You Asked...Brian Mitchell Answered

[SmootSmack]

Sorry for the delay on this, took a while for us to connect. One of our more candid Q & A's.

Your Playing Days

1. Was there a particular play of yours (run/return/reception/pass-you did it all) that stands out to as your favorite? Yes, my first return ever. It was pre-season 1990 in Chapel Hill against the Falcons. I returned it for a TD and that gave me the confidence and desire to want to be a returner being that I was a QB in high school and college.

2. What players (offensive and defensive) playing today for the Redskins would have excelled when you were playing and why? Santana Moss because he does so much and his professionalism. London Fletcher because of his awareness and toughness. Hell, he's been playing so long I played against him. Brian Orakpo because he GETS it. He's not happy just to be in the NFL. He wants to be the best. DeAngelo Hall because of his confidence. D McNabb because of his work ethic and professionalism.

3. I think we can all agree your Redskins career ended too soon, but what does the remaining team lose/gain when an expereience player is cut? Are there benefits in doing so before a player has reached the end of his playing days? That teams loses leadership and guidance if that player was the leader. Also, they lose a good player. Until last year, which has been 10 years since I left, did any returner live up to the example I set? There's a benefit if you have someone in the system that you know can fill in.

4. Have you ever received an apology for the way things went down? If not, do you expect one? Yes, I did. I had a meeting with Dan before I was put into the Ring of Fame and he apologized. It was shocking because I never thought it would happen or expected it. Actually, I never thought I would be put in the Ring of Fame because of all the rumors surrounding our relationship.

5. Talk about playing for Joe Gibbs vs. playing for Norv Turner. Who was the best coach you ever played for? It was night and day. Coach Gibbs was the absolute best coach I've ever been around. He was confident and had control of the team. He also was very fair and honest. Norv, on the other hand wasn't as confident, and I felt he didn't have control. Norv was a very good offensive mind though, but Coach Gibbs was an absolute genius and the best at making adjustments.

6. ESPN and Accuscore recently ran a computerized game which resulted in the 1991 Redskins being named the best team of the past three decades. Do you agree? I totally agree. It's about time someone gives us some credit. I'll put that team against any team. We were loaded on offense, defense, and special teams.


7. What would you say to a kid playing today with dreams of making it to the NFL/ What does it take, not just to get there but to stay there? I would tell him to make sure he's totally committed, and he must realize this is a business. I would also tell him that he must make a lot of sacrifices to be the best.

8. When people talk about Brian Mitchell the NFL player, what do you want them to say? I want them to say that I came to play every time I step on the field, and my team was always able to count on me.

State of the Redskins

1. Can Redskins fans stomach Snyder coming out and saying, "Hey, We're going to suck for a few years... but it's in order to rebuild... so bear with us". I think they would respect that more than him saying that they'll compete for the SB every year and then stinking.

2. Do you think winning, and winning alone will be enough for Redskins fans to forgive and forget Snyder's management of this football team for the past 10 years? I think that winning would be about 85%, but he's going to have to become less standoffish for it to get to 100%.

3. Currently, there are 3 QBs on the roster. Can any of the three thrive in the Mike/Kyle Shanahan offensive system? I think Donovan can if given a fair shot at it. I think Rex has shown us the best he can be, and I haven't seen enough of Beck to have an idea of what he's capable of.

4. You've been critical of Snyder. But recently you've said you think he's changing. What makes you say that. Also, how does/should a team owner balance between staying out of it and knowing when's the right time to get involved (I think specifically to the Haynesworth and McNabb situations). I've been critical of decisions he's made, but always felt he spent his money like an owner should. I think he's matured, but still has some growing to do. He has to make decisions with his head and not his heart. He's at least trying by stepping away from the spotlight a little.

5. If you were GM of the Redskins what would your offseason priorities be and how, specifically would you accomplish them? I would focus on both lines in the draft and then possibly a RB. The success of the 'skins 3 SB wins were because of the play of the O-line and D-lines.

6. Do you think if ran the 4-3 this year Albert would have complied with the team rules or do you think he would have acted the same? Do you think we will make the 3-4 work? He would have probably played better, but his problems that he's dealing with are because of Albert, not a defense. If they can get a dominant NG, I think it can work.

7. What are your thoughts on Mike and Kyle Shanahan? Mike is a very good coach, but his ego is out of control. He's had success so I can at least understand. Kyle on the other hand is to pass happy, and I don't know why his ego is so big. His success do far doesn't warrant him having one.

8. Having been part of a well-respected organization in Philadelphia what did you experience in Philly that made that organization work, while we continue to struggle? Continuity. Andy Reid has been there going on 13 years, and he's a n excellent coach. Also, Lurie is an owner that people love playing for. They also have a system that they stick to whereas the 'skins change there systems every 2 to 3 years.

9. It's been said that under Vinny Cerrato the Redskins did a poor job of embracing their past and connecting with Redskins alumni. Is that true, and has that improved under Bruce Allen? Yes, that is absolutely true. Vinny didn't have a damn clue about the past and for some reason seemed to fear the players from the past. Bruce Allen knows the 'skins history and immediately welcomed them in. He understands what that does, and I'm sure will continue.

10. What was the biggest challenge in going from athlete in the locker room to member of the media in the locker room? I haven't really had a challenge because I'm basically the same person. I approach the media just like I did football. I study to make sure I know what I'm doing. I also approach it with a lot of passion. Finally, I'm out to be the best just as I tried to be when I played.

Current NFL

1. There was a lot of trash talking betwen the Pats and Jets this past week. Is it appropriate to talk trash in the press vs on the field? Does it give a team an advantage in the locker room, in your opinion? I talked a lot of trash also, but I did it mostly on the field. Talking in the press can give the other team motivation and cause them to focus more which in a sense is an advantage.

2. What's your take on the new rules regarding the Return Game as it seems despite the wedge being illegal, more and more kicks are being returned for long gains. Are these new rules forcing Special Team coaches to be more creative or are teams fortunate to be in the middle of an era where more quality returners are available? I like the new rules. I feel they force coaches to be more creative and be better coaches. Although there are a lot of quality returners out there, I feel the better coaches get the best out of them like Dave Taub in Chicago.

3. Some people say with an 18 game season that cuts two games from the pre-season, the "Brian Mitchell's (we remember your 92 yard TD return in your first preseason game) of the NFL won't get the oppotunity to prove themselves. \What are your thoughts on expanding to an 18 game schedule. That return was in my first pre-season game, but I feel coaches have an idea of the majority of players that will make the team before preseason starts. I feel an 18 game season would be a bad idea. Players are already getting hurt at an alarming rate, and I feel that adding two more games would only increase that.

4. What needs to happen to avoid a lockout? Both sides have to give a little. They also have to realize how good they have it.

And finally, what's your favorite type of pie? My favorite type of pie is pecan pie.