Interview
by
Brian Dant
TFO: What sports did you play as a young man growing up in Texas?
Anthony: My first sport was soccer and football was soon to follow. I played football most of my life and ran track as well in high school. Football was the sport that brought me the most happiness.
TFO: Who was your inspiration growing up playing sports?
Anthony: I used to look up to Deion Sanders because of the way he played the game. I loved his flare and confidence, he could talk the talk and walk the walk as well. I also watched Emmitt Smith because my first position was running back and I wore ’22′. When I got into college I tried to emulate my game after Marvin Harrison. I was amazed at the fact that a guy my size could totally dominate the NFL.
TFO: When did you realize you were good enough to play football professionally?
Anthony: I think that I always had the confidence to play at the highest level and I definitely had the drive to achieve my goals. I did have my doubts at times, but my hunger just drove me to prove people wrong that had doubted me.
TFO: Can you tell your fans your favorite memory from a game you played in college at West Texas A&M University?
Anthony: One of my favorite moments at WTAMU actually came from a road game against Angelo State. It was their homecoming and I had been playing well the past few weeks. I was in a very relaxed mood and just wanted to play a good game. I had one touchdown in the 2nd quarter, and in the 3rd, I caught a long bomb and turned the safety around à la Barry Sanders on my way to my second touchdown. It was an epic game that came down to a two point conversion. My QB came my way and I made the catch and proceeded to slip on the plastic protecting the long jump sand pit, so naturally I made snow angels. LOL We won that game and its one of my favorites as well.
TFO: You are known for your great work ethic in the NFL. What motivates you to work as hard as you do?
Anthony: First of all, I am motivated by my mother. She worked so hard to raise three kids by herself and to provide anything we wanted and needed. Secondly, I am motivated by my past faults and failures. I think one of the best things for my career was to be cut by the Miami Dolphins. I remember sitting in the parking lot in tears and I made a vow to ‘Never get cut again’, so I do my best to live up to that. I am also motivated by the doubters and naysayers as well as the other competition in the NFL. The wideouts that had more yards or touchdowns than me, and the defenders that I go against. I strive to be the best.
TFO: What was your ‘welcome to the NFL’ moment? When did you realize you had earned your respect in the NFL?
Anthony: They always say that when a defense starts double teaming or rolling your way that you have earned some respect in the league. On a few occasions after I was able to get deep on secondaries, teams starting putting a safety over the top to negate that part of my game. It is frustrating but a good barometer of my impact. I think starting against the Indianapolis Colts and hearing the crowd erupt as I ran out of the tunnel was the biggest moment, and doing the headshot where you announce your school as well.
TFO: What are your personal goals for this season as a Washington Redskin in the NFL?
Anthony: Other than getting the Redskins to the playoffs, I personally want to eclipse the 1,100 yard mark and get 10+ touchdowns. Hopefully that will earn me a trip to Hawaii if we aren’t playing the following week for the Lombardi Trophy.
TFO: If you were to tell you fans one thing that they might not know about you what would it be?
Anthony: Honestly, I think people probably know everything they need to know about me. Down to earth guy that is willing to work and get better and all costs.
Interviewers Notes:
I have been blessed to interview Anthony Armstrong two times. He appeared on our The Fans Opinion Show 4/8/2011 and told us his story. Anthony is a very motivated and dedicated player to his craft of football. He is always working on being the best at his position. But Anthony is also one of the most humble and down to earth pro athletes I have interviewed. He is just an all around great guy. Thank you Anthony for this great interview!
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