01-19-2020, 11:14 AM
(This post was last modified: 01-20-2020, 06:24 AM by Revolution5.)
Hello NSFL!
OCO tries to do a rookie interview every season but that fell off the wagon the last couple seasons. Luckily, the scribes of the team have archived previous draftee’s answers that haven’t been published. Below you will find interview questions with an answer from players right after they were drafted!
1. First of all, congratulations on being drafted into the NSFL. You guys have been working hard for this opportunity for more a long time now. How does it feel to have all that hard work pay off?
Siddhu Sarvepally - 1. It feels really good to have all the work pay off. This is actually my first player out of all my sim league players including other leagues to be drafted so it feels nice and gives confidence to continue doing good in the pros
Bigunitbabs – It is amazing, to finally come all this way after such a long time is great
Laser - It's the best feeling in the world. Coming into the DSFL draft I hadn't really garnered too much interest, and ended up getting picked by a team that hadn't contacted me, but in this draft every team except Baltimore at least reached out, and it was somewhat of an ego booster to see that. It's like a dream come true.
Revolution5 - 1. It feels amazing. To be an end of second rounder and rise up to the top of the first is an accomplishment. From only returning kicks my first year of university, playing wide receiver in the DSFL and now being apart of #FantaCurtain is something special. I’m not going to rest on my laurels now that I’ve got here. I have a new playbook, terminology, and a whole philosophy on the defensive side of things. I no longer control the tempo… I am reactionary at the worst of times until I can slow the game down and get my mind right.
Esilverm - First of all, I haven’t been working hard. You haven’t seen me work hard. You will never see me work hard. Working hard is not my middle name. If i ever decided to work hard it certainly wouldn’t be here. I only get 2 stats so it isn’t easy to measure my “hard work”. I just smack bad boys on the ground and make way for my boys to run far and whatever. Oh and i prevent bouys who want to tackle my boys from tackling my boys. This is my job. Is it worth it? Maybe not but i work enough. The measurement for my work ethic is so low that there is no word for it.
Marlo Smart - 1) Feels great! I've put a lot of effort into everything since I joined the league and it is awesome to see the results finally take form. I didn't expect just how excited I would be leading up to the draft. I must have read Isa's article outlining all of the teams and their needs like fifty times. The waiting may have been the hardest part for me.
Howard Ryan - 1. Thank you! I'm really happy to have been drafted to the Otters after working so hard with the Luchadors down in the DSFL, pushing myself further and further and eventually winning a championship. But even the excitement of winning that pales to being drafted to the NSFL, knowing that I worked hard enough, I became a good enough player, that I wanted it enough to be here? It's incredible, I’m honestly awestruck.
2. Did you have any expectations of where you’d end up leading up to or during the draft? And now knowing how it played out, was there anything you wish you had done differently in advance of the draft or anything you wish had gone differently during?
Siddhu Sarvepally - 2. To be honest, I didn’t have much expectations leading to the draft. Only thing was that I thought I would be drafted top 10, which I ended up being way off, considering I was drafted down at 15th. But I believe Otters are the right team for me, to maximize my impact in the big leagues.
Bigunitbabs – Honestly I had no idea, a lot of mocks had me going early in the first but that surprised me if I’m being honest. I still think I ended up with an excellent organization and couldn’t be happier.
Laser - I had a feeling I was going to end up in one of a few places. First, I knew that Austin was taking me at ten if I was available. Second, I had a feeling Orange County wanted me at 9, but I wasn't 100% sure. I also thought there was a chance I could go to Yellowknife at 6 if they didn't trade out of the pick, but seeing Virtanen drop so far was shocking to me and they got a great value pick there. As for if I had done anything differently, no, I would not have. I'm on this team for a reason, I'll just make the 5 teams that passed on me regret it.
Revolution5 - 2. Before the draft process started I never thought I’d go to the otters at three… maybe at nine. As the scouting talks with all teams I picked up there was a lot of interest and some saying that I might not make it to them. I don’t think all GM’s are like Adam playing mind games so I knew there was some truth to me going high. I wish I knew what team I was going to so I could of honed my defensive craft earlier. I know I have years to perfect it but putting in the work a year early would of given me a huge bump to start this year.
Esilverm – 2. No. I for one didn’t think the season was still going on. It has been 2 full months since I joined and i checked out after the first week. I am not a good person and i dont think i deserved to be picked 57th overall. I should have gone 69th overall because that is a funny sex number and would be funny hahaha. I probably could’ve been active but you know how balancing shit is. It don’t work often. You just gotta do what you gotta do. Knawwamean? Boys support boys. If i hadn’t updated I probably could’ve gone much lower. I think i only got 7 tpe ever in the league. Weird.
Marlo Smart - 2) Leading up to the draft I thought I might end up in Yellowknife or Philadelphia. I had spoken with both and knew they both had openings at linebacker. It was tough to gauge though because it was such a deep draft for linebackers and I was pretty certain Virtanen, Kassel, and Gaines would be picked before me. In that respect I figured where I ended up would depend a lot on the first round results.
When I heard from Orange County after the draft had already started my perceptions changed completely and I was almost certain that I would end up there, especially when I found out that they had consulted with one of my DSFL GMs. It was a huge surprise but I was really excited at the prospect even if the positional need wasn't as great as with other teams. I wouldn't change a thing knowing now that I was right.
Howard Ryan - 2. Before the draft, I had talked to the general manager of over half the teams, so I didn't really have a good feeling for who I'd end up going to, and I certainly didn't know how early or late I'd go in the draft. I had guessed that I'd be going to a team looking to build their defense from the ground up. Watching the draft, I thought for a moment I'd end up going to second line, since they had been drafting a fair number of defensive players, but that wasn't the case - I don't think I'd change a thing after this, I'm very glad to have the chance to play for the Otters here in the NSFL, and I'm looking forward to making the most out of this opportunity I have with this team, becoming the best player I can possibly be.
3. Some of you guys are expected to hit the ground running in Orange County while others will be staying down in the DSFL. In both cases, what are you most looking forward to about this upcoming season?
Siddhu Sarvepally - 3. I’m looking forward for onowning in the DSFL, cause last season I was sharing reps with Rose so didn’t get a lot of yards. But if u looked at stats u can see that I had a pretty high rushing yards per attempt, actually the same as Williams. I just had way less attempts.
Bigunitbabs –I’m happy to be heading back down and helping the bucs with a great shot at a title
Laser - I'm looking forward to hopefully my first career interception, obviously, but also just getting to play cornerback. I played safety for KCC, and I'm glad I could help the team in that way, but it just didn't feel natural to me. Now that I can play corner it's time to go after that all-time interceptions record.
Revolution5 - 3. I’m looking forward to learning from our vets. We have a large, active secondary. Showbiz and Lattimer are position converts like myself so I’m sure they will teach me some tricks to get up to speed. They must have had some hiccups learning the different stances, call outs, and muscles you would use on every play. The second thing I’m looking forward to is battling against my pal Dexter Banks. We had some brotherly love in the DSFL with some twitter jabs and a couple bets (which he thoroughly whooped me) on our wide receiving performances. I will have to try and get it back from him in the coming years… or just win a bunch of hardware.
Esilverm – 3. Im staying down in the DSFL for a while. TBF I am just an OL and we got bots that are taking our jobs and disgracing us. It is a shit place to work but i make decent money because i have no way to get any time in for anything. I’m mostly looking forward to being about the same, if not worse. That would be the dream… Im just thinking about it and it makes me happy. Being a shit player… forever… wow what a life. Don’t tell spec.
Marlo Smart - 3) I'll be staying down in the DSFL and I'm excited for two things. First, I'm excited to keep repping Norfolk for one more season. We obviously weren't outrageously successful last year but it was a really positive environment and I loved my GMs and teammates. We clearly took a major hit in talent after the draft so I'm glad I can continue to contribute even if I am literally the only active defender on the roster. Second, I am intrigued to see how I do in the DSFL now that I am far more developed as a player. I already won Linebacker of the Year and Defensive Rookie of the Year so I imagine I can continue to put up even more flashy numbers now that I'm more experienced. I just hope that also translates to wins.
Howard Ryan - 3. I'm personally going to be spending another year down in the DSFL, and I'm looking forward to improving myself physically and mentally in Tijuana, training with them down in Mexico, and chasing another championship with them. Based on what I’ve heard about the Otters, it’ll be good practice to be playing in the high-stress playoff games, so I’m glad I’m in a situation where I can get even more practice and improve on myself before I come to play with the Otters in the future.
4. Having been in Orange County for a couple of days now and become comfortable with the lay of the land, is there any player who you’ve really enjoyed getting to know? What’s been your favorite part of joining the Otters franchise?
Siddhu Sarvepally - 4. It has to be Kacey Dream, my GM from the DSFL has been cool to hang out with. He has been helping me out and since I’ll be back in DSFL I will he led by Him again: he also won MVP last season so I gotta be friends with the winners
Bigunitbabs – There are a lot of good folks here, but having played with Casey Dream everywhere I have been has been such a great learning experience about how to be a pro, and I’m excited to be his teammate again.
Laser - So far, the player I've liked getting to know the most has to be either Hugh Mongo or Tyrone Biggums. They're both great guys and great players, and Biggums being drafted in the first round as well gives us a bond to start out with.
Revolution5 - 4. The favorite part of being in Orange County is the weather. I’m sure my teammates will say the General Managers are nice and the veterans are welcoming but I love the sunshine. Before practice runs on the beach and breezy nights on the patio; you couldn’t ask for anything more. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know Thorian Skarsgard. I thought I could eat but man he can pack it away! And talk about agile for big man. We do yoga on Mondays and pound back the barbeque on Tuesdays. Smoked meat is something we’ve bonded over on defensive meal nights and friendly cook offs. Its been a busy few days but packed full of events.
Esilverm - 4. I haven’t really got out and talked to the guys much but i hope to change that.
Marlo Smart - 4) Since I'm being sent down I haven't spent a ton of time in the locker room yet but it was cool chatting with my fellow rookies after the draft as they were all coming from different teams and I hadn't had much of a chance to meet them. I expect I'll be spending more and more time with my fellow Otters as the season progresses.
My favorite part of joining the Otters is simply to be a part of such a dominant and historical franchise. When I was initially deciding whether or not to join the league, the thing that tipped the scales was learning about the amazing Otter dynasties of the past and the "Otter Slaughter" era. I'm a sucker for sports lore and history and the Otters instantly became my favorite team. As you might imagine, I was ecstatic to eventually be selected by that same team in the draft.
Howard Ryan - 4. After a few days in Orange County with the otters, I've sort of just been taking it all in, and figuring out what I need to do in this offseason to make sure I'm ready for this season and the future. The "player" I've been closest to in this process is probably our general manager/WR Hugh Mungo. They've been helping guide me in the signing process, and in ensuring I know all my options going forward as far as pay, training, and anything else I could ever need help with. I’m getting to know the rest of my team slowly but surely, and I’m looking forward to connecting with them all on a deeper level once we eventually play on the same field in the future.
5. What does it mean to you to be playing for a team like the Otters? Do you feel like it comes with an added pressure coming off an Ultimus win, or do you feel more at ease surrounded by guys who’ve been there before?
Siddhu Sarvepally - 5. At first I feel like there was lots of pressure but then I figured out taht there all nice guys here so they will all help me settle in and keep that OCO winning mentality in check. Those OCO haters better watch out, cause no one hates me and gets away with it :slight_smile:
Bigunitbabs –It is cool to come into a locker room with so many talented players, and so many of them know how to win, I can’t yet understand how useful that knowledge will be, but I really hope to use it in the near future.
Laser - It's a huge honor to be playing for the all-time best, although I really don't feel like it comes with much added pressure. I think the pressure is the same though, because I always put the most pressure on myself and don't really care for anyone else pressuring me. It is definitely a good feeling to know that I have a bunch of veterans like Gus Showbiz and A.J. Lattimer to help me out with adjusting, however.
Revolution5 - 5. There a little bit from both. The fact that they’ve been to the post season for seventeen straight seasons gives you the confidence that they know the formula to winning. You listen to the little things and watch what the vets and coaches are doing as you know it produces results. As a rookie you feel that pressure to win but the Otters have create a space where the staff and vets have taken on that burden. They are experienced and challenge you with the perfect amount of studying, physical barriers in the weight room and just nurturing our talents out of us in the best way possible.
Esilverm - 5. I’m an OL i make this happen. I think we will win once i make my way up to the Otters. No pressure on these shoulders.
Marlo Smart - 5) Being sent down shields me from a lot of pressure but I doubt I would feel it anyway. As a new player, there's nothing that feels more stabilizing than being surrounded by competence and experience and the Otters are obviously both. Talk to me next year when the question of how I best fit into the roster comes up.
Howard Ryan - 5. Being drafted to the Otters puts me in mind of being drafted to the Luchadors in a lot of ways, both teams have a long history of playoff appearances and wins, being one of, if not the most successful franchises in their respective leagues. I’m very glad I’ve gotten to spend my time with both of these incredible organizations, and thankful for their coaching and guidance that have allowed me to grow into the player I am today, and how I’ll have the chance to continue to grow with them for many seasons to come. As far as pressure, being on a team known for making the playoffs and having great success isn’t stressful for me at all, after coming into the DSFL with the Luchadors and suffering some heartbreaking regular season losses to set up some difficult games in the playoffs that we came out on top of, I realized that as long as I play my game and I let my teammates play theirs, everything works. I’m very excited to be a part in their playoff runs in the future, maintaining our streak of making the playoffs.
6. You guys are all now going to be playing at the professional level with at least a season of experience under your belts. What do you think will be the biggest difference between you as a rookie and you in this upcoming season?
Siddhu Sarvepally - 6. Biggest difference is taht I will Be more commited this season and will be making sure to do all the Tp opportunities available. I will also be way better this season, so I should be winking MVP VERY easily tbh.
Bigunitbabs – I think I’ve learned a lot about how the pro level players do things, and I’ve picked up a few tips and tricks I think will help me immensely this coming season
Laser - I think the biggest difference is twofold. First, like I mentioned earlier, I'll be playing corner instead of safety, and second, I'll be playing against much better and more experienced quarterbacks. I look forward to the added challenge though.
Revolution5 - 6. The obvious is playing on the defensive side of the ball and not the offensive side. But the players in the NSFL are bigger, stronger and faster. I’m used to being the big fish in the small pond…. Well I’ve entered the ocean! I won’t back down from anyone but I’m smart enough to know when to pick my battles. When it comes to playing the run boy oh boy is my head on a swivel because a lunchbox toting three hundred pounder is looking to take my head off. In practice Adrian is kind enough to just left me off the ground and laugh instead of absolutely ruining my world.
Marlo Smart - 6) The most obvious answer to me is confidence. I know what I'm doing and what direction I need to go in to be the best player and contributor possible. It's just a matter of following through. When I started, I felt completely overwhelmed and probably didn't develop as fast as I could have. Experience is really the best teacher and I plan to use that to make the most out of the coming season.
Howard Ryan - 6. The biggest difference in me will probably be my speed, this offseason I’ve been training just about everything down in Mexico, and I’ll continue to train in the DSFL this season, but just in the offseason alone I’ve improved my speed significantly. I think this is going to bring an explosive aspect to my defense, so keep your eyes out for me in the first week of the DSFL season, once I do end up playing for the Otters, I think the biggest difference between the me now and the me then will be my experience, with another season or two under my belt, and my skills honed even more, I think I’ll be a very dangerous player by the time that happens, and I’m looking froward to it.
7. You guys just signed your first contracts, and I know everyone has that first purchase lined up. What’s it gonna be?
Siddhu Sarvepally - 7. Gonna buy myself some OCO merch cause what type of player doesn’t have team merch tbh. Probably a nice coffee mug and then a T-shirt to start off
Bigunitbabs – Nothing too crazy just yet, 4 million might sound like a lot but I’m focused on being the best player I can be, and supporting my family back home.
sorry it took so long
Laser - . 7. You guys just signed your first contracts, and I know everyone has that first purchase lined up. What’s it gonna be? Oh man. 1.5 million in the bank, and a custom Dodge Viper in my driveway. Orange with black racing stripes and fully tinted windows, all the bells and whistles on the inside, and of course custom Otters rims.
Revolution5 - 7. I’m a simple guy with simple plans. I’m going to invest fifty percent of it so I may live modestly off of the interest and then re-invest half every pay check. The first splurge I’m going to do is take my wife on a week vacation to Croatia and Greece in between training camp and pre season. Game of thrones was shot there. And as I mentioned about Orange County, I love warm weather. We will rent places on secluded islands, go snorkling and just relax before the hectic season starts.
Esilverm - First of all, I haven’t been working hard. You haven’t seen me work hard. You will never see me work hard. Working hard is not my middle name. If i ever decided to work hard it certainly wouldn’t be here. I only get 2 stats so it isn’t easy to measure my “hard work”. I just smack bad boys on the ground and make way for my boys to run far and whatever. Oh and i prevent bouys who want to tackle my boys from tackling my boys. This is my job. Is it worth it? Maybe not but i work enough. The measurement for my work ethic is so low that there is no word for it.
Marlo Smart - 7) Training and training equipment all day. While I may be drafted, the real work comes in being prepared to play as an Otter next season. There are some fantastic defenders already on the team and I need to prove that I have what it takes to really play like an Otter. I can relax and spend on frivolous stuff when I retire.
Howard Ryan - 7. Well, since I’m staying down in the DSFL I’ll be in Mexico the majority of the time this upcoming season, but to plan for the future I’ll probably buy a house here in Orange County so that I can be close to the team whenever I’m needed. Then, I’ll probably buy myself a membership to a really nice gym, giving me another place to train if for some reason I’m not able to make it in to the facilities at the Otter’s stadium or the Luchadors’ stadium. Then, maybe I’ll go out for a celebratory dinner with some of my teammates from the Luchadors also staying down in the DSFL, where we can compare and contrast our teams, and what our futures look like.
OCO tries to do a rookie interview every season but that fell off the wagon the last couple seasons. Luckily, the scribes of the team have archived previous draftee’s answers that haven’t been published. Below you will find interview questions with an answer from players right after they were drafted!
1. First of all, congratulations on being drafted into the NSFL. You guys have been working hard for this opportunity for more a long time now. How does it feel to have all that hard work pay off?
Siddhu Sarvepally - 1. It feels really good to have all the work pay off. This is actually my first player out of all my sim league players including other leagues to be drafted so it feels nice and gives confidence to continue doing good in the pros
Bigunitbabs – It is amazing, to finally come all this way after such a long time is great
Laser - It's the best feeling in the world. Coming into the DSFL draft I hadn't really garnered too much interest, and ended up getting picked by a team that hadn't contacted me, but in this draft every team except Baltimore at least reached out, and it was somewhat of an ego booster to see that. It's like a dream come true.
Revolution5 - 1. It feels amazing. To be an end of second rounder and rise up to the top of the first is an accomplishment. From only returning kicks my first year of university, playing wide receiver in the DSFL and now being apart of #FantaCurtain is something special. I’m not going to rest on my laurels now that I’ve got here. I have a new playbook, terminology, and a whole philosophy on the defensive side of things. I no longer control the tempo… I am reactionary at the worst of times until I can slow the game down and get my mind right.
Esilverm - First of all, I haven’t been working hard. You haven’t seen me work hard. You will never see me work hard. Working hard is not my middle name. If i ever decided to work hard it certainly wouldn’t be here. I only get 2 stats so it isn’t easy to measure my “hard work”. I just smack bad boys on the ground and make way for my boys to run far and whatever. Oh and i prevent bouys who want to tackle my boys from tackling my boys. This is my job. Is it worth it? Maybe not but i work enough. The measurement for my work ethic is so low that there is no word for it.
Marlo Smart - 1) Feels great! I've put a lot of effort into everything since I joined the league and it is awesome to see the results finally take form. I didn't expect just how excited I would be leading up to the draft. I must have read Isa's article outlining all of the teams and their needs like fifty times. The waiting may have been the hardest part for me.
Howard Ryan - 1. Thank you! I'm really happy to have been drafted to the Otters after working so hard with the Luchadors down in the DSFL, pushing myself further and further and eventually winning a championship. But even the excitement of winning that pales to being drafted to the NSFL, knowing that I worked hard enough, I became a good enough player, that I wanted it enough to be here? It's incredible, I’m honestly awestruck.
2. Did you have any expectations of where you’d end up leading up to or during the draft? And now knowing how it played out, was there anything you wish you had done differently in advance of the draft or anything you wish had gone differently during?
Siddhu Sarvepally - 2. To be honest, I didn’t have much expectations leading to the draft. Only thing was that I thought I would be drafted top 10, which I ended up being way off, considering I was drafted down at 15th. But I believe Otters are the right team for me, to maximize my impact in the big leagues.
Bigunitbabs – Honestly I had no idea, a lot of mocks had me going early in the first but that surprised me if I’m being honest. I still think I ended up with an excellent organization and couldn’t be happier.
Laser - I had a feeling I was going to end up in one of a few places. First, I knew that Austin was taking me at ten if I was available. Second, I had a feeling Orange County wanted me at 9, but I wasn't 100% sure. I also thought there was a chance I could go to Yellowknife at 6 if they didn't trade out of the pick, but seeing Virtanen drop so far was shocking to me and they got a great value pick there. As for if I had done anything differently, no, I would not have. I'm on this team for a reason, I'll just make the 5 teams that passed on me regret it.
Revolution5 - 2. Before the draft process started I never thought I’d go to the otters at three… maybe at nine. As the scouting talks with all teams I picked up there was a lot of interest and some saying that I might not make it to them. I don’t think all GM’s are like Adam playing mind games so I knew there was some truth to me going high. I wish I knew what team I was going to so I could of honed my defensive craft earlier. I know I have years to perfect it but putting in the work a year early would of given me a huge bump to start this year.
Esilverm – 2. No. I for one didn’t think the season was still going on. It has been 2 full months since I joined and i checked out after the first week. I am not a good person and i dont think i deserved to be picked 57th overall. I should have gone 69th overall because that is a funny sex number and would be funny hahaha. I probably could’ve been active but you know how balancing shit is. It don’t work often. You just gotta do what you gotta do. Knawwamean? Boys support boys. If i hadn’t updated I probably could’ve gone much lower. I think i only got 7 tpe ever in the league. Weird.
Marlo Smart - 2) Leading up to the draft I thought I might end up in Yellowknife or Philadelphia. I had spoken with both and knew they both had openings at linebacker. It was tough to gauge though because it was such a deep draft for linebackers and I was pretty certain Virtanen, Kassel, and Gaines would be picked before me. In that respect I figured where I ended up would depend a lot on the first round results.
When I heard from Orange County after the draft had already started my perceptions changed completely and I was almost certain that I would end up there, especially when I found out that they had consulted with one of my DSFL GMs. It was a huge surprise but I was really excited at the prospect even if the positional need wasn't as great as with other teams. I wouldn't change a thing knowing now that I was right.
Howard Ryan - 2. Before the draft, I had talked to the general manager of over half the teams, so I didn't really have a good feeling for who I'd end up going to, and I certainly didn't know how early or late I'd go in the draft. I had guessed that I'd be going to a team looking to build their defense from the ground up. Watching the draft, I thought for a moment I'd end up going to second line, since they had been drafting a fair number of defensive players, but that wasn't the case - I don't think I'd change a thing after this, I'm very glad to have the chance to play for the Otters here in the NSFL, and I'm looking forward to making the most out of this opportunity I have with this team, becoming the best player I can possibly be.
3. Some of you guys are expected to hit the ground running in Orange County while others will be staying down in the DSFL. In both cases, what are you most looking forward to about this upcoming season?
Siddhu Sarvepally - 3. I’m looking forward for onowning in the DSFL, cause last season I was sharing reps with Rose so didn’t get a lot of yards. But if u looked at stats u can see that I had a pretty high rushing yards per attempt, actually the same as Williams. I just had way less attempts.
Bigunitbabs –I’m happy to be heading back down and helping the bucs with a great shot at a title
Laser - I'm looking forward to hopefully my first career interception, obviously, but also just getting to play cornerback. I played safety for KCC, and I'm glad I could help the team in that way, but it just didn't feel natural to me. Now that I can play corner it's time to go after that all-time interceptions record.
Revolution5 - 3. I’m looking forward to learning from our vets. We have a large, active secondary. Showbiz and Lattimer are position converts like myself so I’m sure they will teach me some tricks to get up to speed. They must have had some hiccups learning the different stances, call outs, and muscles you would use on every play. The second thing I’m looking forward to is battling against my pal Dexter Banks. We had some brotherly love in the DSFL with some twitter jabs and a couple bets (which he thoroughly whooped me) on our wide receiving performances. I will have to try and get it back from him in the coming years… or just win a bunch of hardware.
Esilverm – 3. Im staying down in the DSFL for a while. TBF I am just an OL and we got bots that are taking our jobs and disgracing us. It is a shit place to work but i make decent money because i have no way to get any time in for anything. I’m mostly looking forward to being about the same, if not worse. That would be the dream… Im just thinking about it and it makes me happy. Being a shit player… forever… wow what a life. Don’t tell spec.
Marlo Smart - 3) I'll be staying down in the DSFL and I'm excited for two things. First, I'm excited to keep repping Norfolk for one more season. We obviously weren't outrageously successful last year but it was a really positive environment and I loved my GMs and teammates. We clearly took a major hit in talent after the draft so I'm glad I can continue to contribute even if I am literally the only active defender on the roster. Second, I am intrigued to see how I do in the DSFL now that I am far more developed as a player. I already won Linebacker of the Year and Defensive Rookie of the Year so I imagine I can continue to put up even more flashy numbers now that I'm more experienced. I just hope that also translates to wins.
Howard Ryan - 3. I'm personally going to be spending another year down in the DSFL, and I'm looking forward to improving myself physically and mentally in Tijuana, training with them down in Mexico, and chasing another championship with them. Based on what I’ve heard about the Otters, it’ll be good practice to be playing in the high-stress playoff games, so I’m glad I’m in a situation where I can get even more practice and improve on myself before I come to play with the Otters in the future.
4. Having been in Orange County for a couple of days now and become comfortable with the lay of the land, is there any player who you’ve really enjoyed getting to know? What’s been your favorite part of joining the Otters franchise?
Siddhu Sarvepally - 4. It has to be Kacey Dream, my GM from the DSFL has been cool to hang out with. He has been helping me out and since I’ll be back in DSFL I will he led by Him again: he also won MVP last season so I gotta be friends with the winners
Bigunitbabs – There are a lot of good folks here, but having played with Casey Dream everywhere I have been has been such a great learning experience about how to be a pro, and I’m excited to be his teammate again.
Laser - So far, the player I've liked getting to know the most has to be either Hugh Mongo or Tyrone Biggums. They're both great guys and great players, and Biggums being drafted in the first round as well gives us a bond to start out with.
Revolution5 - 4. The favorite part of being in Orange County is the weather. I’m sure my teammates will say the General Managers are nice and the veterans are welcoming but I love the sunshine. Before practice runs on the beach and breezy nights on the patio; you couldn’t ask for anything more. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know Thorian Skarsgard. I thought I could eat but man he can pack it away! And talk about agile for big man. We do yoga on Mondays and pound back the barbeque on Tuesdays. Smoked meat is something we’ve bonded over on defensive meal nights and friendly cook offs. Its been a busy few days but packed full of events.
Esilverm - 4. I haven’t really got out and talked to the guys much but i hope to change that.
Marlo Smart - 4) Since I'm being sent down I haven't spent a ton of time in the locker room yet but it was cool chatting with my fellow rookies after the draft as they were all coming from different teams and I hadn't had much of a chance to meet them. I expect I'll be spending more and more time with my fellow Otters as the season progresses.
My favorite part of joining the Otters is simply to be a part of such a dominant and historical franchise. When I was initially deciding whether or not to join the league, the thing that tipped the scales was learning about the amazing Otter dynasties of the past and the "Otter Slaughter" era. I'm a sucker for sports lore and history and the Otters instantly became my favorite team. As you might imagine, I was ecstatic to eventually be selected by that same team in the draft.
Howard Ryan - 4. After a few days in Orange County with the otters, I've sort of just been taking it all in, and figuring out what I need to do in this offseason to make sure I'm ready for this season and the future. The "player" I've been closest to in this process is probably our general manager/WR Hugh Mungo. They've been helping guide me in the signing process, and in ensuring I know all my options going forward as far as pay, training, and anything else I could ever need help with. I’m getting to know the rest of my team slowly but surely, and I’m looking forward to connecting with them all on a deeper level once we eventually play on the same field in the future.
5. What does it mean to you to be playing for a team like the Otters? Do you feel like it comes with an added pressure coming off an Ultimus win, or do you feel more at ease surrounded by guys who’ve been there before?
Siddhu Sarvepally - 5. At first I feel like there was lots of pressure but then I figured out taht there all nice guys here so they will all help me settle in and keep that OCO winning mentality in check. Those OCO haters better watch out, cause no one hates me and gets away with it :slight_smile:
Bigunitbabs –It is cool to come into a locker room with so many talented players, and so many of them know how to win, I can’t yet understand how useful that knowledge will be, but I really hope to use it in the near future.
Laser - It's a huge honor to be playing for the all-time best, although I really don't feel like it comes with much added pressure. I think the pressure is the same though, because I always put the most pressure on myself and don't really care for anyone else pressuring me. It is definitely a good feeling to know that I have a bunch of veterans like Gus Showbiz and A.J. Lattimer to help me out with adjusting, however.
Revolution5 - 5. There a little bit from both. The fact that they’ve been to the post season for seventeen straight seasons gives you the confidence that they know the formula to winning. You listen to the little things and watch what the vets and coaches are doing as you know it produces results. As a rookie you feel that pressure to win but the Otters have create a space where the staff and vets have taken on that burden. They are experienced and challenge you with the perfect amount of studying, physical barriers in the weight room and just nurturing our talents out of us in the best way possible.
Esilverm - 5. I’m an OL i make this happen. I think we will win once i make my way up to the Otters. No pressure on these shoulders.
Marlo Smart - 5) Being sent down shields me from a lot of pressure but I doubt I would feel it anyway. As a new player, there's nothing that feels more stabilizing than being surrounded by competence and experience and the Otters are obviously both. Talk to me next year when the question of how I best fit into the roster comes up.
Howard Ryan - 5. Being drafted to the Otters puts me in mind of being drafted to the Luchadors in a lot of ways, both teams have a long history of playoff appearances and wins, being one of, if not the most successful franchises in their respective leagues. I’m very glad I’ve gotten to spend my time with both of these incredible organizations, and thankful for their coaching and guidance that have allowed me to grow into the player I am today, and how I’ll have the chance to continue to grow with them for many seasons to come. As far as pressure, being on a team known for making the playoffs and having great success isn’t stressful for me at all, after coming into the DSFL with the Luchadors and suffering some heartbreaking regular season losses to set up some difficult games in the playoffs that we came out on top of, I realized that as long as I play my game and I let my teammates play theirs, everything works. I’m very excited to be a part in their playoff runs in the future, maintaining our streak of making the playoffs.
6. You guys are all now going to be playing at the professional level with at least a season of experience under your belts. What do you think will be the biggest difference between you as a rookie and you in this upcoming season?
Siddhu Sarvepally - 6. Biggest difference is taht I will Be more commited this season and will be making sure to do all the Tp opportunities available. I will also be way better this season, so I should be winking MVP VERY easily tbh.
Bigunitbabs – I think I’ve learned a lot about how the pro level players do things, and I’ve picked up a few tips and tricks I think will help me immensely this coming season
Laser - I think the biggest difference is twofold. First, like I mentioned earlier, I'll be playing corner instead of safety, and second, I'll be playing against much better and more experienced quarterbacks. I look forward to the added challenge though.
Revolution5 - 6. The obvious is playing on the defensive side of the ball and not the offensive side. But the players in the NSFL are bigger, stronger and faster. I’m used to being the big fish in the small pond…. Well I’ve entered the ocean! I won’t back down from anyone but I’m smart enough to know when to pick my battles. When it comes to playing the run boy oh boy is my head on a swivel because a lunchbox toting three hundred pounder is looking to take my head off. In practice Adrian is kind enough to just left me off the ground and laugh instead of absolutely ruining my world.
Marlo Smart - 6) The most obvious answer to me is confidence. I know what I'm doing and what direction I need to go in to be the best player and contributor possible. It's just a matter of following through. When I started, I felt completely overwhelmed and probably didn't develop as fast as I could have. Experience is really the best teacher and I plan to use that to make the most out of the coming season.
Howard Ryan - 6. The biggest difference in me will probably be my speed, this offseason I’ve been training just about everything down in Mexico, and I’ll continue to train in the DSFL this season, but just in the offseason alone I’ve improved my speed significantly. I think this is going to bring an explosive aspect to my defense, so keep your eyes out for me in the first week of the DSFL season, once I do end up playing for the Otters, I think the biggest difference between the me now and the me then will be my experience, with another season or two under my belt, and my skills honed even more, I think I’ll be a very dangerous player by the time that happens, and I’m looking froward to it.
7. You guys just signed your first contracts, and I know everyone has that first purchase lined up. What’s it gonna be?
Siddhu Sarvepally - 7. Gonna buy myself some OCO merch cause what type of player doesn’t have team merch tbh. Probably a nice coffee mug and then a T-shirt to start off
Bigunitbabs – Nothing too crazy just yet, 4 million might sound like a lot but I’m focused on being the best player I can be, and supporting my family back home.
sorry it took so long
Laser - . 7. You guys just signed your first contracts, and I know everyone has that first purchase lined up. What’s it gonna be? Oh man. 1.5 million in the bank, and a custom Dodge Viper in my driveway. Orange with black racing stripes and fully tinted windows, all the bells and whistles on the inside, and of course custom Otters rims.
Revolution5 - 7. I’m a simple guy with simple plans. I’m going to invest fifty percent of it so I may live modestly off of the interest and then re-invest half every pay check. The first splurge I’m going to do is take my wife on a week vacation to Croatia and Greece in between training camp and pre season. Game of thrones was shot there. And as I mentioned about Orange County, I love warm weather. We will rent places on secluded islands, go snorkling and just relax before the hectic season starts.
Esilverm - First of all, I haven’t been working hard. You haven’t seen me work hard. You will never see me work hard. Working hard is not my middle name. If i ever decided to work hard it certainly wouldn’t be here. I only get 2 stats so it isn’t easy to measure my “hard work”. I just smack bad boys on the ground and make way for my boys to run far and whatever. Oh and i prevent bouys who want to tackle my boys from tackling my boys. This is my job. Is it worth it? Maybe not but i work enough. The measurement for my work ethic is so low that there is no word for it.
Marlo Smart - 7) Training and training equipment all day. While I may be drafted, the real work comes in being prepared to play as an Otter next season. There are some fantastic defenders already on the team and I need to prove that I have what it takes to really play like an Otter. I can relax and spend on frivolous stuff when I retire.
Howard Ryan - 7. Well, since I’m staying down in the DSFL I’ll be in Mexico the majority of the time this upcoming season, but to plan for the future I’ll probably buy a house here in Orange County so that I can be close to the team whenever I’m needed. Then, I’ll probably buy myself a membership to a really nice gym, giving me another place to train if for some reason I’m not able to make it in to the facilities at the Otter’s stadium or the Luchadors’ stadium. Then, maybe I’ll go out for a celebratory dinner with some of my teammates from the Luchadors also staying down in the DSFL, where we can compare and contrast our teams, and what our futures look like.
Code:
4,000 words - 1.5x media whoop - Ready for grading - edited in bigunitbabs' answers. Did not increase word total for it as it is passed the media bonus deadline.
Please pay out:
30% Siddhus
30% Bigunitbabs
20% RacgiMan
10% Revolution5
10% Laser