“Quiz” Rodgers is a Texan grown baller, former Oregon State Beaver, and part of the “rise up” movement contributing to the Atalnta Falcons stellar season. The Falcon’s finished second NFC South title in three years and Rodgers has been proud to be a part of it. Rodgers and his fellow birds “game to game” mentality will be used in hopes to secure a victory on Jan. 20 (a Sunday) at 3 p.m. ET on their road to the Super Bowl.
In his recent interview with Theresa Villano of Pro Player Insiders. Check out his thoughts on the Falcons season, Atlanta locker room insights, playing with his brother (James Rodgers, currently on Atlanta’s Practice Squad) , and Beaver Nation in Part 2 of his interview below:
Pro Player Insiders: Is it cool if I call you Quiz? Where did you get that nickname anyway? Who gave it to you?
JaQuizz Rodgers: Short for JacQuizz. People butcher my name up all the time (chuckle), so I just tell people to call me Quizz to make it easier.
PPI: Right out the gate Quiz…let’s talk FALCON FOOTBALL. I have heard you got a lot going on these days….but what has been the hype in Atlanta like with the falcons balling?
JR: Everyone is happy (in Atlanta) that our team is doing well. As a team, we are staying humble and getting hot at the right time. Having a great season and taking that into the playoffs.
PPI: The Falcons are in the playoff but the season isn’t over.Which of the remaining games will be the Falcons biggest challenge?
JR: All games are tough in the NFL. Never can look by an opponent. “Any Given Sunday” something can happen. You are in the NFL for all the same reasons.
PPI: Which defensive player have you found to be the hardest hitting thus far this season?
JR: I would have to say Dallas Cowboy LB (Bruce) Carter. He gave him the hardest hit on the season.
PPI: What has it been like Playing with your brother on a winning NFL team? Wait are you guys roomies?
JR: James has his own place and we hang out all the time. Me and my brother have a good relationship. We feel blessed that we can play with each other at this level (like in college at Oregon State University).
PPI: I did my research and found that you are 5-foot-6, which may be considered short for an NFL player. Have you ever been underestimated because of your size? Any advice for short football players out there?
JR: Once you get on the field, not matter your size, we are going to play our hearts out. I leave everything out on the field. My advice would be work harder then everybody and do not take anything for granted.
PPI: You have been one of the teams kick off returner, averaging 28 yards per return,and the 10th most in the NFL. What goes through your head when your out there on special teams ready to return?
JR: For me, the main thing is to catch the ball to start the play. Then to trust your teammates that they will set up the blocks for you to be successful.
PPI: Has there been a veteran player over this past 2 years that has mentored you?
JR: Playing behind Michael Turner (fellow running back) has been a great experience. Also veteran Tony Gonzales. The way he does things and comes to practice everyday to work hard no matter what.
PPI: Yes (smiling) everyone loves TONY Gonzales ! What is he like in the locker room? Does he really have a ton of swag?
JR: Tony has been in the league so long. He as great insights on the game and has been through a lot.
Falcon’s LOCKER ROOM insights
PPI: I have to ask my signature LOCKER ROOM insight questions. Which one of your teammates has the cleanest or messiest locker?
JR: The cleaniest would be Fullback Lousaka Polite. He would spray his locker down!
PPI: On game day,who shows up in freshest gear, all bossed up?
JR: I would say game day geared up players are Rodney White, Julio (Jones), and John Abraham come with the most swag to the games.
PPI: Which teammate can we find you kickin it with on Friday or playing call of duty/ videogames online with?
JR: Drew David is someone who I hang out with. He played for Oregon and he did give me some crap for that victory over the Beavers (in the Civil War game).
PPI: On that note , Beaver to Beaver, OSU alumn to OSU alumn. Let’s talk Beaver Nation. Are there any Players from OSU you are in touch with that play in the league?
JR: Yeah, actually. Sammy Straughter (Bucs), Stephen Pea, and Brandon Hughes (Eagles).
PPI: Which current Beavers have you been rooting for this season? JR: I keep in touch with Storm Woods and Brandon Cooks.
PPI: What are a few words to describe your Oregon State coach Mike Riley?
JR: He is a great person. Riley is very family oriented. He looks out for old players and brings players back that want to coach. He is a class act guy.
PPI: Fill in the blank Quiz….OOOOOSSSSSUUUU Oregon state……
JR: (chuckle) Oregon State FIGHT,FIGHT, FIGHT.
PPI: Thank you for catching up with us. Good Luck in playoffs. Keep those Falcons rising up and I’ll see you at the Super Bowl.
For More on Falcon’s #22 as he travels into the playoffs follow him @Qui22Rodgers.
Check out Part 1 of Interview : http://proplayerinsiders.com/?p=59357
Stay tuned for Part 3 0f Rodgers interview where he will share his PPI Fire 5- Atlanta favorites.
By Theresa Villano
Follow @Theresa _ppi @PlayerInsiders
–Matt Fischer contributed to this article.
Credits: Mindy Schwaegel video-audio editing
