Commanders Post at The Warpath - John Riggins Q and A

i thought you guys might find this fun to read
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Washington Redskins Hall of Fame running back John Riggins sat down with Morning News sports writer Lou Bezjak during Saturday's Harry Carson Celebrity Golf Classic and talked about a variety of topics, from his playing days to his relationship with Joe Gibbs:

[B]Question:[/B] You retired in 1985, so how's life been after football?
[B]Answer:[/B] It's been interesting. I was never a guy who knew what I wanted to do. Even when I went to college, I didn't go to get an education. I wasn't proud of that. But I structured some of my contracts so when I got out I would have some income and wouldn't have to do the first thing that came along. Gradually that's how the broadcasting thing came along. (Riggins co-hosts a weekly Redskins TV program and did radio work on Sunday night games for Westwood One. He also recently had a show on Sirius satellite radio).

[B]Question:[/B] How was your health after football?
[B]Answer:[/B] I feel very fortunate actually. Arthritis is a problem for everyone, but it can be a problem sooner for those who played football. But for those most part, I get around all right.

[B]Question:[/B] You are here at Harry Carson's golf tournament. What do you remember about facing him and those Giants teams?
[B]Answer:[/B] The Giants defense was one of the best in the league and you would look forward to that because you could measure yourself. Of course, I didn't measure up so well when I played the Giants.

[B]Question:[/B] Were your battles with the Cowboys your fondest memory in the NFL?
[B]Answer:[/B] Yeah, I have to say that. The Cowboys had the tradition and then in the 1970s came out with their highlight video proclaiming themselves “America's Team.” It wasn't very difficult to play the Cowboys. Plus it captivated the country, so we knew that week it was a meaningful game.

[B]Question: [/B]What was your favorite memory of that rivalry?
[B]Answer: [/B]There are two actually. One was a huge disappointment when we lost to them down in 1979 in the last game of the regular season. We went from almost having home-field advantage in the playoffs to not even making the playoffs. The other was when we beat them (in 1983) to go the Super Bowl. That was my 11th year in the league and I didn't even think I would get close to the playoffs, let alone get to the Super Bowl. It was satisfying and rewarding.

[B]Question:[/B] Your 43-yard run in Super Bowl XVII has been on highlight reels over the years. What do you remember about that?
[B]Answer: [/B]I have seen it a few times (laughing). I actually don't remember much about it. I see it and I'm like, ‘God, what was going through my mind?' I remember what happened before the play, but that's pretty much how you play the game. If you are thinking, you probably ain't playing football.

[B]Question: [/B]What are your thoughts on Joe Gibbs and his return to the Redskins?
[B]Answer: [/B]It was huge to get him to come back and for him to come back to the Redskins. It gave everybody a true sense of hope. His first year out of the blocks didn't have people punching the air. His offense struggled, but his defense was good. But, one thing, he hasn't lost that overall skill of how to manage people. That's what you saw last year: his ability to manage people. I said he could have probably run General Motors.
[B]
Question:[/B] You and Gibbs had an up-and-down relationship. What is it like now?
[B]Answer:[/B] We are two guys who live in different worlds. But we are two guys who have a genuine appreciation for the other one. I have an admiration for him.

[B]Question:[/B] Do you see the difference in relationships between guys on other teams now?
[B]Answer: [/B]Things are different now. Guys are more aware of each other. Back in those days, you played the game, got back on a bus and went to the airport. I didn't know anyone on the Giants, Cowboys or Eagles. There weren't any friendships for me after the game. I wouldn't say I hated anyone, but I had a little attitude. They were the bad guys.

[B]Question:[/B] Any things you might have regretted doing during your playing days?
[B]Answer: [/B]Sure I have got a few but, like Elvis (Presley) and Frank (Sinatra) said, “Too few to mention.”