 |
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Catching Up With: Shaun Bodiford
posted 03/30/2007
"The act or state of moving rapidly," is what Webster's New World College Dictionary defines as speed. This can also be a definition for the play of Green Bay Packers wide receiver Shaun Bodiford.
After being claimed off waivers from the Detroit Lions, Bodiford stepped in as the Green and Gold's main kick returner in 2006.
Bodiford's season was cut short by a leg injury during the Packers 23-16 victory over the Vikings in week ten, but is now prepared to run wild on opponents in 2007.
Packers.com recently sat down with the speedy receiver to cover his offseason progress.
Packers.com: What have you been up to in the offseason?
Bodiford: I went back to Portland State. There were a couple of classes I needed to take to finish up school and get my degree. That meant a lot to me. Sports wise, I've been training with a personal trainer and trying to rehab my leg the right way. I'm ready to show the Packers fans and the coaches what I can do on the field.
What has been the most difficult part of the rehab?
I'm a go-getter so I want to go fast 100% of the time, and the trainers and doctors always have to remind me that my rehab is a slow process. All my life I've been taught that being fast is a good thing, so the most difficult part is slowing down and rehabbing the right way.
How did it feel to go back to school and sit in a classroom after being a professional football player for the most part of the year?
I think going to school and getting your degree is beneficial for football players. The smartest players always play the longest, so I think it's good for me to sit down, pay attention and learn vital information in the classroom.
Who is the best player you've ever played against?
I would have to say Antoine Winfield from the Vikings. To be so small, he is relentless and everywhere on the field. He's also the player that broke my leg.
What is it like to play a video game and see yourself on the game?
It's a dream come true because when you're a little kid you always create yourself on the game so you can be apart of a NFL team but now, you don't have to create yourself anymore because you're already on the game. It's exciting to hear my little brothers friends tell me about how they play with me on the game. It's a humbling feeling.
Are you pleased with your overall rating on the game?
I don't think they know how fast I am! I need to start scoring some touchdowns so they'll bump my speed up to a 99 out of 100% where it should be!
Who is your favorite athlete besides other football players?
I'm going to say Ronaldinho or Pele. I'm a big soccer fan, so I've played soccer more than football growing up.
What are the pros and cons of soccer and football?
You can have a longer professional career in soccer as opposed to football, but I love the intense competition in football as a wide receiver. It's more of a 'me vs. you' attitude, and I'm going to hit you like you're going to hit me.
If you worked in a different profession what would it be?
I would want to be a model because of my good looks! My Momma always told me that I looked good!
What advice would you give the next rookies to enter this locker room?
Just come in and work hard. Always pay attention, always focus and play with the confidence that got you here because it takes hard work to stay at this level.
What takes longer, preparing yourself mentally or physically for the upcoming season?
It's all mental. Most guys have been God-gifted with physical abilities, and all you really have to do is fine tune your body but you have to get your mind ready for a long NFL season. The sharpest man is always the best man.
When did you finally realize that you were an NFL player?
During my first training camp with the Lions. I was in the huddle with guys like Roy Williams and Jon Kitna, and Mike Martz put me in with the first team over a lot of other guys. He told me that I could play in this league and that it didn't matter where I came from, all that matters is that I'm here now.
If you were trapped on a deserted island and could only have three things, what would they be?
I might need food, I'll need Beyonce and maybe my football.
Why is it different to play in a place like Lambeau Field?
The fans here never leave! Whether you're winning or losing. We could be getting destroyed and there is only two seconds left on the clock and the stadium is still packed! The fans in Green Bay support you on and off the field. They know who you are, they wave and say hi. I never really played in a college atmosphere except for when we played Oregon State and Fresno State and those places don't even compare to what we have here. It's crazy!
Do you have any pre-game rituals?
I have to eat oatmeal for breakfast and I have to get myself pumped by looking into the mirror and telling myself that I'm the best football player in the game!
What makes a great touchdown celebration?
Well, I got a couple of dances already made up but you have to be original and it's got to be a spur of the moment type thing. I got a couple of dances up my sleeve though that I've been waiting to do since I was little. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
