I grew up in a tough neighborhood where a lot of kids were older than me. The older kids decided to pick me on me starting when I was about 6 and it didn't take me long to take a stand for myself.

The only people I know getting in high places by running their mouth are politicians.

When I was a kid, everybody in the neighborhood picked me to be the one in jail or be in the cemetery by the time I was 20.

By doing that and being very competitive, the grown-ups started telling me even back before I started playing organized ball that I was too physical and too advanced for the kids my own age.

My sophomore year I placed 2nd, and my junior and senior year - I got smart and piled up enough points between myself and second place where I didn't have to run the mile.

I have no problem with my hips - I can still do the things that I used to do. I can run, I'm just not the fastest person on the field anymore.

I think everyone would love to see Jeff Gordon lose or get run into the wall, but I think he uses that - similar to me.