Football linemen are motivated by a more complicated, self-determining series of factors than the simple fear of humiliation in the public gaze, which is the emotion that galvanizes the backs and receivers.

Perseverance isn't just the willingness to work hard. It's that plus the willingness to be stubborn about your own belief in yourself.

I just wanted to be an athlete.

I had a hockey puck and stick-the only ones in town. I definitely would have played hockey ahead of football, had it been available.

It took me a while to realize that basketball wasn't football.

We need to know where we are going and how we plan to get there. Our dreams and aspirations must be translated into real and tangible goals with priorities and time frames.

The basketball coach cut me within two days, so I was back in the pool. I was the first one in the wall after the first 25 yards, but the last one out because I didn't have a flip turn.