My work ethic came from my parents and my fear of failure. I came from a small, predominantly black school and I didn't want to let them down.

I think my secret is that there's no shortcuts for hard work, determination and having that don't give up attitude.

I had to work hard and hit the books because the opportunity to play in the NFL is not really that big, so I knew I needed something to fall back on. That’s the message I want to send to those kids when I talk to them in person and let them know the most important thing is getting your education.

To me, it was never about what I accomplished on the football field. It was about the way I played the game. I played the game with a lot of determination, a lot of poise, a lot of pride and I think what you saw out there...was an individual who really just loved the game.

Monday Night Football. That was everything to me because you get a chance to show everybody what you're capable of. It's only two teams on that Monday night.

I had that hunger, that desire, to be successful and I wasn’t going to let anything stand in my way.

When you begin to lose the fire a little bit and if you're not giving 100 percent out there, then it's time for you to leave because you'll end up getting hurt - I want to be able to walk away on top.