Semi-OT Brian Billick interview

Submitted by ntclark on

A bit off-topic, but there was an interesting interview with Brian Billick today on NPR today:

http://www.wbur.org/npr/123349175

Among the topics covered include what the coaches say on their headsets, why they cover their mouths with the card when calling plays (it's not lip readers), and how to handle prima donnas that want the ball more.

Hank Scorpio

February 5th, 2010 at 8:50 AM ^

I'm a ballboy for the Baltimore Ravens, have been for 8 years now.

Obviously, Billick was there for the bulk of my years thus far, and I got to know him relatively well (as well as a pion ballboy can.) He was always very nice to me, but he always had this air of arrogance about him. Not so much that you wanted to punch his throat or anything, but enough that made you kind of do "The Rock" eyebrown raise thingy.

Harbaugh's a much more college-y bust your ass type coach, and that's been received differently by the team. Since Harb's hiring, there have been lots more Blue alumni around the locker room.

As an aside (and not to de-rail), I've gotten to meet Gary & Andy Moeller, which was really a cool experience. Prescott Burgess is still on the team and I've had passing conversations with a few other guys from visiting teams (Woodley, Leon Hall, Matt Gutierrez, Chris Perry, Braylon Edwards, etc...) on gameday.

I have gotten to know Troy Smith as well. Everyone will be happy to know that he almost got his head pounded in early on while mentioning his Heisman Trophy to NFL players in the locker room. To put it lightly, NFL players are not impressed by collegiate acheivements. Troy learned that the hard way.

ronmexico

February 5th, 2010 at 9:18 AM ^

that is pretty sweet. i think being a ball/bat/towel/water boy would actually be a pretty sweet job at the professional level. seems like it could get annoying for all the genuflecting and ring kissing that some players feel they demand. but standing on the sidelines watching those behemuths battle all day would be intense up close and easy to forget.

Hank Scorpio

February 5th, 2010 at 9:27 AM ^

Yeah you don't really see much of the egos from where I stand. Most of the vets recognize me b/c I've been there for 8 years and the young guys are generally all real cool and easy to relate to.

It's easy to forget how ridiculously big the NFL really is when you're in a locker room of guys who really aren't all that much different than me or you.