Chat Transcript
CBS SportsLine.com
July 19, 2001

Last season Aaron Garica threw for a league-record 92 TDs. (Allsport)

New York Dragons quarterback Aaron Garcia chats about playing Arena Football.

Is there a hotter team than New York?

QB Aaron Garcia is on the verge of becoming the first passer in professional football history to throw for more than 100 TDs in a single season.

Garcia set an Arena Football League mark by throwing 11 touchdown passes in a record-setting 99-68 triumph over the Carolina Cobras.

His Dragons (7-6) might not have a shot at the Eastern Division title, but their eyes are set on a much larger prize - the ArenaBowl title.

Aaron Garcia: Hello everyone. Thank you for having me on today. Let's get going.

Question: WOW! 95 TDs and counting. Did you set any goal this year to break your old record?

Aaron Garcia: No, I really didn't. Early in the year after we moved to Long Island, a lot of the fans asked if I could break 100. At that time I thought it was not attainable but now with 5 more I think it will be fun to do.

Question: Aaron, have you got your eyes set on moving up to the NFL level?

Aaron Garcia: No, not right now. My focus is winning an ArenaBowl with the Dragons. The NFL has always been a dream, obviously, and I hope to get that someday.

Question: Aaron, what has been the hardest thing to adjust to in going to the Arena League?

Aaron Garcia: The biggest adjustment for a quarterback, is knowing you have to try to score every time you have the ball. You don't play for field position. It teaches you to be aggressive and make plays the entire game.

Question: Who has been the most influential in your game? Who taught you the most about the game of football?

Aaron Garcia: My father has definitely taught me the most about football, life, and everything. He played QB and was my coach in high school, so I would say he had the biggest impact on my life.

Question: Some of us aren't that familiar with the AFL. What aspects would you say are easier than the NFL (or regular football) and what is harder?

Aaron Garcia: I think it is a little easier in that you don't have as many schemes or defenses to read. It all evens out because everything happens at a higher speed. You have to make your decisions faster with the speed of the AFL game. The small field makes it crucial you make your decisions on time, every play.

Question: What do you think will happen in the playoffs this year? Who is looking good?

Aaron Garcia: I am obviously biased. I think right now this is the best we have looked all season. It is the right time to be peaking. Because of that we have the a good shot at winning the ArenaBowl, although other teams are playing well too.

Question: How concerned are you guys about Florida this week who beat Orlando 2x this year?

Aaron Garcia: We think Florida is a great team with a great QB in Ricky, who I am good friends with. Our mindset is to focus on the opponent, one game at a time. We respect all our competition. But we are ready to go to Florida and get a victory.

Question: Who are some of the guys on your team that you feel could make it in the NFL?

Aaron Garcia: That is a tough question. I think in this game, or any business, when you talk about making it to the top, you are talking about being in the right place at the right time. Kevin Swayne, obviously is one. Achebe is another. Then you have guys like Doxzon who have been there.

Question: What did you think when Swayne ran all the way under the bleachers to the other entrance after that catch?

Aaron Garcia: I don't know.. I thought it was funny. We were all looking for him and almost chased him and there he was coming out the other side. That was a big play for us in a crucial situation. He was having a lot of fun at that point and that just topped it off!

Question: Which one NFL receiver would you like most to throw a touchdown pass to, past or present?

Aaron Garcia: Wow. I think Jerry Rice is probably the best to ever play the game, so he would be someone I would enjoy throwing a TD to. But at this point in my career I would take ANY receiver from the NFL, if that meant I had a chance and was on the field.

Question: Aaron, what one player on the opposing team will give your team the most trouble?

Aaron Garcia: I would say Darrell Lane. He is one of their best lineman. He has been on several teams and is always a factor in a game.

Question: How are you enjoying living in NY?

Aaron Garcia: It is a little different for me. More driving in traffic than I am used to. Things like that. Otherwise I like Long Island. Coming from California it is different than I thought NY or even the east coast would be.

Question: What do you like to do that is not football related?

Aaron Garcia: Everything I do seems to be football related. But I love to spend time with my 3 year old daughter Gabriella. It helps keep things in perspective as to what is really important in life.

Question: Do you get nervous with everybody watching you?

Aaron Garcia: No, I really don't! It seems like I have always played my best when people watch. Especially when the games are nationally televised. I think the only nervousness is the pressure each week to score each time we have the ball and trying to perform better than the previous week.

Question: Have you ever considered coaching?

Aaron Garcia: Yes. I actually coach High School football at my old school in Sacramento, CA during the offseason. It is something I really enjoy and I think I will do that when my playing days are over.

Question: Aaron, growing what team did you follow and did you have an athlete you wanted to be like?

Aaron Garcia: Growing up I was a huge Dallas Cowboys fan. My favorite athlete was Roger Staubach.

Question: What do you think is the most valuable asset for an AFL QB?

Aaron Garcia: I think probably two are very important. Toughness because you can't hide on the small field. You have to know you will take hits every week and need to make big plays in tough situations. The other thing is quick feet that allow you make the big plays.

Question: Do you have food that you eat before every game or any other superstitions?

Aaron Garcia: Not really, no. I actually have been switching my eating practices before games all year. I have had some minor stomach problems before the games and I am trying to find the best foods to eat and when to eat them before the games so I won't have those problems!

Question: Who is your biggest supporter? Who's always there to congratulate you or to cheer you up?

Aaron Garcia: I would say my best friend and fiancee. Shelby Boudreaux. and of course my daughter Gabriella.

Question: What are your goals for the immediate future and for next season and beyond?

Aaron Garcia: Immediate future would be to beat Florida. Then hopefully to win 4 games after that which would mean the ArenaBowl championship. Beyond that I want to stay in the best shape I can to be able to play as long as I can and be a productive QB.

Question: What has the Arena league experience taught you? What's the most valuable thing you'll take away from this year?

Aaron Garcia: I think the best thing it has taught me is that, after playing in college and having a couple rough coaching situations, was to learn how to enjoy playing the game. To stop worrying and go out and do my best. It has been a hard year for the team and we have turned it around and hope to win a championship.

Aaron Garcia: Thanks,everyone, for your questions and interest. I hope you keep following the NY Dragons and Arena Football. Have a Great Day!