ASK THE STEELERS – RUNNING BACK WILLIE PARKER - PART 2
Steelers.com brings you the Ask the Steelers feature. Fans submitted the questions that were asked. Please understand that we receive an incredible number of questions for each player, with many of the questions being similar, and not all of the questions can be answered. We selected as many as possible, and took your questions to the current subject to get your answers.
From Trever Defelice, Austin, Texas: In this off-season, what do you as a player plan on focusing to improve in the upcoming season?
Willie Parker: My main focus is to work hard, not lose a step or a beat. I want to try everything to get better at some phase – pass protection or catching the ball. I am working hard at it.
From Dan Meyer, Carlisle, Pennsylvania: What was it like to play in your first Pro Bowl?
Willie Parker: It was great. That was my first time over there in Hawaii. It was great being over there with the best and asking some of our arch rivals questions and talking with them and seeing how cool they are. Instead of just hating Carson Palmer's guts, but getting to chill and hang out with him and he is actually a cool guy. I talked with him, Payton Manning, LaDainian Tomlinson. We hung out and hate fun and got away from the hate and rivalries.
From Joshua Shaw, Alexandria, Virginia: How do you feel about the dual running back system most of the NFL teams are implementing into their offensive strategy?
Willie Parker: I think it's great. It saves you and lengthens your career. When Jerome was here and we split carries, that was great. Even though I wanted to get the ball more, but when you look at it at the end of the season it helps your body out so much. One day when I have kids I want to be able to run around with them.
From Kyle Speakman, Lawrenceville, Georgia: How big of a chip on your shoulder did you have after being a back up all through college? And how much does that continue to drive you?
Willie Parker: It drives me. That's why I say I am never going to be satisfied. I didn't want to say it because I don't like to talk about college anymore, but that just puts that extra chip on my shoulder. I have been that guy not playing. I have been that guy on the bench thinking I should playing. That's going to be the extra burden that's going to push me over the top.
From Jeff Ellis in Newark, Ohio: Was your touchdown in the Super Bowl a look at me now kind of moment for you for those that didn't give you a chance?
Willie Parker: It wasn't a look at me now moment, but I knew that game was so big that I had to do something to let everybody, those in North Carolina and fans everywhere, know who is Willie Parker. I wanted them to see if the game is on the line, what can he do. There was a lot at stake. I prepared well for that game.
From Craig Groenendaal, Centreville, Virginia: How will the new playbook change the running game and your touches in the next year?
Willie Parker: It really hasn't changed. The offense is more spread like San Diego. I think it's for the best for me. It's more philosophy and terminology and it works well for me in college.
From Mike "Grizz" Donaldson, Fairfield, Pennsylvania: When does your body actually feel ready for the next game?
Willie Parker: It always feels sluggish on Monday. On Tuesday I start doing some running to take away the bumps and bruises. On Wednesday I run more again. On Thursday I am back fully prepared.
From Marty Ziess, Columbus, Ohio: Is there a difference in the enthusiasm with Coach Mike Tomlin this year?
Willie Parker: To be honest last year we were really intense, but this year we are focusing more on the little things and competing real hard. We are going to ride for him and go hard for him, like we did for Coach Cowher. We are doing it for Coach, ourselves, family, friends and the whole team.
