Kenny Stills – December 8, 2017
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Friday, December 8, 2017
WR Kenny Stills
(What does it mean to you to be nominated as a finalist for Walter Payton Man of the Year?) – “I’ve said it before, my dad played in the league back in the day with Walter Payton, so just seeing his highlights and knowing the man that he was off the field, it just is an honor to be even mentioned in the same breath with him.”
(How did you start really getting into community work? Did it start out with your father?) – “When I first came into the league in New Orleans, it was mandatory for all of the rookies to go to every community service event, so I think that’s where it started. That’s where I found my love and passion for it. I realized, too, that that’s a good way to get to know the people in the city and get to know the city, and really put a face to a name because a lot of people only see us with our helmet on. That’s really how I fell in love with it.”
(What’s been the most rewarding part of the work you’ve done in this community?) – “That’s a tough question. I think just seeing the faces on the kids, the expression, the happiness that they get from us being around. It’s just a good feeling to serve others. I encourage other people to get out and do some community service. There’s so many people that need help and that could use it, so I really encourage people to get out in the community and serve others.”
(Defensive Coordinator Matt Burke actually started his news conference by talking about you, which was interesting, obviously, as the defensive coordinator. He said he wanted to call you out as the number one player that pulls for the defense during games. Why do you do that?) – “I’m just into the game. I want to win and I know what this team is capable of. I love watching the guys on defense. We have so many playmakers on defense, guys that fly to the ball, guys that can change the game with one play. I just want to win. We work hard. We spend so much time together, so I really root for the defense and I know that, in turn, they’ll do the same thing for us.”
(Defensive Coordinator Matt Burke said that sometimes he tells you to make sure you don’t get in the way of his play call?) – “(laughter) Yes. I want to know the call. I want to be able to help the guys. I feel like knowing and being on offense and knowing football and understanding, I can help them as much as I can. Sometimes I’m a little bit too close to him or on the field or what have you. I’m just excited to be out there. I love playing ball. I know that at any point in time, the game can be taken away from me, so I’m just enjoying myself.”
(Offensive Coordinator Clyde Christensen said that he tells some of the players, ‘Work like Kenny, do it like Kenny.’ When you hear things like that, sort of setting an example for teammates and younger players, what do you think?) – “I feel like that’s my job. I’ve got the most years in the league in my room. I was lucky enough to come in with guys that led by example and showed me how to do it, so I feel like that’s my calling for this group and for this team, to try and just lead by example, show guys how to do it, show guys how to be a professional and hopefully pass that on to them.”
(Offensive Coordinator Clyde Christensen said he thinks that you’ve become a more well-rounded player and that you expressed to him when you first met that that was a goal of yours. What are some of the ways that you’ve improved your route-running technique and consistency as a ball catcher?) – “Honestly, just taking the coaching and trusting in the technique that they’re trying to teach us and going out there and working on it. Just being able to make the intermediate catches, being able to make the short catches, getting off the press, understanding defenses, coverages, all of the little things that are part of being a receiver, not just catching the ball down field. I really appreciate the coaching staff and everyone that we have here for helping me grow as a player.”
(I saw that you were one of the players that the team nominated for Pro Bowl voting. Would you like to be a Pro Bowler one day?) – “Yes. When you’re a Pro Bowler, you’re recognized as one of the best players in the league at your position. Obviously that’s a goal that you put on your goals to start the year. It’d be really cool if the fans could vote me in. I’ve got to continue to play well and finish the season strong. The biggest thing for us is trying to make the playoffs, so it’s one game at a time and all of the other stuff will come after that.”
(Was there any personal goal in going from a good NFL receiver to an NFL receiver that’s talked about as one of the best? Has that been a goal for you personally?) – “Yes, 100 percent. You try to improve every year. For me, I was trying to figure out what the next thing was, and it was, like I said, the little things. Improving on the short catches, improving on the intermediate game and really growing as a player and being a leader and somebody that the offense can count on. I feel like I’m doing my best to do that right now.”
(You’re within striking range of 1,000 yards. Is that something that is one of your goals, one of your listed goals?) – “It’s always a milestone for a receiver to break 1,000 yards, so if it happens, it happens. I know that it’s out there and in reach; but as long as we win, everything else, like I said, doesn’t really matter.”
(About the Patriots defense, especially having played them two weeks ago, what’s the most challenging thing that they do, maybe even that’s a little different than many teams?) – “They do everything well. They’re assignment sound. They punch the ball out and force turnovers. They recognize our routes. They do a really good job in everything, so we’ve got to go out there and beat them at their game.”
(We talked about two different kinds of honors today, but when your career is over, would you rather be remembered for what you’ve done on the field or what you’ve done off the field?) – “A little bit of both. Striving to be the best player I can be and striving to be the best person I can be, as well, so I hope I’m remembered for that.”
