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2022 football camp Q&A with Stephen
This year we asked you all to submit your questions for Stephen and were blown away by the responses! Here's what he had to share:
Q: When did your passion for football start?
A: My passion for football started at a really young age. It started because my dad had a love for football and he played football at the collegiate level. My dad is my inspiration in my football career. He introduced me to the game and seeing his love for it made me kind of inherit that same passion. That love for the game has been expanding ever since I started playing at age 5. I became a student of the game and always had it around me.
Q: How did you balance school with sports?
A: Balancing school and sports is tough. Not going to lie. But how I've always thought about it is there is no sports without school. Because I took school seriously and started developing good habits through school is why I am good at football.
Q: How did you get discovered at the beginning of your career?
A: I got discovered by making plays on the football field and trying to go to as many camps as possible. There are a lot of local camps as well as camps colleges run that I went to and performed. Things are different now with recruiting but the more people/coaches can see you the better
Q: What's the biggest difference between high school, college, and pro football?
A: I would say the biggest difference between the 3 is the higher up you go the more political and business-like it gets. When you are in high school for the most part it is all about the love of the game. You get to play with your friends and just have fun. When you get to college you still play for the love of the game but it's not a fair opportunity for everyone. Usually the highest recruits get the most opportunities and there is a bigger emphasis of being on time and handling your business. In the NFL it is really political and it is even more business like than college.
Q: What helped you stay motivated? What was the hardest part in your sports career?
A: Being an underdog has by far kept me motivated the most. Ever since I left high school I have been the underdog and the feeling of proving people wrong gets my going for sure. I would say the hardest part about my sports career is just focusing on me and my process and not worrying about the politics of the game. It has bothered me over the years but I overcome it by celebrating my individual accomplishments and giving myself more credit.
Q: What NFL team has been your favorite? And what team is your favorite?
A: This is a tough question because I have enjoyed different parts of each team I've been on. I loved the city of Houston and the sports/football atmosphere out there. I grew as a player and learned the most about football in New England (as well as won a Super Bowl). I really enjoyed my time with the chargers because it was like being back home for me and I felt the most comfortable.
Q: What is your favorite memory from the NFL so far?
A: My favorite NFL memory so far is easily winning the Super Bowl/parade/ring ceremony. That has been my biggest accomplishment and it was such a fun experience.
Q: Do you break a lot of ankles on the field?
A: Yeah if you are on offense and get the ball then you gotta be ready to break a couple of ankles so I've definitely done that in the past. LOL
Q: What's the best way to improve during the off season?
A: The best way to improve in the offseason is just continue to put in the time playing football. This doesn't mean you have to be doing intense training all the time. It means that you can go outside and play catch a little more than you usually do, it means maybe you work on your technique even if it is inside or walking through it. It is the repetitions that will get you better.
Q: What do you like most about your football career?
A: What I like most about my football career is just my love and drive for the game. It gives me joy and energy and I am blessed I am able to still play it at the highest level. Football is truly my passion.
Q: What was your favorite team you played for?
A: I would say overall my favorite team I have played for is the Chargers. I really enjoyed playing back in California again where my family can continue to come out to the games.
Q: Do you want to play for the Niners?
A: I definitely wouldn't mind playing for the Niners. Playing a couple of miles from where I grew up would be a dream come true.
Q: What is your best advice for a young athlete with dreams of the NFL?
A: My best advice is focus on your love for the game and work ethic. Focusing on just getting to the NFL can knock you off track. The reason why I am here is because I LOVE football and I love what I learned about myself and what I have developed in the process. The NFL just kinda came along with it.
Q: What can we do to help our son at home to improve his football mechanics?
A: This question can have multiple answers. I would say it depends on what position your son plays. I think the most important thing to start off with is to have proper tackling technique. In general you want to be able to see what you hit. The biggest point of contact should come from your shoulders and not your head. You always want to wrap up with your arms after you contact the ball carrier.
Q: Do you still enjoy football? Would you do anything different?
A: I really do still love playing football. I am still curious about the game and I still find myself being really excited about watching film. I do my best to protect my love I have for the game because to me it is the most important. I wouldn't change anything about my career so far. I think that where I am is where I am supposed to be. I am happy that I have just continued to stay true to the game.
Q: Is there anything that you would like to change in football?
A: I think overall football is changing for the better. The younger the head coaches get the more mindful they are of taking care of players and their bodies. It hasn't been like that the years prior.
Q: How can I get to the NFL? Will you follow me on TikTok?
A: I would say just work on enjoying and loving the game. Learn what can make you a better player. Study the people you would like to play like and try some things that you see. Get as many repetitions as possible working your craft. Sorry I do not have TikTok.
Q: When will I find out about if my child makes it into the camp?
A: Your child will make it into the camp. It is a free camp so everyone is admitted!
Q: Thank you for giving back to east San Jose community.
A: You're welcome! I am honored to come back and do this for the kids. Thank you for the support!