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HEADLINE NEWS - Features |
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Monday - 11/19/2001
QUICK FACTS
- Age: 24
- College: Lane College
- Birthdate: January 5, 1976 in Mexico, Missouri. Jason attended Mexico High School.
- Jason played at Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee for two years after beginning his collegiate career at Kemper Military School and Boonville (MO) J.C.
Jamie Sharper on Jason Brookins:
�Brookins is a physical, downhill back. He is a guy who has worked hard. Last year, when he was in training camp, he was a little soft and we used to push him around. He came back this year with a whole different attitude, and he is a different player. It shows.�Mexico, Missouri is a small town, outside of St. Louis, with a population of about 13,000 people. Jason says: �I am a legend back at the house. I haven�t been back home since everything has happened to me this season, so I know it will definitely be fun. It was the place where I started playing sports. I was always better than everybody.� Funny story from Lane College:
�We never rode on planes. We rode buses. We had one bus that was smaller than the other one and we called it the �Dragon Wagon.� I got in trouble with my coach one time and I had to ride it. I got cramped up so bad because it was so crowded and tight, I decided I better shape up. After that, I never rode on the smaller bus again.� On his experience in NFL Europe:
�It was a good experience and definitely a transition from being here in the states. Most people who go over there to play say they didn�t like it, but I had a lot of fun. I made some great friends and had some good times. I wouldn�t go back over there again, though.� On what he learned while playing in NFL Europe:
�I learned that the game is bigger than me and everything does not revolve around one player or position. For the team to be successful, you have to rely on your teammates.� On Terry Allen:
�Terry is like the old dog and I am like the puppy. Terry has helped me to grow a lot over the season and I appreciate everything he has done for me. He is like the older brother that I never had. He has always helped me to understand what is going on out there on the field. He has helped me to understand that all the physical tools don�t mean anything without having a mental understanding of the game.� On the mental aspect of the game:
�It was harder at first, especially coming from a Division II school like I came. I was always bigger, stronger and faster than everyone. But up here, everybody is fast and everybody can hit. I had to slow the game down a bit because I used to always rush things.� In the offseason, Jason says
�I am going to Atlanta to work out with Shannon Sharpe. He told me I need to come down there and get it together. I want to go where he is going, the Hall of Fame, so I�m going down there with him.� The most difficult thing about playing in the NFL is:
�Being ready every week for each team and what they bring to the table. We are facing a different scheme every week. Knowing also, that there is a lot expected of you. As a rookie, I am thrown in the fire right now, knowing that I may have to start every week for the rest of the season.�
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