I have been trying to arrange various different interviews with Chicago Bears players and personnel to different degrees of success. When I emailed Patrick Mannelly's website, I received back a personal response within two days saying he would be happy to do an interview. Talk about keeping in touch with your fans.
I was quite surprised by the response I received as far as questions go. Between those suggested here, on the message boards, from other blog owners and a few people I asked I think I only used 1-2 questions that weren't suggested.
So thanks to everybody who helped with the questions and thanks to Patrick Mannelly for participating.
WCG - We always here about the scrimmages and great plays that the offensive and defensive players make during practice, but rarely about special teams? How different is it for a special teams player in training camp?
WCG - Every year during the draft we hear countless people's views on potential QBs throwing motions. Are there different techniques to the long snap being used around the league. Is there one that is considered the correct way?
WCG - On your website you give tips and hints and video of training methods. What inspired you to start the site and share what your knowledge of the position?
WCG - Through my experience most youth football teams and high schools just use their starting center as their long snapper. At what point in a player's career do they start to specialize in long snapping? Is it just out of need or do certian players have a knack for it?
WCG - A great amount of games are won on the final field goal. It is always talked about how, teams try to ice a kicker by taking one last timeout. How do you handle the stress of being in the game in so many key situations?
WCG - Head coaches and offensive coordinators are finding new ways to create offense. This has been finding more and more non-offensive players in the end zone. Would you like the opportunity to line up with the chance of catching TDs?
WCG - How long would you like to play in the NFL and do you have any plans for a post football career?
WCG - Have any of the rookies impressed you so far in camp?
WCG - Are you nervous about long-snapping in Super Bowl XLI?
Favorite music? - Dave Matthews Band
Pre game superstitions? - none
Favorite Jersey: Home, Away, All Blue, Alternate Orange? - home
There it is. Hope you enjoyed it and I hope that the questions were of interest to you. Enjoy!