Jon speaks to Fan Channel's Jeremy Treatman about his transition to San Diego and what's next for him.
So you are playing Sunday?
They are talking about working me in for 25 plays. Norv Turner said he just wanted to make sure I can walk on Monday. I've been running a lot with the scout teams, I had a few reps the last couple of days with the first team. It was the first time since last season where I actually had contact drills with shoulder pads and a helmet without going against people who were worried about hurting my knee. So far, I feel great. It's all about getting the timing back, just like riding a bicycle, a little shaky at first but getting the hang of it....I had a little contact while training but no one really went after me in those drills. I think the biggest thing now is in the mental flow of the game. It will be a little nerve racking if we are in a 3rd and long situation on the first drive I am in. Testing myself early will be the big thing. I've only been with the team for a week and a half, so we'll see how everything goes. I think the coaches will decide at some point if I will play more or less, if I will do more after halftime. Norv told me in the meetings that they only want about 25 for me but of course you never know what will happen in the first game. This is not like my rookie year at all. I am a little anxious and excited but it’s a lot more comforting to me because of the fact that I relate to all the schemes I am seeing and I understand football like a veteran....
How’s the transition been?
Making this transition, it’s not that hard just because, even though their plays here are like a foreign language, I still understand the philosophy of plays.......The funny thing is, while its pretty similar to what I am used to, the numbering systems are different and there are different tag words that they will use to call plays. I have to throw out all the old junk from the Eagles. That's the biggest thing. I want to make sure I go right when I am supposed to and go left when I am supposed to. It will mess on your footwork, if you are not 100 percent sure of which way to go. I think I will be OK. It's just that they actually use some words in San Diego that meant something else in Philly!
I am waking up at 4:30 in the morning every day and am not used to west coast time. I am staying at a temporary extended stay hotel out here and its mid 60’s and sunny every day. I can’t argue with that. I have met all the guys but by the time I get to know them, I will probably be gone.
Any hard feelings towards rest of league or Eagles?
I mean its all behind me now. Once I got halfway done the season, it was going to take a serious injury to get me signed somewhere. It just happened to be in San Diego. One of the reasons I am excited about being out here is they have a chance to be in the Super Bowl which was a factor in me signing. It's a nice situation for a last season for me. But in truth, this is the only offer I got since being waived before week 1.
Is football big in San Diego?
San Diego is totally different than Philly. It's a lot more laid back. ....People care about the team here but it’s not in your face all the time like in Philly. I went to the mall here and one person recognized me where in Philly it was like every other person stops you. They have all that stuff, sports radio, etc...but it’s a lot more relaxed.
Are you still running for Congress?
I am in my heart 100 percent running for Congress after this season, but I can't officially announce that yet. I have a lot of paperwork to fill out, etc. I will be excited about that down the road...Even if we win super bowl, I am planning to end my playing career this season.
What are your feelings on McNabb?
People are beating on him pretty hard. When he ends his career, he will go down as the best QB in the history of the team. He is a good guy, he works his butt off. He still can make a big play and escape the pocket. I think we all lose a step as we get older but he makes better decisions and is a wiser player now, capable of making the big plays and leading the team deep into the playoffs. I think it will take something bad to happen for people to realize what they had here. If he leaves here, people will miss him.
I think Kevin Kolb and also Michael Vick just are looking at getting an opportunity. For Kolb I think he can be a good QB. But is he going to get that experience and when and where will that happen for him? Will the Eagles use Vick to get a draft pick? It will be interesting to see how it unfolds. In this game, sometimes it takes an injury to get your opportunity and for the decisions to be made for you.
What’s the favorite part of the game for you?
It’s just the competition on Sunday that keeps me going....
Biggest problem with the NFL right now?
Put the contact back into the sport and keep it from looking like basketball...
A.I. coming back?
That’s interesting.... everybody knows what they are going to get with him. Ultimately they would have signed him probably anyway to retire him as a 76er. It’s kind of nice he can come in and play here...again it was an injury to Lou Williams, kind of that perfect storm meeting there for him. I wish him all the luck.
About Jeremy Treatman:
Jeremy Treatman is the President and Founder of PlaybyPlayClassics.com and PlaybyPlaycamps.com
