*Nicholas Pierno (COL QB) AMA

[ralz9]

DENVER, COLORADO - After a tough start to the season with just one win in eight games, the Colorado Yeti have made its rookie quarterback Nicholas Pierno available to the media to answer any questions about the past, present and future.

MEDIA NOTES:

PASSING: 1,238 yards, 4 touchdowns
RUSHING: 15 attempts, 49 yards

Season highlight thus far was game-winning touchdown drive against Las Vegas.

QUESTION #1: "Stephen B Smitfter here. How do you resign yourself to knowing that you are jumping on the live grenade that is the Yeti's deplorable handling of the Josh Noble situation? To be young, and constantly in over your head as you try to scramble, LITERALLY, for your life while they just welcome back a cheater with open arms? How soon is too soon to get out of there? Blink if you need to be rescued."

I recently sat down with Daybe, our general manager, to discuss Logan's future in Colorado. I don't ask for a lot, after all, I am just a rookie, but I want to avoid being in the same locker room as him at all costs. Daybe told me they're exploring options to move Noble to another team, and hopefully that's what happens. I've been gaining a presence in the locker room trying to make it a healthy environment (which it is). I love Colorado and would love to retire a Yeti.

QUESTION #2: How do you retain the motivation to continue trying to play and improve given your performance this season?

Shit, man, knowing I've struggled is exactly what motivates me. I know I can be better, I did a lot of special things while I was at North Carolina State. I don't mean to make excuses, but the circumstances that landed me into a starting role as a late draft pick were certainly unique but it's been such a blessing. There's no better way to get better than by gaining game experience. The Yeti front office instills so much confidence in me and that keeps me as motivated as ever. You won't find a harder worker than me.

QUESTION #3: Did you feel you were ready for the NSFL, or would have rather done one full season in the DSFL?

To be the best, you have to compete with the best. Gaining game experience, even though it's been tough, is so valuable. I believe it'll put me a peg ahead of a lot of other young quarterbacks, especially moving forward when a lot of the S1 guys start to regress.

QUESTION #4: Who is your favorite team to face?

I led my first-ever game-winning drive against Las Vegas--the team I was convinced was going to draft me.

QUESTION #5: How have the Yeti reacted to the prodigal son's return?

Mixed reviews, I'm OK with saying that I think he's a terrible fit for the franchise and I know several others agree with me. I'm not 100 percent sure he gets moved, but I hope he is.

QUESTION #6: Who's the better GM, Meme or Daybe?

Both are great. Both give me a lot of advice and are pushing me to be the best I can. When I have personal questions, I usually hit Daybe but both are great.

QUESTION #7: Why is Antonio the worse Sandoval brother?

Haha, next question, please.

QUESTION #8: What was it like opening and closing so many different chapters in your career so quickly, first being drafted by the Wraiths, then with being selected 2nd overall in the DSFL, then being traded to the Yeti, and then being called up to start in the NSFL?

Man, it was the craziest time of my life! Thank goodness I didn't sign a lease in Yellowknife or Kansas City. I built up a lot of frequent flyer miles, too. Every minute I was ready to settle down, I got the unexpected text. I'm just so glad Colorado seems to have me in its plans for the future. When I first saw I was traded, I was completely and utterly shocked--after all, I was only the 45th overall pick in the draft. When I got called to start, it was even more of a shock, but man, I'll never forget that opening night game against Vegas. I have that jersey hanging on my wall and will forever.

QUESTION #9: Follow up question, You have been struggling with your first season in the NSFL. Do you feel you have been made a starter too soon? How do you hope to shake off these negative feelings surrounding you?

My front office won't let me be negative. What's important is I'm grinding no matter what. I know this season isn't going to end with us in the postseason, so I'm just focusing on getting better as an individual and as a teammate. I won't lie, it was really hard at first, but the support of everyone else in the organization has allowed me to re-discover the chip on my shoulder that made me a Heisman winner at NC State.

QUESTION #10: The Colorado Yeti have not been having much success at all in this season, and many say that they will be in a hole for many years to come. Do you have faith in your management and why or why not?

I have a lot of faith. We will win a championship and I promise you that. They're making all the right moves, looking for guys that can contribute and, more importantly, have an upward trajectory. They want the active guys hitting the film room and the gym. You're the average of who you surround yourself with, and I love who the Yeti FO is putting around me. They're looking to build through the draft, and I love that, too. It's only up from here. The current stars of this league only have so much time left, and when they fall, we'll be ready to claim the top spot.

QUESTION #11: Can you comment on the rumors that you might be colorblind?

Goodness gracious, haha.


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