”

(on Brady remaining humble) “We don’t have to do anything. Tommy is Tommy. He’s got a great personality. He doesn’t need to be humbled. He humbles himself. I don’t think anybody is any harder on him than himself. That’s nothing for us to take care of.”

(on Brady at practice) “I try not to study him too much. I have guys in front of me that I’m dealing with. I’m sure he’s doing alright.”

(on the offense expanding with Brady) “It’s clear that anytime you have a quarterback that knows the system as well as he does, it’s going to make it easier on everybody around you. You learn something every time you go out there and play. He’s proven that you can win the close ones and you can win by a large margin. It all comes down to how hard you prepare and how hard you work. That’s something we talk about.”

(on if there is a bigger playbook than five years ago) “Honestly, what we do up front, blocking and how we dissect a defense, and how we go about blocking them, those things really don’t change a whole lot. I think what’s changed more for (Brady) is his relationship with his receivers. Obviously, having a new cast, a new crew in this year, they’ve had to do a lot of work and they’ve had to put in a lot of extra time together to really get to know each other. Things might change more for him with routes, sights and adjustments, things that he’s very good at. There is a learning curve with the new guys but they put in so much time. They meet together more than us as an offensive line, probably.”

(on never losing a Super Bowl) “We’ve been fortunate to not be in a position to play a game of this magnitude in front of the world and lose. If you don’t give everything that you have in this game and you don’t walk away with your heads up as a World Champion, then whatever we did during the regular season is not as meaningful. I know New York is doing everything they can do to prepare themselves for this game. We’re doing the same. There’s nothing like winning a World Championship. There’s nothing like being on that field celebrating a victory. That’s what’s on the back of everybody’s mind right now. That’s why we’re working so hard and that’s why we’re doing what we’re doing.”

(on Osi Umenyiora calling him a dirty player) “I’ve heard the comment on that. I finally watched that. I don’t think it’s what everyone wants to make it out to be. I don’t think that anybody that’s watched film with me would say that. I sure don’t talk out there. I try not to play in any other fashion than what everyone else is doing out there. I’m sure most people would say that.”

(on how his spirituality has helped him) “Before we go out on the field, we get together and say the Lord’s Prayer. Almost every guy in that locker room takes time out of their day to thank God for the opportunity to play in that game, to make sure that He watches over them and keeps them healthy, not only themselves but everybody that walks on that field. I think your faith is what gets you through. Anytime you have a hard day, everybody looks to God to get them out of that situation. It works the other way. Anytime you win, you look to God and thank him. Faith has been a big part of everything that I’ve done in my life.”

(on the Patriots being secretive with inside information) “The average person doesn’t say publicly what’s going on in their family and we try not to do that as a team. There’s no need to talk about anything, especially if you don’t have anything to do with it. 90 percent of the things this season haven’t dealt with me so luckily I haven’t had anything to say about it. That’s about as easy as it gets.”

(on not giving opponents bulletin-board material) “I try not to say anything. You just open yourself up to criticism. For some they can say whatever they want to as long as they go out there and play well and prove what they’re saying is true, they look great. I don’t want to say something and not go out and deliver and look like a fool.”

(on not going for a big free-agent contract) “I don’t think for every guy in this league money is the main factor. There’s a point where you say enough is enough. I enjoy the New England area. I enjoy playing for Mr. Kraft and his family. I enjoy the coaching and I enjoy every guy in that locker room. For me, that decision was an easy one.”

[Ras]

NE Monday Transcripts -- Adalius Thomas
01/28/2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Super Bowl XLII – Monday, January 28, 2008

QUOTES FROM NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS PRESS CONFERENCE

LB ADALIUS THOMAS

(on being focused as a team) “Whatever it is that needs to be done to bring focus to the task at hand, we are willing to do, no matter what it is. We just channel all of our focus on our opponent.”

(on playing his cousin Justin Tuck on Sunday) “It’ll be a little different because he’s not on offense. If he was on offense, then there would be little bit more smack talking. I wish him luck anytime except for this Sunday. It’ll be different. His family is here and my family is here. It’ll be bittersweet for one family.”

(on if he and Justin Tuck have played against each other before) “I think we played each other in pre-season. It’ll be our first time facing each other. I’m sure we’ll get together the next couple of nights and talk on the phone.”

(on motivation as a team and trash talking) “One thing I’ve learned this year more than anything else is none of that matters. Nothing that you says matters. Nothing that you do in the press conference matters. None of that matters. The only thing that matters is how you play on Sunday. That’s the only thing that matters. All the other stuff, the talk and who did this, doesn’t matter. People talk. They say what they want to say and none of that matters. The only thing we do is show up on Sunday and be ready for the kickoff.”

(on the differences between playing this Super Bowl and the one he played in with the Ravens) “There’s a big difference. I got deactivated my first one. They took my helmet, but I was going to run on the field. Being a rookie and being so young, I don’t think you understand on how hard it is to get here. Being that young, you’re like it going to be easy to get back and this is it. Now, here I am seven years later back at it and understanding how hard it is to get here. Right now you really enjoy all there is with the press conferences. I’m pretty sure I’ll get some silly questions between now and tomorrow. It’s really all in fun and you really just try to remember everything. You’ll never get a chance to do this again.”

(on having the attention on him now) “You have to deserve that attention. Hard work and dedication is what went into earning the right to be on a podium like this.”

(on Coach Bill Belichick being one of a kind for what he’s done this year) “We’ll see. It’s something that we’ll just have to wait and see. He’s done a great job with us this year and we have one more to finish up. He’s totally different that any other coach I’ve had.”

(on Belichick’s motivation) “Humble pie. That’s the thing. Just keeping us humble. You hear from the media how great you are and when you get in the team meeting, it’s totally different. You are only as good as your weaknesses. You go out there and work on things that you aren’t good at. When you do that, it helps you get better as a team. You may not necessarily see it right away, but it will come back up.”

(on QB-Tom Brady’s ankle injury) “I’m not concerned. I have a job to do, so my job is to be ready to do my job. Tom (Brady) said he will be ready. That’s what he said in the press conference. He has a job to do and I’m pretty sure he’ll do it. My focus is really on the offense of the Giants and what we have to do as a defense. Whatever Tom (Brady) gives us, I’m sure he’ll give us all he has. It’ll be a true team effort.”

(on his upbringing and that being a factor on his career) “It played a lot as far as being humble. People recognize how you treat people. Before you are football player or a celebrity, you’re a man. That’s the one thing you can never hide. You can hide behind the jersey and the face mask all you want, but sooner or later, you have to be a man.”

(on when he gets nervous before a game) “Right before kickoff. You try to hold it off and I try not to get excited, but you get nervous. It’s not a bad nervousness and if you don’t get them, then you probably aren’t human. After the kickoff, and the extra lights are on with the cameras, you settle down and get back to normal.”

(on being prepared for the game) “When you’re prepared, teams still come out with new wrinkles and new things all the time, so you just play the things that you’ve seen as best you can and go from there.”

(on his recording setting deal for a linebacker he signed) “The market always sets itself. You just take that with a grain of salt. Next year, it’ll be somebody else. If that helps someone else get a new deal, I’m happy for them.”

(on playing QB-Eli Manning and the Giants running game this week) “A good quarterback. He makes all the throws. He’s very efficient. We have to stop the run game and (Ahmad) Bradshaw will be back this time. It’ll definitely bring a change of pace between him and (Brandon) Jacobs.”

(on the way the Patriots defense will play the Giants) “You just have to take what they give you as far as that goes. I’m sure they (Giants) are saying the same thing about us. The game will set it’s tone through the first quarter and we’ll have to come to the sideline and make adjustments. We just know he (Eli Manning) likes to sit in the pocket and throw the ball. We have to get pressure on Eli (Manning) just like you get on any other quarterback.”

(on what it takes to be a linebacker in the Patriots defense) “It takes someone that’s willing to work hard and that’s smart to play in this defense as a linebacker. We have a lot of smart, tough, physical guys that come to work hard everyday and that I think that shows up in the games.”

[Ras]

NE Monday Transcripts -- Ty Warren
01/28/2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Super Bowl XLII – Monday, January 28, 2008

QUOTES FROM NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS PRESS CONFERENCE

DT TY WARREN

(on the nice weather today) “It’s good. It’s nice to have a change of scenery. It was a beautiful day out there today, and we enjoyed it. My joints definitely felt that I was on grass today. It felt good.”

(on if his contract extension motivated him) “It had nothing to do with anything on the field. It’s just another aspect of the game, as far as what’s on the field. I come out there to play football, and I work hard. That’s what I do.”

(on if the extension gave him any security) “It’s all great. It felt good that the extension happened, but at the same time, how are you going to see that extension if you’re not working hard? Work is still very much a big part of it.”

(on the loss of Marquise Hill) “I think with all the controversy, and allegation, and finger pointing that has happened during the season, that’s something that’s been overlooked, as far as the season is concerned. I think everybody in that locker room is not only playing for themselves, or their family or this organization, but I think a lot of them are playing for Marquise. We all went down, prior to the season, went down to his wake and his funeral, and we got to meet his family. We got to know him more than we got to know him in the locker room. I think that motivated us every time we walked by his locker to not take things for granted, things like going out to practice or days when you’re so banged up and you’ve got bumps and bruises everywhere. When you feel like you can’t make it through the day, you just look over at that locker, and that’s motivation. I think that’s something that’s been overlooked this season with everything that’s gone on.”

(on if Marquise Hill’s locker is still in tact) “Yeah. Anything we receive from sponsors like Reebok or anything that gets sent to the team or anything like that, we put it into his locker like he was there. Everybody always pays homage when he walks by his locker.”

(on Marquise Hill’s sense of humor) “Marquise always made light of any situation. That’s what people loved about him. He could go up and down that locker room and make anybody laugh, no matter what their personality is. He was a very social person.”

(on the role of faith in handling Marquise Hill’s death) “I think faith plays a big part. A lot of it is just moving so fast in this occupation, but you lose sight of life in general. It’s times like this—cherish each and every moment. It’s been great, but it definitely puts everything in perspective.”

(on players who have constantly improved) “I think James Sanders is a guy that sticks out to me that’s always working to get better, always asking questions, always doing extra stuff. We have a saying: it’s one thing to go through the front door and everybody’s seeing you working, every time you come into work and break a sweat, everybody sees you. But, it’s another thing when you slide in through the back door, and you’re doing stuff when people aren’t watching. That’s the type of player and person that James Sanders is, and that’s the kind of player who gets better every year and wants to get better every year.”

(on what drives him to constantly improve) “I think just keeping everything in perspective and staying humble, and knowing you can get better, never getting too high, never getting too low, and just knowing there’s always room for improvement, no matter what. Perfection is something that’s so far fetched. It’s something you’ve got to work for but you can’t be perfect. You just try to get as close to perfect as possible.”

(on the run defense the last time they played the Giants) “I think there were a lot of miscommunications, front seven-wise and in technique, where it wasn’t played at times the way it needed to be played. That led to some of the big plays in that game, as far as the running game is concerned. They got some big runs in the first half, then it slowed down in the second half. We’ve just got to tighten up our technique. We’ve come a long way in playing a lot of running teams, like Jacksonville and San Diego.”

(on if you can do more in practicing in nice weather) “I definitely felt like I could run around all day. It was fun and a warm time. Maybe it has something to do with me being a Texas guy, I don’t know. But I definitely felt loose. It was a beautiful day, a change of scenery, no snow on the ground. I think it’s definitely good for each and every person.”

(on if he can get more work in with nicer weather) “Well, my job is pretty simple. I just put my hand in the dirt. I guess, when you ask that question, I think of guys like (Tom) Brady and throwing the ball and stuff like that. I think things pretty much looked like they were running smoothly today.”

(on the sense of pride of being with the Patriots) “As far as me being able to don a New England Patriots uniform and helmet and be a part of this organization, it builds up to being a wonderful foundation along with Bill (Belichick) and his staff. I thank each and every moment I’ve been in this uniform. I love the team. I started out on this team, and I want to end my career on this team. It’s been a privilege and an honor, and I’ve been fortunate to be able to be on a team that’s been as successful as this team has. We continue to do great things, and I definitely want to be a part of it.”

(on how much he keeps in touch with Texas A&M) “I pay attention to what goes on there. I’m in touch with a lot of the old coaches, like (R.C.) Slocum. I’m aware of a lot of the things going on there. I’m friends with a lot of people down there, and also grew up five minutes away from the university. My ties are deep there.”

(on how going there impacted his career) “I think it impacted me a lot. The Big 12 is pretty much a running conference. People run a lot, other than Texas Tech and Oklahoma, when they got (Josh) Heupel and all those guys and ran the Florida system. It was definitely a running conference, and as far as coming to the New England Patriots, the priority is to stop the run. I think it definitely impacted my career.”

(on Kevin Faulk’s value to the team) “I think Faulk is the unheralded hero on this team. I think you look back on this last game, and his play highlighted a lot of the things that he does that are important to this offense’s success, things like catches on third down, picking up a blitz. He’s definitely overlooked, but that’s the kind of player he is, too. He’s not looking for any affirmation from anybody. As long as he’s doing his job, he’s cool with that. That’s the special thing about Kevin, and everybody respects him.”

(on how to describe Bill Belichick) “A perfectionist, a realist. He’s a guy that believes in ‘no stone unturned.’ I can give you a long list of things, but those things stick out, that he’s a perfectionist and he’s a realist, in the sense that he doesn’t give any special treatment to any one player, no matter what their so-called status is on this team. He doesn’t believe in entitlement or things like that. Everybody gets the same treatment. If you do your job, you get a pat on the back.”

(on what Bill Belichick said after the contract extension) “Well, Bill’s not a man of many words. He basically said, ‘Congratulations, get back to work.’ There wasn’t a big celebration with balloons and confetti or anything like that. It was just done and we went on about our business, and now, here we are.”

(on if that’s how he wanted it to be done) “Yeah. Even though my occupation kind of highlights things like that at times, I never wanted that to be the main focus of anything, and that’s probably why you didn’t hear a lot of talk about it during the spring and during training camp.”

(on if he noticed any change in Bill Belichick during the season) “Not really. I think Bill has pretty much been the same, as far as the laughing and joking and things like that. We’re winning, so he hasn’t really much reason to frown or anything like that. As long as we continue to do that, you’ll probably see smiles. But I mentioned before he’s a perfectionist, and any little glitch or anything like that which could go wrong, he’ll highlight that deal and go over it a thousand times. Things haven’t been all the way right this year, but we have been winning.”

(on the Patriot way) “I think it’s a lot of veterans that schooled me, and now I’m schooling younger guys. I can’t really speak for any other organizations, because I haven’t played for any other teams, but when you come in here, the way you work and you prepare on a week-to-week basis, and in the offseason, people look upon that as motivation and as a sign of respect. People respect that in this locker room. If they see you loafing and not doing much, just going along for the ride, then you don’t really get that respect, whether you’re a young guy, a veteran, anybody. You earn your respect in this organization. It’s not just you get this contract and you’re the guy, or whatever the case might be. It doesn’t work like that. You’ve got to earn your respect. I think that’s something that, through the locker room, is looked upon as a sign of respect.”

(on the role of spite in the perfect season) “I don’t think it had much bearing on the season. I think it’s something that might have drawn some attention early on in the season. I don’t think it helped us get to where we’re at right now.”

(on if it was discussed earlier and put away) “All Belichick said was, ‘I’ll deal with it.’ He wanted to continue to focus on football and help the organization focus on that at the time. It’s nothing that’s talked about now, or even Week 3 or 4 for that matter.”

(on if anyone ever got mad about “asterisk” talk) “Well, I’m not going to sit here and say no one got mad when things like that came up, because we take pride in the work that we do.”

(on if constantly beating the top teams in the NFL was a proving point) “It definitely was something that was good in the past, but I think the challenge that we have coming up this Sunday is a whole different challenge. New York is a team that’s playing really well. They played very well in the course of the playoffs. Even during the season, they played well. You can never overlook those guys because of the success we had in the past.”

(on if he ever thought the perfect record was in jeopardy) “The one real scare where I thought it might have been over was Baltimore. Those couple of penalties that happened, I was like, ‘Here we go again.’ I felt like we had a chance after those penalties. With those penalties, they let us back in the game. It gave you a chance to go down and do what we did.”

(on if he was relieved to see Tom Brady back on the practice field) “Of course it’s good to have Tom back there. He’s a professional. He keeps it light. He always comes out and brings his A-game on the table.”

[Ras]

NE Monday Transcripts -- Wes Welker
01/28/2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Super Bowl XLII—Monday, January 28, 2008

QUOTES FROM NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS PRESS CONFERENCE

WR WES WELKER

(on if there have been any surprises since arriving in Phoenix for Super Bowl XLII) “There really hasn’t been too much. It’s basically been business as usual for us. The only differences have been that we’ve been staying in a hotel and having different meeting rooms and lockers and a different practice field, but it has been business as usual.”

(on how Tom Brady looked at practice today after missing practice last week because of an injured ankle) “Well, Tom is Tom and he’s one of the best quarterbacks around. He looked great. He has the same dimples and everything.”

(on whether he ever thinks how things would have been different if he remained with the Miami Dolphins instead of signing with the Patriots) “I really don’t think about it that much. I try and concentrate on the here and now. This is where I am, and this is the opportunity I have right now. I try not to look in the past too much. I want to focus on the game coming up.”

(on whether he ever talks with any of his former Dolphins teammates) “I do every once in a while, but I haven’t talked to anybody in a while. We’ve been pretty tied down with all the stuff here [at Super Bowl XLII].”

(on if he ever reflects on how different the Patriots and Dolphins seasons were this year) “I really don’t think I want to comment on that. I’m focusing on the here and now and getting ready for this next game, and trying to prepare for it and execute it to the best of my ability.”

(on whether any of his Patriots’ teammates who have won Super Bowl rings have given him any wisdom for this week) “I think they have as far as the Super Bowl schedule and what to expect. I may ask them [for advice] to help my family know what to expect and with what scheduling conflicts that may come up during the Super Bowl.”

(on how he’s dealing with all the distractions that come up during Super Bowl week) “I think you just take it in stride as we have all year. Getting ready for the game is goal number one and that’s why we want to make sure we are ready for the game. Everything else [that comes up] is secondary. You need to bide your time and make sure you are getting the work in that you need to.”

(on how his perception of the Patriots and head coach Bill Belichick has changed since he signed with the team) “I really didn’t know what to expect or how it was or what went on. Coach Belichick has done a great job of holding us to a high level and making sure we don’t go backwards and making sure we are moving forward, and that we are making strides as the season goes on.”

(on whether anything has surprised him about playing with Randy Moss this season) “Randy is a great teammate. Any sort of questions I have had about being a receiver or about any routes [he’s helped me]. He’s a guy who’s been around 10 years and he has a lot of wisdom and I’m always picking his brain. He’s more than happy to share it. He’s been a great teammate for all of us. He’s led by his great example and he’s been great all the way around.”

(on whether it is easier to prepare for and play a team that the Patriots have recently played against) “I think you have a good idea of what to expect and I think it works in both cases, for them and for us. It will be good to look at film of plays we know, and it should help us know what to expect--this is what we did last time and this is how this worked and stuff like that. You get to know their personnel like in a divisional game. When you play a team twice a year, you know their personnel better.”

(on how Randy Moss can still affect a game when he doesn’t catch a lot of passes) “Randy is a threat any time he’s on the field and teams have to respect that. With his speed and his ability to stretch the field is, that is key, and he does a great job of doing that. It really opens up our whole offense.”

(on what it was like not being heavily recruited out of high school) “I think I would have walked on somewhere. That’s probably what I would have done. But things worked out and I got a scholarship [to Texas Tech]. I probably would have walked on somewhere in state, like Oklahoma or somewhere like that., but I’m glad it didn’t come to that.”

(on why Patriots’ margins of victory were less in the second half of the season) “The regular season is tough. You’ve got to be sure you are bringing it every single week and that’s not easy. The temperature goes down and it makes it tougher to stretch the field the way you want to and do some things you want to do. We knew this would happen down the stretch and we talked about it and we made sure we perservered through some tougher situations as the season went on.”

(on how important it is for him to get open early against the Giants which have such a great pass rush) “With a pass rush like the Giants have, it’s key that we get open quick. We need to make sure we get separation quick and get some positive yardage on first and second down. Our offensive line has been doing a great job and we have a lot of confidence in them.”

(on what it means to him to be playing in the Super Bowl) “It’s exciting. It is something you always dream of and always want to get to and all of a sudden here you are. I’m excited about the opportunity.

[Ras]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Super Bowl XLII – Monday, January 28, 2008


QUOTES FROM NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS PRESS CONFERENCE

MORE JUNIOR SEAU

(on his friendship with Michael Strahan) “Michael and I…I have a lot of love for Michael. He’s on the same fence with me in terms of trying to grab one. It’s been a long, long journey for both of us. As far as that goes, he understands that the best team will win. Who will that be? We don’t know. We really don’t, but it’s so nice to see that he’s doing well.”

(on his reaction to Kevin Everett’s injury in Buffalo) “All we can do is pray and wish him well. Kevin was always in our hearts, and he still is. He still has a recovery that we hope will be full. To him and his family, our condolences go out to them because it’s been a big year for them. To tell you the truth, we all win because of what he has been able to do in terms of his recovery. It aligns all of us.”

(on if winning the Super Bowl would validate his career) “Do I need a Super Bowl ring to validate my career? We all would love to have one, and when there’s a chance to actually go out and play for one, I won’t be able to answer that until after the game because that’s hypothetical. It’s here, I’m going to embrace it and I’m going to do all I can to help this team accomplish that for all of us. As far as the Super Bowl goes, yeah, this is the Super Bowl, but this is a special Super Bowl. We can hide from the fact that there’s going to be another Super Bowl, but this special day, this special week, we can do something that can be here forever.”

(on if he spoke with Jon Gruden after he retired about going to Tampa) “Jon Gruden is definitely a good friend of mine. We did talk and he said to me that he has his #55. We kind of just chuckled at that and hung up the phone. I called him a jerk and went on (laughing). He’s a great guy.”

(on criticism of Patriots linebackers being too slow) “We just keep winning. We can’t control what the world may want to put pressure on or say about us. We’re not going to play that game. We’re not going to join in that. It only distracts us, so what we do is go on Monday, we look at films and we work for Tuesday and Wednesday to position ourselves to be better on Sunday. From there on, we’re going to get judged, but at the end of the day and at the end of the year, the judgment will come on all of us. Hopefully it will be something that we can look back on and be proud of. So far it’s been going good”

(on if he appreciates this Super Bowl more this time around) “You may think that I would, but I appreciated the game when I was a rookie, and even back in the days in ’94. I love this game and it doesn’t change. I can’t have more love than I did in ’90 as opposed to ’08. I can’t. I’m embracing this. It’s like embracing something when you know it’s going to leave and you’ll just do anything for. That’s what I’m doing every day.”

(on if he thought it would take this long to get back to a Super Bowl) “When you’re young, you think you’re always going to have an opportunity. When I look back 181 games ago, I would never have thought it would be this long. We had an opportunity. We were young in San Diego when we went to that Super Bowl. When you look at it, you would think we would have a chance in the years to come, but it never came, and here we are.”

(on his style) “My flip-flops won’t ever leave me. I don’t go too far. I understand the journey. Staying humble and hungry is always going to be my key. What I’ve been doing during the course of my career is basically work ethic, perseverance and a lot of prayer. I embrace every day I have an opportunity to play or even just to grab a helmet.”

(on journey of this season) “This is the journey. To talk about the journey would be to rehash what we already did. The journey is on-going. The journey can be over or it could be alive forever come Sunday.”

(on how long ago his retirement seems) “When I first came here to New England, when I first got the call from (Bill) Belichick, he called me and his words were this: ‘I have a position for you.’ Other teams were saying they would love for me to be on their team, but that gave me a clue to mean they wanted me, but didn’t really need me. Belichick called two weeks before the season and he said, one-on-one, ‘I have a position for you,’ and it changed my life.

(on if he has played in enough games to where he doesn’t get nervous any more) “If you don’t get nervous before a game then you’re not alive. That’s the way it’s supposed to be. The anticipation of the curiosity, the insecurities and the anxiety -- all of those intangibles play a role. If you are one that is so calm that you don’t feel anything – trust me – you’re not a football player.”

(on when the nervousness ends in a game) “It’s different for everyone. It’s different every week.”

(on where his energy comes from) “I love the game of football. Being part of the league for 18 years, working one day at a time, one game at a time, and one play at a time, that equals this journey.”

(on what he remembers about the media obligations from his last Super Bowl) “Again, the Super Bowl in 1994 was 181 games ago. I can’t remember back then. I don’t want to remember that. What I want to do is look forward. We have Tuesday Media Day to enjoy that with the rest of the boys, and then go from there. We’re getting closer to game day, and that’s very important for all of us.”

(on if he would walk away from this game after Sunday) “That’s not important to us. This game is such a big game that it’s bigger than what I’m going to do after the game. We can be hypothetical on whether we’ll win or lose and try to put words into describing that. I’m not going to play that game. I can’t do that because I don’t know. I don’t have that answer.”

(on how many hats he owns) “I probably have like 350 hats. I’m pretty sick with hats. The world hasn’t seen this one yet, so I’d thought I’d throw it on.”

(on motivational talks he gives to team) “Our speeches in the locker room are basically for our family in that locker room. What we talk about is beyond just X’s and O’s. It’s about life and what tomorrow may bring, and the consequences that this game can cause. There’s a light there and it’s just a reminder. That’s all it does.”

(on what makes Kevin Faulk so valuable) “When you mention Kevin Faulk, I have to just smile because this is a man who walks onto the field on third down, the most important down of the series. We live or die on that series with Kevin Faulk. You know he is going to get the ball. You know that. That’s what Kevin Faulk does, and he still wins. That’s special.”

(on how much business he’s lost at his San Diego restaurant since New England beat the Chargers) “The San Diego game was a bittersweet game due to the fact that I was happy for the city of San Diego and happy for the guys that I know and love on that team. Being able to share that with them at that time – obviously I was on the other side of the fence and I had to take the scenic route to get there – for the most part was special for all of us. It really was. As far as the restaurant, I’m not going to plug the restaurant right now. It’s not about me.”

(on how he is a different player in New England’s defensive scheme compared to his days in San Diego) “There’s a system here and I always try to put it together in terms of how I would explain it. I’ve said it before -- it’s like subcontracting a plumber or a roofer. Although you may be a plumber, (Bill) Belichick would say, ‘go fix the roof.’ If you worked on cabinets, we want you to go work on this tree in the yard. You have to be versatile and you have to be able to adjust. In this scheme, you have to be able to do more than just plug the ‘A’ and ‘B’ gap. You really do.”

(on if he has the same load on him now that he did in San Diego) “The relationship to what I was in San Diego and what I am here now is basically the same. You have to go after the guy with the ball. Someway, somehow you have to get him down. There are responsibilities with checks, alignments and everything else – being able to cover and stuff the run, obviously being a decoy at times, but it’s all the same.”