We’re here with the offensive captain of the Tijuana Luchadores, Forrest Gump, who’s preparing for his upcoming game against the Solar Bears.
Mr. Gump, you’re coming off a very impressive 2-week performance in which you found your way into the end zone 5 times, once through the air and 4 on the ground. What do you think was the reason for your increase in success after a very lackluster performance in the first 2 weeks of the season?
Well I think it really came down to the coaches putting more faith on me and leaning on my performances a little bit more than Roronoa in the first 2 weeks. Don’t get me wrong, Zoro’s a talented player, but I just have a bit more of a burst and more room to grow, so I’d like to get the ball even more going forward.
In addition to your running back duties, you’ve been active in both the kick and returning games, albeit to moderate success, how do you feel about your responsibilities in special teams as you continue in the DSFL?
I’d like to continue both kicks and punts my whole career here and in the NSFL if I can. I’m always working to get faster, and I’ll be focused on makin’ people miss more as I spend more time on the training field. Returning is a big part of my family’s history, as most people know. What a lot of people don’t know is how much I loved Devin Hester growin’ up. He was the most exciting player in the NFL when I was a kid, and I’d love to be able to return like him some day. I’m still ready to be a bellcow back while I’m doin’ that too, ‘cause you know I can run all day long.
Following your impressive performances, how have you been spending time practicing to improve your playing?
Well like I said I always try to keep getting faster, but I’ve been roudin’ out my game a bit more as well. Spent some time in the gym gettin’ a little bit strong this week, I know I scored some short runs last week and the week before, but I had an attempt on the 1-yard line in week 2 and I got stuffed. That bugged me, I love gettin’ to celebrate with my team when I get in the end zone, so I want to make sure I’m not so easy to stop on the line. I did some practicing with Corvo to make sure I can catch better, that paid off with that 16-yard touchdown catch I snagged. I’m also lucky enough to practice against some amazing talents on defense like Johnny (Slothface) and Martavius (Mack). Tryin’ to run against those guys every week in practice makes you learn how to avoid getting tackled better quick, just to avoid getting levelled.
While you’re captain of the offense, you’re certainly not the most outspoken member of it. Rod Tidwell is seen frequently both in the media and chatting with members of the league regularly. Rod’s spoken positively about you to the press before, but what are your thoughts on someone becoming a big public figure in a team sport?
If you’re tryin’ to imply that Rod Tidwell is a selfish player, I might just walk out of this interview right now. Rod’s just real loud and fun, everyone on the team and frankly, in the league, love Rod. He brings an amazing energy to the locker room and is talented as all heck. I know I said I want the ball more earlier, but that’s just the running game, Rod Tidwell can and should be the focal point of the passing attack. Part of bein’ captain is always backing your guys, and I’ll always stand up for any one of my teammates.
Alright Forrest, good to hear. Have you done anything special as captain for the team?
Well part of what I said when we were talkin’ ‘bout becomin’ captains was that I could make the most shrimp dishes for the team at post game dinners. So far, we’ve had shrimp sandwiches, shrimp seville, popcorn shrimp, shrimp cocktails, shrimp and grits, shrimp skewers, shrimp pasta alfredo, and blackened shrimp. I like to bring at least two to every dinner. May not be the main thing I gotta do as captain, but I like to think it keeps people happy after a loss and gives us somethin’ to celebrate with after a win.
What are your predictions going into the next 4 weeks for Tijuana?
Well now you know I’m gonna say Tijuana are gonna win all them. I will say the one I’m most excited for is the rematch against San Antonio. You know I hear they haven’t paid for our wall yet even though everybody keeps sayin’ they’re gonna, so I guess they just don’t have the cheque written yet or somethin’. They’re always a tough opponent but the atmosphere in the locker room before the game against them was electric. There’s no feeling like playing your rivals, and this time they gotta come to Tijuana. We’re dangerous at home, and we’re gonna show that these next few weeks.
Thanks for coming Mr. Gump, a delight as always.
Thank you.
Ready for grading
Mr. Gump, you’re coming off a very impressive 2-week performance in which you found your way into the end zone 5 times, once through the air and 4 on the ground. What do you think was the reason for your increase in success after a very lackluster performance in the first 2 weeks of the season?
Well I think it really came down to the coaches putting more faith on me and leaning on my performances a little bit more than Roronoa in the first 2 weeks. Don’t get me wrong, Zoro’s a talented player, but I just have a bit more of a burst and more room to grow, so I’d like to get the ball even more going forward.
In addition to your running back duties, you’ve been active in both the kick and returning games, albeit to moderate success, how do you feel about your responsibilities in special teams as you continue in the DSFL?
I’d like to continue both kicks and punts my whole career here and in the NSFL if I can. I’m always working to get faster, and I’ll be focused on makin’ people miss more as I spend more time on the training field. Returning is a big part of my family’s history, as most people know. What a lot of people don’t know is how much I loved Devin Hester growin’ up. He was the most exciting player in the NFL when I was a kid, and I’d love to be able to return like him some day. I’m still ready to be a bellcow back while I’m doin’ that too, ‘cause you know I can run all day long.
Following your impressive performances, how have you been spending time practicing to improve your playing?
Well like I said I always try to keep getting faster, but I’ve been roudin’ out my game a bit more as well. Spent some time in the gym gettin’ a little bit strong this week, I know I scored some short runs last week and the week before, but I had an attempt on the 1-yard line in week 2 and I got stuffed. That bugged me, I love gettin’ to celebrate with my team when I get in the end zone, so I want to make sure I’m not so easy to stop on the line. I did some practicing with Corvo to make sure I can catch better, that paid off with that 16-yard touchdown catch I snagged. I’m also lucky enough to practice against some amazing talents on defense like Johnny (Slothface) and Martavius (Mack). Tryin’ to run against those guys every week in practice makes you learn how to avoid getting tackled better quick, just to avoid getting levelled.
While you’re captain of the offense, you’re certainly not the most outspoken member of it. Rod Tidwell is seen frequently both in the media and chatting with members of the league regularly. Rod’s spoken positively about you to the press before, but what are your thoughts on someone becoming a big public figure in a team sport?
If you’re tryin’ to imply that Rod Tidwell is a selfish player, I might just walk out of this interview right now. Rod’s just real loud and fun, everyone on the team and frankly, in the league, love Rod. He brings an amazing energy to the locker room and is talented as all heck. I know I said I want the ball more earlier, but that’s just the running game, Rod Tidwell can and should be the focal point of the passing attack. Part of bein’ captain is always backing your guys, and I’ll always stand up for any one of my teammates.
Alright Forrest, good to hear. Have you done anything special as captain for the team?
Well part of what I said when we were talkin’ ‘bout becomin’ captains was that I could make the most shrimp dishes for the team at post game dinners. So far, we’ve had shrimp sandwiches, shrimp seville, popcorn shrimp, shrimp cocktails, shrimp and grits, shrimp skewers, shrimp pasta alfredo, and blackened shrimp. I like to bring at least two to every dinner. May not be the main thing I gotta do as captain, but I like to think it keeps people happy after a loss and gives us somethin’ to celebrate with after a win.
What are your predictions going into the next 4 weeks for Tijuana?
Well now you know I’m gonna say Tijuana are gonna win all them. I will say the one I’m most excited for is the rematch against San Antonio. You know I hear they haven’t paid for our wall yet even though everybody keeps sayin’ they’re gonna, so I guess they just don’t have the cheque written yet or somethin’. They’re always a tough opponent but the atmosphere in the locker room before the game against them was electric. There’s no feeling like playing your rivals, and this time they gotta come to Tijuana. We’re dangerous at home, and we’re gonna show that these next few weeks.
Thanks for coming Mr. Gump, a delight as always.
Thank you.
Ready for grading
[OPTION]===========================================
[OPTION]DSFL Regular Season Stats
[OPTION] Tackles: 106
[OPTION] TFLs: 7
[OPTION] FF/FR: 1/1
[OPTION] Sacks: 3
[OPTION] Interceptions: 3
[OPTION] Pass Deflections: 9
[OPTION]DSFL Regular Season Stats
[OPTION] Tackles: 106
[OPTION] TFLs: 7
[OPTION] FF/FR: 1/1
[OPTION] Sacks: 3
[OPTION] Interceptions: 3
[OPTION] Pass Deflections: 9
[OPTION] Touchdowns: 1
[OPTION]===========================================
[OPTION]DSFL Playoff Stats
[OPTION] Tackles: 25
[OPTION] TFLs: 0
[OPTION] FF/FR: 1/0
[OPTION] Sacks: 3
[OPTION] Interceptions: 0
[OPTION] Pass Deflections: 2
[OPTION]===========================================
[OPTION]DSFL Playoff Stats
[OPTION] Tackles: 25
[OPTION] TFLs: 0
[OPTION] FF/FR: 1/0
[OPTION] Sacks: 3
[OPTION] Interceptions: 0
[OPTION] Pass Deflections: 2
[OPTION]===========================================
[OPTION]ISFL Regular Season Stats
[OPTION] Tackles: 78
[OPTION] TFLs: 5
[OPTION] FF/FR: 1/2
[OPTION] Sacks: 8
[OPTION] Interceptions: 1
[OPTION] Pass Deflections: 8
[OPTION] Touchdowns: 0
[OPTION]ISFL Regular Season Stats
[OPTION] Tackles: 78
[OPTION] TFLs: 5
[OPTION] FF/FR: 1/2
[OPTION] Sacks: 8
[OPTION] Interceptions: 1
[OPTION] Pass Deflections: 8
[OPTION] Touchdowns: 0
[OPTION] Receptions: 419
[OPTION] Receiving Yards: 3681
[OPTION] Receiving Touchdowns: 25
[OPTION] Kick Return Yards: 5367
[OPTION] Kick Return TDs: 1
[OPTION] Punt Return Yards: 1651
[OPTION] Punt Return TDs: 5
[OPTION] Pancakes: 242
[OPTION] Kick Return TDs: 1
[OPTION] Punt Return Yards: 1651
[OPTION] Punt Return TDs: 5
[OPTION] Pancakes: 242
[OPTION]===========================================
[OPTION]ISFL Postseason Stats
[OPTION] Rushing Yards: 926
[OPTION] Yards per Carry: 4.56
[OPTION] Rushing Touchdowns: 7
[OPTION] Receptions: 44
[OPTION] Receiving Yards: 408
[OPTION] Receiving Touchdowns: 4
[OPTION] Kick Return Yards: 653
[OPTION] Kick Return TDs: 0
[OPTION] Punt Return Yards: 192
[OPTION] Punt Return TDs: 0
[OPTION] Pancakes: 28
[OPTION]===========================================
[OPTION]Trophy Case/Achievements:
[OPTION] S15 DSFL RBotY
[OPTION] S15 DSFL MVP
[OPTION] S16 Pro Bowler (RB)
[OPTION] S17 Pro Bowler (RB)
[OPTION] S18 RBotY
[OPTION] S18 PERotY
[OPTION] S18 OPotY
[OPTION]ISFL Postseason Stats
[OPTION] Rushing Yards: 926
[OPTION] Yards per Carry: 4.56
[OPTION] Rushing Touchdowns: 7
[OPTION] Receptions: 44
[OPTION] Receiving Yards: 408
[OPTION] Receiving Touchdowns: 4
[OPTION] Kick Return Yards: 653
[OPTION] Kick Return TDs: 0
[OPTION] Punt Return Yards: 192
[OPTION] Punt Return TDs: 0
[OPTION] Pancakes: 28
[OPTION]===========================================
[OPTION]Trophy Case/Achievements:
[OPTION] S15 DSFL RBotY
[OPTION] S15 DSFL MVP
[OPTION] S16 Pro Bowler (RB)
[OPTION] S17 Pro Bowler (RB)
[OPTION] S18 RBotY
[OPTION] S18 PERotY
[OPTION] S18 OPotY
[OPTION] S18 Pro Bowler (RB)
[OPTION] S19 Pro Bowler (RB & Returner)
[OPTION] S20 Pro Bowler (RB & Returner)
[OPTION] S21 Pro Bowler (OFlex & Returner)
[OPTION] S21 Ultimus Champion
[OPTION] S21 Ultimus MVP
[OPTION] S22 Pro Bowler (RB & Returner)
[OPTION] Most Rushing TDs in a DSFL season (S15, 20)
[OPTION] 3rd Most Rushing TDs in a DSFL season (S14, 18)
[OPTION] 3rd Most Rushing TDs in a DSFL season (S14, 18)
[OPTION] 5th Most Career Rushing Yards
[OPTION] 9th Most Career Rushing TDs
[OPTION] 7th Most Career Scrimmage Yards
[OPTION] 8th Most Career Scrimmage TDs
[OPTION] 5th Most Career Punt Return TDs
[OPTION] 5th Most Career All-Purpose Yards
[OPTION] 8th Most Career All-Purpose TDs
[OPTION] 4th Most Career Postseason Rushing Yards
[OPTION] 2nd Most Career Postseason Rushing TDs
[OPTION] 2nd Most Career Postseason Scrimmage Yards
[OPTION] 2nd Most Career Postseason Scrimmage TDs
[OPTION] 2nd Most Career Postseason Scrimmage TDs
[OPTION] 10th Most Career Postseason Kick Return Yards
[OPTION] 7th Most Career Postseason Punt Return Yards
[OPTION] 2nd Most Career Postseason All-Purpose Yards
[OPTION] 2nd Most Career Postseason All-Purpose TDs
[OPTION] 2nd Most Career Postseason All-Purpose TDs