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10 Questions: Shaun Rogers

10 Questions: Shaun Rogers

Shaun Rogers has played 10 seasons in the NFL, seven with the Detroit Lions and the last three with the Cleveland Browns. The 6-foot-4, 350-pound three-time Pro Bowl nose tackle was drafted in the second round (30th pick) by the Lions in 2001. The Texas native recently signed a contract with New Orleans and will look to beef up the Saints defensive line. He also recently spent time in Toledo participating as a coach at the Nate Washington Football Camp.



With this unanticipated offseason downtime due to the NFL lockout, it has led to veterans and rookies to work out on their own. Is taking part in things like the Nate Washington camp something you really enjoy?

“It’s always a pleasure to give back. The kids loved it last year and I was just happy to be back again. I was happy to make the trip.”


There are plenty of Lions fans and Browns fans living in northwest Ohio. How familiar are you with the Toledo area and the support for those teams?

“I spent the last decade of my life, which would be a third of my life, out here in this Midwest area. Nate invited me back and I just couldn’t say no.”

After playing for the Lions and Browns, what are your expectations and thoughts about playing for the Saints, a team that recently won a Super Bowl?

“It’s going to be very fortunate for me and hopefully I’ll get to win this year.”

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As a free agent, you could have signed with any team looking for a nose tackle. How much did the Saints’ recent success play a role in your decision?

“It’ll be the first time in a while to be in a competitive situation, so I’m very much excited about that.”



The Lions and Browns appear to be up-and-coming teams, but during your tenure in Detroit and Cleveland they struggled and were not playoff contenders. How difficult was it playing in those circumstances?

“Everything is a character-building situation.”



What are your memories of playing in Detroit and Cleveland?

“That’s in the past and we’re just looking forward to the future.”



The NFL owners and players remain at odds in regard to the lockout. What are your thoughts about what’s going on?

“Certain things are out of my control and that’s one of them, so I let the appropriate people handle that.”

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You’re originally from the south and were a standout player at the University of Texas. This will be the first time you’ll be playing for a team near where you grew up. How much does that make looking forward to playing in New Orleans.

“It’s going to be good to be [playing] really close to the family.”



Do you have any specific goals you hope to accomplish while playing for the Saints?

“I’m in a great situation right now and everybody supports me. We’re in a good situation in New Orleans and we’re just going to keep pressing forward.”



Once the season gets underway, what are your expectations for you and your new team?

“I expect a lot of positives and we’re looking to make good things happen.”



— Donald Emmons

First Published May 8, 2011, 4:30 a.m.

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