NFL PRO BOWL TRANSCRIPTS NFC - Ingles

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 27, 2009

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS RUNNING BACK FRANK GORE
On the University of Miami representation at the 2010 Pro Bowl
“It’s good. It’s like a family reunion being in the Pro Bowl. We’ve got a lot of players that made the Pro Bowl. Everybody knows how good the organization is at (the University of) Miami.”

On playing in the Pro Bowl in his hometown
“It’s very special. (After) not playing in front of my high school family and my college family in five years, now I get a chance to play in a Pro Bowl in Miami, and I’m happy about that.”


DALLAS COWBOYS WIDE RECEIVER MILES AUSTIN
On his reaction to the Cowboys’ acquisition of WR Roy Williams last season
“I don’t really know how I felt at the time. It was one of those where you never know what the organization is thinking about anything. That being said, you still have to go in and do your work, work hard and continue to do what you’re doing. That’s what I tried to do, and thankfully, it got me (to the 2010 Pro Bowl).”

On if the acquisition of Williams inspired him to work harder this season
“Not really. It didn’t make me work any harder. I always worked on the same level. I was obviously aware of what was going on, but they just told me, ‘Hey, you’ve got to keep sticking with it and doing what you’re doing.”

On the 2010 Pro Bowl taking place the week before the Super Bowl
“It doesn’t really make any difference. This is my first one, so I wouldn’t really know what the difference was, regardless. I’m just happy to be here.”

On his relationship with Dallas QB Tony Romo
“I’ve been working with him—this is my fourth year in Dallas—for four years, so he understands how I run routes, and I understand how he throws the ball. I’m sure that has a lot to do with the chemistry that we have on the field. Like I said, we work a lot in the offseason and work a lot during the season after practice. It pays off.”


GREEN BAY PACKERS QUARTERBACK AARON RODGERS
On participants’ desire to win the Pro Bowl
“Just from watching it being a fan for a number of years watching the Pro Bowl, you know in the fourth quarter—there’s a difference in pay for the winners and the losers—they start to pick up the intensity a little bit. Obviously, you have some pride as players as well, and you want to put on a good performance on the field.”

On why some players decline Pro Bowl invitations
“You’ll have to ask them. Personally, it is disappointing to lose your last game as we did, but this is something that you look forward to after (the season). It was disappointing to not be still playing. You want to be in the Super Bowl right now. That’s your goal when you start training camp, but it’s exciting to be able to be here as a mild consolation.”

On Green Bay’s future
“I hope it’s very bright. Our key is going to be (that) we’ve got to bring back a lot of those same guys we had last year. A lot of guys’ contracts are up this year. Thankfully, I’m just paid to play. There are some tough decisions that are going to have to be made this season. As long as we can keep that core group of guys together—I believe in (Green Bay Head Coach) Mike McCarthy and the direction that he is taking this team.”


ARIZONA CARDINALS SAFETY ANTREL ROLLE
On his impression of New Orleans’ offense
“If I remembered, I’d be able to tell you. I was knocked out in the fifth play of the game. They’re dynamic. Everything revolves around (New Orleans QB) Drew Brees. He’s the leader. He can do anything. He pretty much sets the tempo. Then, they have so many weapons. They have four receivers who can hurt you at any given time, and you have someone throwing the ball that can put it wherever he wants to put the ball. Then, they’ve got three running backs who always give you a change a pace. You pretty much just have got to line up and play football. You can say what you think you’re going to get, but nine times out of 10, you’re not going to get it. At the end of the day, you’ve just got to rally up and play ball.”

On his teammates trying to convince Arizona QB Kurt Warner to return to the Cardinals next season
“We would love for Kurt to come back, but I think that’s going to be his decision. I’ve had five good years under Kurt Warner, and I’d definitely miss him as a teammate if he’s not there. Kurt’s decision is going to be Kurt’s decision. I don’t think there’s anyone that can control what Kurt wants to do.”

On his return to Miami
“It’s great. I’m home. I’m here with my family and friends. I’m back where it all started, and that’s the name of the game. I haven’t been back here in five years, so that’s extremely special to me.”

On playing in his first Pro Bowl
“It’s an honor. You’re amongst the best of the best. There are only a handful of guys who get picked to come here. Fortunately, I was one of them. I am very grateful. I understand this opportunity. I’m happy, and I’m going to live it up.”


PHILADELPHIA EAGLES QUARTERBACK DONOVAN McNABB
On accepting his invitation to the 2010 Pro Bowl
“I was a first alternate, so I made it really (based) on the NFC Championship with (New Orleans QB) Drew (Bledsoe) and (Minnesota QB) Brett (Favre). It’s a tough call. I think a lot of us are looking at the outside of it when people decide not to come, but they’ve given the reasons why. Some are hurt, some have personal issues that they are facing (and) some just came up with something else. In the whole realm of things, I think we have to look at is the fact that the guys who are here had great seasons, and they are rewarded with being here to be able to participate.”

On if the absence of many top players makes the 2010 Pro Bowl feel “watered down”
“Watered down how? When you look at top guys, what do you mean by top guys? The guys who are here are top guys. If you look at (San Francisco TE) Vernon Davis, who had over 11, 12 touchdown catches; (Dallas TE Jason) Witten, who had an outstanding year; and also you look at guys like (Philadelphia WR/KR) DeSean Jackson or guys who are alternates like (San Francisco RB) Frank Gore, the list goes on of guys who have an opportunity to be here. I’m excited for those guys.”