“Momma, I AM a San Diego Charger.”

PPI: Tell me how much your life has changed in the past two weeks. Crazy how life changes so quicky. What was it like to to find out you were getting a chance with the Chargers?
DW: It has changed a lot. It’s crazy a lot has changed from just one phone call. The whole process for me as a student athlete in college and working hard for one goal, one dream… it has been an honor and a blessing. It’s bitter sweet. At the same time this is my job and I am excited (and ready) to be a Charger and part of the Bolt family.I am just ready to be great at what I do.

PPI: There are a lot of new linebackers picked up for San Diego. One that has gotten a lot of attention is Manti Teo. What are your thoughts on him as a player and teammate?

DW: I can’t wait to meet Manti. My former teammate Robert Alford (28th pick by Atlanta Falcons Southeastern Louisiana standout cornerback  pictured right ) got drafted in the second round and trained with him (Teo) at IMG. He said Manti was cool, funny,laid back like most Hawaiians are. One thing I don’t do is judge people. I have nothing against him. We are on a clean slate. Going in with open mind and embracing him with open arms, even pick his brain and learn things from him cause he is a great football player. We are not here to walk down a red carpet or the fame, we are here to play football. To be around him and see how he becomes a pro and his journey.We are all competing for that starting spot but I have nothing against Manti. We will share this dream and moment together.  Look forward to get to know him and meet everyone, honestly.

PPI: Many of the other rookies have started rookie camp already. What do you personally look forward to at rookie camp? 

DW: I want to get that Playbook. I just can’t wait to study and learn my plays. We are all athletic at this level now and it comes down to playing fast at 100%. I want to get those plays down so it is second nature. I want to meet the coaching staff and affiliate with everyone. Most importantly get the playbook, learn defense and show my full potential.

Walker’s reflection on his mother, Malonie Martin…

PPI: Talking about plays, we have heard your mother played a big part of your life. A mom is a big part of players lives. Your mother probably always wanted you to succeed and now you are attending a rookie camp in the NFL. What was your mom’s first reaction when you got the call from the Chargers?

DW: Well, when I first got the call I thought about if I would be a fit. After thinking I finally said, “Momma, I AM a San Diego Charger.” She is really not an emotional person and doesn’t cry unless it’s something significant with family. So she wanted to cry but she held it in but was so emotional and happy for me. She saw me fight the physical and mental battles of being a football player. She is happy I never gave up on my dream. I have always told her I wanted to take care of her, buy her a house, and do things for her because she supported me so much. For her to be alive to see my dreams fulfilled from my determination and hard work while keeping God first… is amazing. She is the proudest mother in the world. I am more honored to be her son because she sacrificed so much for me. I wouldn’t be here without her.

PPI: Let’s give your momma a shout out! What are couple words to describe your mother?

DW: No doubt! My mother is strong, hard worker, loving mother, and a caring person. She is so selfless especially for her children.  I have seen her work three jobs working literally 24 hours a day. She did this to put money in my pocket while I was in college, when I already had a full scholarship. The sacrifices she has made for me I cant even imagine having to make for my kids. The sacrifices makes her a “super woman.” She has such a passion for me and a passion for God. In the Bible it says : “Train up a child in the way they should grow and when they get old they should not depart from it.” That is how she raised me.

All I can say is…mother, you are the best mother in the world. The #1 mother that I would do anything for. Happy Mother’s Day. I love you with all my heart. I am excited to be on this journey with you. If anyone deserves it, it’s you. Also, I want to give a shout out to my grandmother who raised my mother. I just want to tell Shirley Colar,my grandmother, I love you with all my heart. She has also been a mother and grandmother to me. There is nothing in the world I wouldn’t do for either of ya’ll.

PPI:What will you do for your mother (Malonie Martin) for Mother’s Day?

DW: Ooohhhh. I’ll actually  be at rookie camp (laughs).

PPI: Well that’s your gift don’t you think? Going to rookie camp is your gift. Maybe also send her some flowers too (chuckling).

DW: Yeah! I am Definitely sending her some flowers even though I wish I could be there with her. But I will send her flowers and money if I can (chuckles).

PPI: What is the best gift you feel you could ever give your mom?

DW: The best gift I could give my mom, being away from her, is telling her I love her. That is basically what I have already said (above). Also sending her a picture of my helmet, locker and jersey with my name on back to let her know this is where I always wanted be; and this is just the beginning.