BARCELONA Dragons and Denver Broncos quarterback Jarious Jackson  

Chat Transcript
June 29, 2001

BARCELONA Dragons and Denver Broncos quarterback Jarious Jackson  Picture: Photo-stock.co.uk

BARCELONA Dragons and Denver Broncos quarterback Jarious Jackson stopped by to answer your questions about playing this weekend in the World Bowl IX game against the BERLIN Thunder.

Jackson has helped lead the Dragons to first place in the league and an 8-2 record. He finished the regular season completing 125 of his 223 attempts (56.1-percent). He threw for 13 touchdowns and has a quarterback rating of 85.9.

When Jackson wasn't throwing, he was running. He is the team's second leading rusher with 287 yards on 42 attempts. He averaged 6.7 yards per carry and carried in two touchdowns.

For more information about the World Bowl, log into www.worldbowl.com

Jarious Jackson: Hello to everybody! This is Jarious and I look forward to your questions.

Question: Jarious, what are the biggest differences between the Broncos system and Barcelona's?

Jarious Jackson: Probably not that much. Both coaching styles are similar. Practices are similar. Honestly it isn't much different except having more plays to deal with at the Broncos.

Question: How have you prepared mentally for the big game, and what do you do in your off time?

Jarious Jackson: I relax, lay back and listen to music. As far as this game goes, it is the same as always. My friends are here playing dominoes and I have been watching TV and talking to friends and family. And you!

Question: Is it difficult to adjust between the attitudes of American fans as opposed to those of fans abroad?

Jarious Jackson: It is not difficult. But the fan base is different. A lot of people here don't really understand the game but they come to have fun and have something to do. That is the big difference.

Question: Coach Jack Bicknell will face his son Bob Bicknell who is a defensive coach for the Thunder. Has your coach told you anything because of this familiar rivalry?

Jarious Jackson: No. That really hasn't been brought up. We have faced them twice and this week is the first it was brought up.

Question: What's the most challenging"aspect of being a quarterback in your opinion?

Jarious Jackson: I would say trying to keep the other 10 guys on offense going and leading the team. The QB is the coach on the field, you get them to listen and you call the play and you touch the ball every snap

Question: Have you ever had a week as crazy as this one?

Jarious Jackson: Yeah. I would say so. I went to Notre Dame and every week was this way. So I had this 10 or 11 times a season.

Question: How did your time at Notre Dame prepare you for the NFL? What is your favorite memory of your time there?

Jarious Jackson: I think it teaches you how to be a man overall. We had one of the best programs in the world. Strength and conditioning and the coaches teach you what you need for the next level. My favorite memory was just hanging with the teammates and classmates. Sure representing ND was big but making friendships was great.

Question: Where do you see yourself in five years?

Jarious Jackson: Hopefully still in the NFL with the Broncos. Honestly I don't know but I hope to be there and a successful young person.

Question: What has been the biggest culture shock to you in Barcelona? Have you missed anything from home more than anything else?

Jarious Jackson: Definitely the food. The language barrier is a big one. Not many speak English so you have to get by with a few phrases of Spanish.

Question: What was your favorite site to see in Europe?

Jarious Jackson: The Berlin Wall. That was definitely the most memorable. I am honored to see that.

Question: Do you have any plays that you just get tired of running? What is your favorite play to unleash?

Jarious Jackson: No, not really. They all work pretty well at different times. The ones that aren't good and you get tired of, you have to throw out. Certain pass patterns I like to run a lot.

Question: What do you expect in training camp this year, now that the Broncos have three quality veteran QBs other than yourself?

Jarious Jackson: Just a more difficult training camp. I am going to focus more and do my game.

Question: Who is your least favorite defensive player that you have encountered on the field?

Jarious Jackson: No one really. I don't try to hold grudges on the field. What happens on the field, stays on the field. At least from my standpoint.

Question: What was your favorite moment from this season?

Jarious Jackson: I would say just the games we competed in and won. Sure the two we lost were heartbreaking but competing was still good.

Question: Who do you "hang" with on the Broncos team?

Jarious Jackson: Mike Anderson, Darius Clark, Jerry Johnson and a couple others. We hang tight.

Question: Ok Jarious.. Its all on the line. Be bold. Give us your prediction for the World Bowl.

Jarious Jackson: Barcelona wins!

Jarious Jackson: I am sorry to have to go. I am expecting a call from my Mom and she will be highly upset if I am not available to receive her call. Thanks for coming today and make sure to watch the game and wish the Dragons luck! Bye!