Q: What led you to take your talents to Widener?
A: I did a little research and saw that it was a great program as well as the NFL experience. It was only two hours from my place so it was a quick drive and also family and friends would be able to come to games.
Q: You had an unbelievable junior/senior campaign. What helped you dominate the field?
A: I had a mentor and he told me that I needed to use my mind more than my athleticism to have more deeper plays. I started getting into film and the weight room and as I dug deeper, it took my game to the next level.
Q: What was your mentality going into your pro day senior year?
A: I had 2 opportunities: Villanova and Temple. I trained in Denver, Colorado and had a chef, a beautiful home which set me up. Being away from home for a while let me focus and set goals for what I wanted to do in my life.
Q: What was it like stepping into the professional world?
A: It was definitely a whirlwind; I saw a lot of top players I’d see on TV. It was really great and I was surrounded by such renown people. I learned to be competitive, do a lot more listening than talking.
Q: What was your mindset when you got cut?
A: I thought it was an interesting process. At first, I was bummed out since I was cut from the NFL but now that I look at it, it’s probably the best thing that ever happened to me. It was a time where I could evaluate myself and see if when adversity hits if I’d fall or take it head on. I decided to put my head down and pick myself up and reassess myself as well as keep training even harder.
Q: You’re currently signed with the Toronto league. How’d that come about?
A: My girlfriend and I were looking for a place to settle down. I got a call from Toronto and they were interested in signing me. They didn’t need to see me in person but saw my film and were in touch with coaches. I took time to think about it and I realized I wanted to take my talents and keep playing football.
Q: Your first season was canceled because of COVID. What went through your mind?
A: I actually found out on Twitter. I didn’t really know what to think or what my future held. I wasn’t sure what my status would be. I just wanted to make sure my mental was ready to play a football season. After finding out that the season was not going to be held at all, I went back to the grind. I found work and also continued exercising. This was definitely a longer offseason but it was a great time to prepare my body and head.
Q: What is Garage Gains?
A: When COVID hit, I needed to find a way to work out since all the gyms were closed. Lifting was such a big part of training among other things so I thought it would be a great idea to start my own gym in my garage. It became bigger and bigger and I was able to get my hands on a few equipment and I wanted to pass on this knowledge, especially to my own community in Morristown. I wanted to show others that it wasn’t all about me and my family but can help others achieve their own goals. My friends and family stood behind me and it took off from there.
Q: Yeah, the way the brand has grown has been really unbelievable to watch. I can tell you have a knack for personal training, having been in the Garage with you. You’re really good at getting the best out of your clients, so is that something you see as a possible career path for after you hang up the cleats for good?
A: Most definitely! Ever since I started Garage Gains, I’ve been very passionate about being a personal trainer and helping other people accomplish their goals in life at the fitness level. I think after football, I’m going to pursue a whole career in personal training. This is definitely a field that I think I fit perfectly in, and other people have told me how they can see me doing this too.
Q: Can you tell me a player from a different team that you’d love to play with?
A: So I played with Anthony Johnson—a former defensive tackle with LSU. He played a couple years in the league with the Jets, the Bills, and a couple other teams. He took me under his wing when I was with the wildcats and taught me a lot about the game, growing up, and informed me how it is to be a professional. The months I had with him were crucial in my career as a football player, so I’d love to play with him. He’s a good man and an amazing teammate.
Q: What was the toughest team you had to match up against at Widener?
A: Delaware Valley was definitely our rival. We played them in the match championship two years that I was there. They were definitely a powerhouse. They had lots of players with NFL opportunities or even other sports opportunities. They were a well rounded group of guys with a good coaching staff. I’d look forward to that game every year because I knew it was going to be a tough one and that I’d get a lot out of it.
Q: Who are your 3 headliners for a three day music festival?
A: First and foremost, it’s my guy Dave East. He could be the whole time—it doesn’t matter to me! I’d love to see him again. My second person would be Cardi B. I would love to go see her in concert. Last but not least, I’d love to see Jay Z. I listen to a lot of his motivational speaking, his songs. I feel like I could connect with him on another level. Everything he preaches I try to follow daily.
Thank you for coming on to talk about your professional experience, your time in the pros and beyond. I appreciate you coming on here!
