Jeremy Shockey Chat Wrap
April 9, 2002
Jeremy Shockey: I am here and ready to go!!!
Jonas(Ft.Lauderdale):: Jeremy, What is it like when you go on a pre draft visit to the Pro teams?What kind of things go on and what teams have you visited?
Jeremy Shockey: You just sit down, they fly you in, and you sit down and have dinner with the coaches. Really they give you the night off then the next morning you look at the facilites, meet the coaches, and get a physical. They just want to put a name with a face. I’ve only been on one, the Giants. I’m going to Indy and Dallas next.
Hojo (Boston): Jeremy — Many mock drafts have you going to the New York Giants with the 15th selection. How would you feel about playing in the Big Apple?
Jeremy Shockey: I would love to play there .. a lot of people have me going there and it would be a great fit. It’s a great city and the coaching staff is like a big family. I have no idea where I will end up though.
Kevin (Dellwood,Mn.): Do you think that Shockey would be interested in playing for a team that requires him to block first, pass catch second – like the N.Y. Giants ???
Jeremy Shockey: Not at all, I wouldn’t mind that. If they want a big blocking tight end, that’s fine with me. I just want to win. A lot of teams you have to run the ball and you have to expect to be blocking a lot.
Draftkid (cerritos, cali): How has playing in Larry Cokers offense help prepare you in your transition to the NFL?? and which type of offense do you believe will fit you most?? thanks alot and good luck.
Jeremy Shockey: I think it will be a smooth transition .. it won’t be a huge jump for me because Miami does have such a great program. We were so prepared there and I’m sure our program was similar to what a lot of NFL teams do.
Kevin (State College,PA): Welcome Jeremy, thanks for taking the time to answer questions! Jeremy, being a die-hard Browns fan, I would love to see you strap on the brown and orange next season. What are your feelings on a possible reunion with Coach Davis in Cleveland?
Jeremy Shockey: That would be fun! He’s a great coach. I would not be disappointed at all if I went there. Nothing but great things happened at Miami because of him so I would love to be with him again. I would love the Giants but I like Cleveland just as much. I don’t really have a favorite team.
Nick (SF): Jeremy, who was your idol growing up?
Jeremy Shockey: I didn’t play TE when I was little but I always watched Jerry Rice growing up. He had such great hands. I loved Montana and Aikman when they had their dynasty going. I didn’t look up to just one person. I also really liked Bo Jackson.
John (Burlington,VT): Jeremy what area do you think you need to work on at the pro level?
Jeremy Shockey: Blocking is a big area I want to improve on ..you can never be perfect at that. I have gained some weight so that should help. Another one is knowing the game, everyone’s position, etc. When you are at a new place, it takes some time to learn that.
Big Reg (Houston): I know “The Catch” against FSU two seasons ago thrusted you into the spotlight. How do you think you will handle the media attention in the NFL?
I think you will do fine, it is apparent you like the attention, considering the numerous poses you gave in the Rose Bowl after each catch.
P.S. Tell Najeh to brush up on his Madden skills.
Jeremy Shockey: Won’t be a problem at me .. I’ve had a lot of exposure at the college level so it won’t be hard.
Levi (Willmar, MN): Jeremy, you rock man and I just wanted to know how hectic your life is now that draft day is getting near. Thanks, and good luck in the NFL.
Jeremy Shockey: Not that bad really.. some guys are nervous, especially at the combine, but I haven’t been nervous at all. I have a pretty simple life and I try to keep it that way.
Brad from L.A.: hey jeremy… im a big fan and it was awesome to meet you on south beach a couple weeks ago. we all know about your awesome catching, route running, and speed. some people question your blocking, what have you done to quiet the critics this offseason? best of luck, hope to see you on the browns!
Jeremy Shockey: Basically at the next level you learn more technique which is something I don’t have a lot of, I just hit people. It won’t be easy, it will be challenging but once I get that technique I will improve greatly.
Keith Earle: Jerry Rice, Bo Jackson! Sounds like you might have a soft spot for the silver and black. I think you would look great in Oakland. You could become the next Todd Christenson. Any thoughts…
Jeremy Shockey: The Raiders would be a cool team to play for .. they have always been the bad boys. And it’s a great city. Whoever takes me I will do my best .. That would be a cool place to go though!
alex t (florida): Shock, What are you going to do when you get your fat paycheck?
Jeremy Shockey: Actually Im not like a lot of the guys, I won’t be buying anything really big. I will buy my family a house and save most of it.
Kent Clarke (Chi-town): You have any desire to stay in Miami, the Dolphins sure could use some help at tight end?
Jeremy Shockey: I’d like to go somewhere else to be honest. They are a great organization but I don’t think they have a first round pick and I don’t want to be sitting out that long!
Big Papa (Regina, SK): Congrats on being a big part of winning a National Championship with Miami. How close was your decision to turn pro early? Was it something you debated on for a long time, or did you plan it ahead of time? Good luck in the NFL.
Jeremy Shockey: It was a very hard decision. I wanted to win the championship before I made a decision but it was still hard even after that. I didn’t want to leave these guys. It was one of the hardest decisions I’ll ever make and I felt bad for doing it but it was the best thing for me and my family.
Jas : hey Shockey what are you going to miss most when you leave Miami for the bigs.. Will it be the Tavern or The University of Miami Campus?
Jeremy Shockey: The Tavern!!!
It will be hard not playing with all these faces around here.. but I’m looking forward to a great season.
Thanks for all the questions .. I really appreciate all the interest and your support. I’m looking forward to next season and I hope to see you guys around. Thanks!
