My mom calls me an older soul because, growing up, she taught me stuff real early. Now I spend most of my time chasing wisdom, chasing understanding.

Even Rod Woodson will tell you his best year he had as a professional was when he was 36 years old. If you think about why, you're much wiser.

You can talk about what you see from the outside; it's hard to tell me who I am when you're just looking at me with a football uniform on. That's a totally different person. That's my job, that's it.

Let me explain my job very simply: My job is to line up five, seven, 10 yards in front of a man and run into him at full speed.

I really love all sport. I watch sports when I can, but when push comes to show, I think I know it's entertainment.

Americans' addiction to sports, with the NFL at the top, is based on the excitement generated by the potential for the unexpected great play which can only happen with honest competition from great athletes.

The whole object of the players' association is to try and make sure that any individual is able to capitalise on his ability, particularly in football, which is a very short career.

Forty years ago the chances of journalists reporting - or the authorities even prosecuting - a pro athlete were practically nil.