You can't win if you don't play as a unit.

You got guys now declaring they're ready to play pro ball in their second or third year of high school. It's crazy! They're missing so much.

My biggest accomplishment has been making a transition from athlete to author.

The transition was difficult. It's hard to stop something that you've enjoyed and that has been very rewarding.

My English teacher, Dr. John Lindstrom, taught me an appreciation for the written word. Until his class, I'd dabbled in journalism and essay writing. But when he selected one of my essays as the best in the class, it gave me the confidence to see myself as a writer.

It's hard for young players to see the big picture. They just see three or four years down the road.

The disconnect lasted too long. I think people got the idea I was sullen and couldn't communicate, which wasn't true.