Former USC linebacker, Chris Galippo is playing in the NFLPA AstroTurf Collegiate Bowl for the National Team. The Southern California native spoke with ProPlayerInsiders about the opportunity to play in the inaugural collegiate bowl game:
PPI: What were your initial feelings on being invited to the Astroturf Bowl?
C.G.: I was just really blessed. This is a great opportunity — it’s a week of being able to show what you got and put on a display for a lot of these big-time, former NFL greats, and all of the scouts that are going to be up in the stands on Saturday, so it’s a good opportunity.
PPI: What has inspired you to continue to pursue football?
C.G.: I’ve been playing football for so long. I started playing at 9- years old. I’m just taking it to the next step, to the next step, to the next step – from high school to obviously college, and hopefully pursuing a career in the NFL. It’s what every guy dreams of and [I] wouldn’t have worked so hard to take it this far if [I] didn’t have some sort of aspiration to make some money doing it.
PPI: What do you expect to gain from participating in the Astroturf Bowl?
C.G.: [I just want] to absorb information from all these guys. Obviously Dick Vermeil [is] a coach I used to watch when I was younger. I [also] remember [watching players] Priest Holmes and Isaac Bruce… Being out here, and just being coached and mentored by some of these 12, 13, 14, 15-year NFL veterans, [is amazing because they] really know the business side of it. They know what it takes to have longevity… I am here to get a taste of what its like [in the NFL] . I am here to absorb whatever I can.
PPI: What do you think sets you apart from the other NFL prospects?
C.G.: I came from a pretty polished program a [under the direction of great] coaches. My football IQ and my understanding for the game [is my asset]. Playing linebacker, you have to be the quarterback of the defense and really understand the entire scheme as a whole rather than just your own position. My grasp for that and my understanding [is what sets me apart]. Obviously every guy has got fluid hips and is explosive and can tackle, but its those little things, those study habits and the hard work that separates you.
Galippo leaves USC with 119 tackles and 5 interceptions. In 2009, he was named All –Pac-10 Third Team Selection and was a Pac- 10 Honorable Mention.
