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Gerald Willis – November 20, 2019 Download PDF version

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

DT Gerald Willis

(How does it feel to be on the active roster for the first time?) – “It feels great. t’s been a long time coming. It’s been one of the days I’ve been waiting on since the draft.”

(What kept you going while you were on the practice squad?) – “The guys and my family. Just the grind, really. I was always taught to never give up, and that’s what I did.”

(How much do you think you’ll be fueled once you’re in games about not being drafted. Is that a chip that will add even more motivation?) – “It’s a chip on my shoulder always. Even when I go out there on the practice field I try to show it every day. It’s a big chip and it’s going to be a big chip going in on Sunday.”

(How has it been here with some of the veterans and the love you’re getting from DT Davon Godchaux? How have they helped you?) – “They help me a lot – in the meeting rooms, on the field, everything I do even outside of the field. We have team d-line dinners on Thursdays and it’s great bonding with the guys. I love my teammates.”

(Is there a danger in trying to do too much to prove that you belong?) – “I wouldn’t say that. I’m just going to do what I got to do, and whatever coach asks me to do, I’m going to do it.”

(How did you find out that you were going to be brought on to the active roster?) – “This morning. This morning I found out. (Head) Coach (Brian) Flores said it in the team meeting room and I was very excited.”

(What happened next, did you start texting/calling after meetings?) – “No. I haven’t had a chance to check my phone yet. I’m going to let my mom and dad and everybody know the good news. They probably already found out by now.”

(When you talk about the grind, what goes through your mind when you first hear those words?) – “Grind – never give up. Just never give up. You never know when your number is called, you never know your opportunity is coming. I just never gave up.”

(How much did (Defensive Line) Coach (Marion) Hobby work with you technique-wise? Have you changed much from what you did at UM just from a technique and mechanical standpoint?) – “A lot. Coach Hobby taught me a lot. I’m starting to know how to play the run better, I’m starting to know how to use my hands better, and I’m starting to have a better get-off than I’ve had. I love Hobby. He is a great coach and I’m going to have a great year with him.”

(What was your mindset day after day being on the practice squad hoping that this would happen? What was going through your mind?) – “There’s a lot. There was a lot of disappointment. There were a lot of negative thoughts. I just had to stay positive. I had to keep telling myself ‘just be positive, just be positive. Wait your turn and just keep grinding every day and keep doing what you’re doing on the practice field.’ The film don’t lie. I know the coaches see it.”

(You went through an unusual thing that most NFL players haven’t. There have been two separate seasons where you were not playing. How difficult was that to deal with?) – “Very difficult not being on the field on Sundays and Saturdays. Even at UM when I had to sit out those years, it was very difficult. Just seeing those guys make sacks, make plays on the field and celebrate with the guys, it was very difficult for me. I’ll have my chance Sunday, so I’m excited for it.”

(Was there a time for even just say an hour, that you ever wondered if this was ever going to work for you in the NFL?) – “I knew it was going to work. I have just always been positive. I always keep positive. My brother, Landon Collins, I talk to him every day. He keeps pushing me, keeps pushing it. He always stays in my ear. That’s a big positive for me.”

(Will you have a lot of family at the game Sunday?) – “My mom will try to make it, but she probably won’t because of the cold weather. She doesn’t do cold weather. (laughter) Hopefully she does come.”

(It’s not every day two Canes get added to the 53. Have you had a chance to talk to S Adrian Colbert today?) – “No. I haven’t had a one-on-one with him; but I talked to him. I’m excited that he’s in the locker room and that’s big for us.”

(The big thing you got from being coached by head coach Manny Diaz was what? What was the biggest thing that you took form that, the biggest positive?) – “Relentless. Be relentless in everything you do. Get to the quarterback. That’s all he used to tell me, just get to the quarterback and be relentless. That’s something that I always think about when Coach Manny Diaz comes up.”

(With all of the excitement going on, how much of a challenge would it be just stepping on the field, and making sure that you’re ready for the game plan and you know everything with this defense that you should?) – “The big challenge will be this week’s practice – Wednesday, Thursday and Friday – me studying my playbook and me staying on the grind. When Sunday comes, it should be easy.” 

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