JAMES FARRIOR MVP PRESS CONFERENCE

 

What does this mean to you?

First of all, I want to thank my teammates.  It really is an honor for me.  I have never had this award given to me.  I thank my teammates for giving me this honor.  I am very proud of it and know without everybody’s work, none of this could be done. 

When you were named captain, you said that was your top honor, does this mean even more than that?

Yes, it just goes a little bit further than that.  We do all the voting for this, and for them (my teammates) to pick me as the MVP really means a lot to me.  It is really heartfelt.

Who did you vote for?

I voted for Jerome (Bettis).  He has been an inspiration for everybody on this team.  His leadership and what he brings to the game every week is really an inspiration for everybody.

When Casey (Hampton) went down, has been Chris (Hoke) been a surprise to you?

He has been outstanding.  He has been playing great.  Everybody was a little down when Casey went out, as we know what type of player he is and all the things he brings to the table.  But Chris has come in and has done a great job.  We can’t say enough about him.

How is it to play in a game that meaningless?

We only know one way to play. So we are going to go in with the same attitude as any other game. How much we’ll play, that’s determined by the coach. But we all go in with the same preparation and the same attitude and we want to win this game and we’ll just leave it at that.

Were you’re surprised that you were chosen by your teammates?

Yes, I was surprised. You’re always surprised when anyone gets an honor like that. Everybody had their pick on who they thought was the MVP but nobody ever expects it to be themselves.

What are you happier with being the team MVP or being selected the Pro Bowl?

They both are pretty good. I can’t pick one or the other but it really means a lot when it comes from your teammates, to know that they feel that way about you. It’s really an honor.

If you felt that way about Jerome, what does that say that your teammates felt that way about you?

It says a lot. Jerome was my pick from when he stepped in the ball game because he has been playing so well. When they did choose me, I was a little surprised because I really think that he is the heartbeat of the team right now.