kinda cool on nfl.com. sorry if posted

http://www.nfl.com/draft/story/9189901

Quote :

" Stepping out (Defensive end Mario Williams is considered one of the top prospects in the 2006 NFL Draft. As a junior at North Carolina State, Williams helped lead the Wolfpack to a 7-5 record and a shutout bowl victory over South Florida. Williams' 14½ sacks and 24 tackles for loss propelled N.C. State to a No. 8 national ranking in total defense. NFL.com brings you updates from Williams as he approaches the draft. This week, Williams talks about his decision to turn pro and his preparation for the NFL.) (Jan. 26, 2006) -- I've always had the dream of playing in the NFL. I remember thinking about it in high school, thinking about the steps I needed to take. It really is a once-in-a-lifetime chance, to have an opportunity to do something so special, and I just feel blessed to have that opportunity. At the same time, preparing for the draft and getting drafted are two more steps in the process of playing in the NFL, so I just keep preparing and working hard to make sure my dream comes true. Mario Williams isn't taking a rest in his preparation for the draft. Of course I talked it over with my family, and we all felt comfortable with the position I was in. I eventually want to come back and finish my degree -- that's something I would like to do. But I just felt I had done pretty well on the football field, and it's now time to take the next step. I actually thought about whether to leave for the NFL or not during the whole 2005 season. It's been on my mind for some time. Still, I didn't let it distract me from a great year. Some of my favorite memories are from this past season. My whole junior year is something I'll always remember, rallying, coming back, making the bowl, and getting a bowl shutout. We really had to fight our way in to that bowl, and then for our defense to pitch a shutout, it was pretty special. Playing with (Chargers QB) Philip Rivers as a freshman was pretty special too. I remember how the team felt like it was never out of any game. He always brought us back, and he had a way of carrying the team on his shoulders. And I also remember my first career sack, which came against Wake Forest my freshman year. I definitely had a great time at N.C. State. Challenges ahead I've spent my whole life in North Carolina. So right now is a really exciting time for me. I'm stepping out there in the real world; I'm growing, and it's a new challenge, but a challenge I welcome with open arms. It's hard to explain how exciting it all is. Right now, I'm living in Phoenix, Ariz., training in a facility to prepare for the draft. The group I'm working with is called Athletes' Performance (API). The program I'm on is great. I'm getting stronger from the core out, from the thighs, hips and stomach, then working out. We really focus on the fundamentals and build on top of that. It helps with balance and translation of power, and that will help with all the testing that will be going on. I like it here, but it's really dry. I always have to have my lotion with me. I try to look at the bright side and say at least I have a break from the humidity at North Carolina, but it's definitely a new experience. I haven't been invited to the combine yet, and it's something I'm beginning to get anxious about. I'm ready to get out there and do what I can do, and just let it go. If I am invited to the combine, then I'll be glad to go; I would most definitely participate if I'm invited. I've got no doubts about being ready for the NFL. When you talk about the draft, especially this year, I haven't seen someone with my size coming out [Williams is 6-foot-7 and 290 pounds]. Guys in the league are getting bigger and bigger all the time, so I definitely feel like I've got an advantage, being blessed with the size that I have. It should continue to be an exciting time. "

1/29/2006 11:42:12 PM

cool

can't wait to see where he ends up

hopefully it'll be close to home

1/29/2006 11:45:52 PM

he'll probably end up at green bay

1/30/2006 12:02:55 AM

that would suck for him

i wouldn't want to live there

1/30/2006 12:16:16 AM

Green Bay doesn't really need a DE

1/30/2006 12:19:08 AM

yes they do

1/30/2006 12:22:28 AM

Im still hoping for the Jets and they trade and get Rivers!! J CO, P Riv, and Mario together...Ehh I wouldn't mind him going to Green Bay.

1/30/2006 12:23:14 AM

i guess he has dropped out of school because he is in ariz now training. I dont blame him at all i saw that he bought a new hummer with rims he live at college inn. or at least used to live at college inn.

1/30/2006 12:33:44 AM

i dont blame him at all.

at least he wont end up like TA

1/30/2006 12:36:12 AM

hes a nice guy hes going to do big things in the nfl

1/30/2006 12:38:08 AM

i thought he graduated in december

1/30/2006 12:41:44 AM

notice where hes trainin

thats where hes gonna stay

1/30/2006 12:42:06 AM

AHA

no

1/30/2006 12:42:51 AM

shit if you want to know what hes doing every waking moment of the day IM him or look at his profile tobig9primetime and while your at it if you want to talk to another star check out tailg8r 2005. actually im scared yall would stalk both.

1/30/2006 1:53:47 AM

i like da part about da lotion fo sho

1/30/2006 2:08:15 AM

^^ nice job plugging yourself too

1/30/2006 4:03:53 AM

i like mario, and i love the packers

so i really dont want to see him up there

i'll think even less of nc state athletics everytime their star DE gets torched on a screen play

1/30/2006 6:02:05 AM

FUCK THE PACKERS!!!

i sure as hell hope he doesnt go there
i wanted a mario williams nfl jersey but i refuse to buy one if he goes to the buttpackers

1/30/2006 12:32:47 PM

Quote :

"...Jets and they trade and get Rivers!! "

can't wait for this to happen

1/30/2006 2:36:41 PM

I'd rather see Mario in the green and gold than the gray and black, really don't want to see him in Oakland.

Would be ideal to see him and Manny go to the same team but it seems Manny might have worked his way into the first-round so it's highly unlikely they'll end up together.

1/30/2006 4:19:13 PM

I thought this was humorous:

http://www.nfl.com/draft/story/9220403

Quote :

"(Feb. 9, 2006) -- I really thought about whether I could play in the Super Bowl because one of my teammates from N.C. State, Sean Locklear, the right tackle for the Seahawks, was there and it would have been amazing for him to win. It probably was a good feeling to have the opportunity to play there. If I could play a game like that, I could see myself doing it. If the Seahawks would have won, I could only imagine how Sean [Locklear] would really feel. Back in school, he was pretty tough, but I would work him over a little bit. But he did make me better by going up against him in practice my freshman year."

2/12/2006 1:24:14 AM

mario was in applebees last night with tank and another guy. You should see his new lexus all black tinted windows and some nice ass rims...marcus was in there too. really random but yeah

2/12/2006 3:55:27 PM

he let Marcus hang out with him?

2/12/2006 8:38:06 PM

Hopefully it was Marcus Hudson

2/12/2006 9:11:28 PM

Marios Secret Public Journal

2/12/2006 9:51:35 PM

Quote :

"(March 16, 2006) -- Thanks to everyone who e-mailed in. There were many good questions, but I also got a lot of questions about where I think I will be drafted, and if I am drafted by Green Bay, what it would be like to play there. If I were to go to Green Bay, I would be honored and privileged to be a part of the Packers and be an impact player; do my best. If I go there, I'm going to give it my all. But I have to be diplomatic because I don't know where I'm going to go. I will be more than happy to play for any team that takes me. Nothing is settled until the draft. How important is tradition and rivalry in football to you? -- Patty B., Wisconsin It's really important. You have to be up for every game, but when it's a rivalry, there's a little more punch to it. There's a little more excitement. It counts a whole lot more for bragging rights. If a rivalry is right down the street you don't want to lose to them. I think everyone has a rival, whether it's a player or a team. What do you include in your workout that gives you such great speed, strength, quickness and jumping ability? It's amazing that someone almost 300 pounds has a plus-40-inch vertical. -- Sam W., Roswell, Ga. I was blessed. That's basically all I can say. I never really ran 40s trying to get faster. I was just always fast, I could always jump, I could always lift a lot. I work hard, but I believe God-given ability will help you excel in anything you do. What made you decide to opt out of your senior season and enter the draft? -- Ibrahim T., Dearborn, Mich. I felt I had a good opportunity to enter the draft and be one of the best defensive players in it. I felt like I was ready. I had a pretty good season; our team rebounded from where we were, and I felt good about that. The recent QB moves could make Mario Williams even more valuable at draft time. Of all the scrambling quarterbacks in the NFL, which one concerns you the most in terms of containing? -- Matt, Claremont, Calif. Michael Vick because he's so elusive and fast. When it comes to the non-playing aspects of becoming a pro, what is your biggest worry? -- Steve O., Fairfax, Va. It's not really a worry, but the only thing is learning the system. I have to know my role and have the knowledge of being in the NFL, as well as the tricks of the trade. Everyone has to do that; you have to get a taste of it. You have to be able to be out there and know what's going on at a different level. Who are some of the best offensive tackles in the league that you are looking forward to competing against? -- Jake C., Green Bay, Wis. Orlando Pace maybe, Robert Gallery in Oakland, and the dude from the Ravens -- Jonathan Ogden. To be the best you have to get out there against the best. Do you do any mental training? Is that an aspect that you or your college has focused on in any way? -- Michael O., Copenhagen, Denmark You don't really go through mental training. I can't say I've been to a school where they train me to be mentally tough. As far as the coaches being loud and in your face, we had that. As far as mental training, I just have to be me. If you're challenged your whole life then you could be ready mentally. What do you think is the most important thing to keep in mind as you go through your rookie season? -- Josh M., Graham, Wash. Listen, be coachable, don't go out feeling like you're the whole team and you're on top of the world. If you know your role, everything will fall into place. I understand you had a stint at running back in high school. What did you learn from playing RB that helps you as a defensive end? What style of runner were you? -- Ed K., Houston I learned agility and it helped me to be more athletic. I ran over people every now and then, but I could also get a defender with a hard move or a juke move. I could even hit them with a spin. I was actually elusive in the backfield. Sometimes when I went through the hole and was running toward a small defensive back, he would just stop and brace for it. Once drafted by a team (whichever team that is), what stadium(s) are you most looking forward to play in? -- Alexander C., Montreal, Canada The first one, no matter where it's at. I'm just ready to get on the field. I would also want to go play in the new stadium the Arizona Cardinals are going to have. I was at the RCA Dome for the Combine and the turf the Colts use there, that's some good stuff. Do you have any goals that you hope to reach your rookie season, like sacks, etc.? -- Tim, Kenosha, Wis. I have to set my goals high. Hopefully break all the records rookies have set on the defensive line, go to the Pro Bowl and be Rookie of the Year. Would you be willing to switch to an outside linebacker position if needed? -- Quentin R., Atlanta Of course. Anything I need to do. If I need to lose weight, if I need to gain weight, I'll do that. I would love to play outside linebacker. Why do you think that the defensive end position is continually underrated in comparison to the high profile "skill" positions of the offense? -- Luke H., Pullman, Wash. I disagree that the defensive end position is underrated. I believe, especially now, defensive end is a premium position. It's rare to find someone that is a true defensive end that could actually get after the quarterback and make plays. I believe defensive end is rated right below quarterback. You have to look at how many defensive ends have gone top 15 in the draft the last few years. If you could give any advice to an athlete playing football at any level, what should they do to become the best athlete they can be? -- Alexander S., Longwood, Fla. Listen and play hard. You have to listen and know what to do, first of all. And then you must have a great work ethic. Whether it's lifting weights or playing hard, just do everything 100 percent. Do you feel more comfortable playing the right or left side of the defensive line? Do you feel that you should put the hand down on the ground depending what side of the line you're playing on? -- Peter K., Livingston, N.J. I do like my normal position of left defensive end, but I can play both sides. But it would be more comfortable for me on the left end. The stance doesn't matter. I have always used a three-point stance, but if I were to use a two-point stance standing up, then that would be like playing outside linebacker, and that would be fine."

3/18/2006 9:11:03 PM

Quote :

"Why do you think that the defensive end position is continually underrated in comparison to the high profile "skill" positions of the offense? -- Luke H., Pullman, Wash. I disagree that the defensive end position is underrated. I believe, especially now, defensive end is a premium position. It's rare to find someone that is a true defensive end that could actually get after the quarterback and make plays. I believe defensive end is rated right below quarterback. You have to look at how many defensive ends have gone top 15 in the draft the last few years. "

great answer to a stupid question.

3/18/2006 9:16:13 PM

sports interview always have the most retarded questions. When the questions are from the fans, its ten times worse.

3/18/2006 9:17:46 PM

Whenever i read internet interviews i try to imagine the athlete (in this case Mario) furiously typing his responses on the keyboard.


Then i remember athletes cant write or type and laugh.


I wonder if Mario was even in the room when they conducted this "interview" or if its 90% his agent telling the employee what to type.

3/18/2006 9:24:32 PM