How do you feel that your rookie season went?
Overall, I felt that it went great! Obviously I would have liked us to make the playoffs, as I feel that we were really starting to come together as a team and could have surprised some people. I believe that I finished with the highest receiving yards out of all rookie wide receivers. I would have finished as the top of all rookies, but Antonio Summer is a whole nother animal. Almost 1,700 all-purpose yards is insane. Also have to appreciate Jerrod Canton's season as well. If it weren't for those two, I feel like I'd be running away with the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Unfortunately, I've got to give those two their due credit. I still feel that I've set a great baseline for myself for the next few years. I know that I can have success in the red zone and in open field, I've just got to trust both myself and my teammates.
Do you see yourself staying with the Liberty long-term?
I truly hope so. Next season is my last one under contract, but I really hope to earn an extension. Even though I've only spent one year with Philly, I've had an incredible time with my teammates and coaches. I feel that we're in a competitive environment that helps everyone grow, both as athletes and individuals. Anyone who doesn't want to be a part of that won't find long term success in this league. That being said, I still need to get paid. I've shown this year that I'm capable at producing consistently throughout the year, and I've still got a lot of potential that hasn't been tapped into yet. If I can improve on my season last year, I believe that the owners in Philly will offer me a contract that fits the value that I bring to the team. They've been wonderful so far, and I have every reason to believe that they'll continue to do so going forward.
Do you have any goals for next season?
I do. In terms of team goals, I'd love to make the playoffs. We were so close this past season, and I'd love to see what this team can do in high pressure situations. I haven't had much luck in the postseason in my career, even with the Kansas City Coyotes in the DSFL. Philly is still a young team, so I don't want to make any lofty goals like winning the championship. That being said, if we make the playoffs, we can steadily build on our success, and grow as a team. Give us two or three seasons, and I think we'll be top contenders.
I also have a few personal goals. If you look at my stat line last season, I finished with 54 catches for 719 yards and 7 touchdowns. While I know I'm going to improve as an athlete, I'm going to be cautious with my goals for next season, since I know how important opportunity is in football. Philly's receiving corps are going to remain largely unchanged. Carter Bush will be the WR1, myself the WR2, and Felix Hasselhoff will be the WR3. We have a fantastic running back in Marquise Brown, and our offense will continue to be focused on the run. Our quarterback, Adriana Falconi, will definitely improve, which helps everyone in the offense. I know that quite a few passes thrown to me ended up being interceptions. This is something we're focusing on in the off-season, and will lead to more consistent drives. I've also spent a ton of time working on my hands, since I still had a decent number of drops last season. Taking all these factors into account, my goals are 65 catches for 875 yards and 8 touchdowns. I'd love to see a larger improvement in touchdowns this upcoming season, but I don't think it's a reasonable goal. If you look at the league's receiving stats last season, only 8 receivers scored more than 7 touchdowns, and it's a pretty impressive list. I think I have the potential to be a top receiver in the league, but even I can admit that I'm not there yet.
Would you ever consider a position change?
I'd really prefer not to. I'm not 100% against it, but I created as a receiver for a reason. Although if it made sense for the team, I think I would. I'm a team first player, and if it brings us that much closer to a championship, I'll do whatever it takes. I could see my skills translating to a cornerback or safety position. I'd still like to stay on the offensive side of the ball though. Running back would definitely be fun as well. I played some running back in college and enjoyed it a ton! Maybe Philly could incorporate a few more end around plays and utilize me like Tyreek Hill. Ah well, a guy can dream.
How do you feel about the possibility of being traded?
It's always in the back of your mind. I know that football is a business at the end of the day, and the owners have to make the decision that's right for the team, and not the individual. I don't have any grudges against any player or team in the league, and I'd be happy to go anywhere. For now, I'm perfectly happy in Philly. They drafted me, so I've got to stay loyal to them and prove that they made the right decision by drafting me so early. If I do get traded at some point in my career, I'm going to try to stay positive. I'm not going to look at it like Philly didn't want me, I'm going to see it as I played really well, and another team just had to have me. I'm trying not to get too attached to the city, but it's really difficult. I love everything about it. I haven't bought a house yet, I've told myself that I'm going to rent throughout my entire football career. Way easier to just pack your suitcase and leave than having to worry about selling your house last minute.
Thank you so much for your time!
Thank you! Go Liberty! I'll see you all next season.
Overall, I felt that it went great! Obviously I would have liked us to make the playoffs, as I feel that we were really starting to come together as a team and could have surprised some people. I believe that I finished with the highest receiving yards out of all rookie wide receivers. I would have finished as the top of all rookies, but Antonio Summer is a whole nother animal. Almost 1,700 all-purpose yards is insane. Also have to appreciate Jerrod Canton's season as well. If it weren't for those two, I feel like I'd be running away with the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Unfortunately, I've got to give those two their due credit. I still feel that I've set a great baseline for myself for the next few years. I know that I can have success in the red zone and in open field, I've just got to trust both myself and my teammates.
Do you see yourself staying with the Liberty long-term?
I truly hope so. Next season is my last one under contract, but I really hope to earn an extension. Even though I've only spent one year with Philly, I've had an incredible time with my teammates and coaches. I feel that we're in a competitive environment that helps everyone grow, both as athletes and individuals. Anyone who doesn't want to be a part of that won't find long term success in this league. That being said, I still need to get paid. I've shown this year that I'm capable at producing consistently throughout the year, and I've still got a lot of potential that hasn't been tapped into yet. If I can improve on my season last year, I believe that the owners in Philly will offer me a contract that fits the value that I bring to the team. They've been wonderful so far, and I have every reason to believe that they'll continue to do so going forward.
Do you have any goals for next season?
I do. In terms of team goals, I'd love to make the playoffs. We were so close this past season, and I'd love to see what this team can do in high pressure situations. I haven't had much luck in the postseason in my career, even with the Kansas City Coyotes in the DSFL. Philly is still a young team, so I don't want to make any lofty goals like winning the championship. That being said, if we make the playoffs, we can steadily build on our success, and grow as a team. Give us two or three seasons, and I think we'll be top contenders.
I also have a few personal goals. If you look at my stat line last season, I finished with 54 catches for 719 yards and 7 touchdowns. While I know I'm going to improve as an athlete, I'm going to be cautious with my goals for next season, since I know how important opportunity is in football. Philly's receiving corps are going to remain largely unchanged. Carter Bush will be the WR1, myself the WR2, and Felix Hasselhoff will be the WR3. We have a fantastic running back in Marquise Brown, and our offense will continue to be focused on the run. Our quarterback, Adriana Falconi, will definitely improve, which helps everyone in the offense. I know that quite a few passes thrown to me ended up being interceptions. This is something we're focusing on in the off-season, and will lead to more consistent drives. I've also spent a ton of time working on my hands, since I still had a decent number of drops last season. Taking all these factors into account, my goals are 65 catches for 875 yards and 8 touchdowns. I'd love to see a larger improvement in touchdowns this upcoming season, but I don't think it's a reasonable goal. If you look at the league's receiving stats last season, only 8 receivers scored more than 7 touchdowns, and it's a pretty impressive list. I think I have the potential to be a top receiver in the league, but even I can admit that I'm not there yet.
Would you ever consider a position change?
I'd really prefer not to. I'm not 100% against it, but I created as a receiver for a reason. Although if it made sense for the team, I think I would. I'm a team first player, and if it brings us that much closer to a championship, I'll do whatever it takes. I could see my skills translating to a cornerback or safety position. I'd still like to stay on the offensive side of the ball though. Running back would definitely be fun as well. I played some running back in college and enjoyed it a ton! Maybe Philly could incorporate a few more end around plays and utilize me like Tyreek Hill. Ah well, a guy can dream.
How do you feel about the possibility of being traded?
It's always in the back of your mind. I know that football is a business at the end of the day, and the owners have to make the decision that's right for the team, and not the individual. I don't have any grudges against any player or team in the league, and I'd be happy to go anywhere. For now, I'm perfectly happy in Philly. They drafted me, so I've got to stay loyal to them and prove that they made the right decision by drafting me so early. If I do get traded at some point in my career, I'm going to try to stay positive. I'm not going to look at it like Philly didn't want me, I'm going to see it as I played really well, and another team just had to have me. I'm trying not to get too attached to the city, but it's really difficult. I love everything about it. I haven't bought a house yet, I've told myself that I'm going to rent throughout my entire football career. Way easier to just pack your suitcase and leave than having to worry about selling your house last minute.
Thank you so much for your time!
Thank you! Go Liberty! I'll see you all next season.