Pro Player Insiders caught up with Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Austen Lane this past week in Indianapolis at the Taste of the NFL event called Party with a Purpose. Lane is in his second year and has started in 10 out of 17 appearances for the Jags over the past two seasons. He was a fifth-round draft pick from Murray State in the 2010 draft.
Taste of the NFL is an organization dedicated to addressing the needs of the hungry and homeless by raising awareness and money through special events. This year’s event was the 21st annual, held the night before the Super Bowl. Each team has a booth featuring their favorite chef and a player for signing autographs.
Lane talked about the event and some of the people he has met while playing in the NFL.
PPI: Tell me a little bit about the Taste of the NFL.
AL: We’re raising awareness for hunger in the United States. You know it’s a serious thing, spreading around the US and I’m just trying to do my part to help out.
PPI: How has your experience been here in Indianapolis?
AL: You know I’ve met a lot of people. And I don’t usually get star-struck too much. I met Hope Solo last night. I think I blacked out a little bit from shock and had some asthma attacks. I kind of embarrassed myself in front of her. We’ve got Miss America in the house, too. She’s from Wisconsin so I’m trying to holler at her. I don’t know about Aaron Rodgers or anything, but you know, I still have the beard so I think it’s pretty cool.
PPI: Are there any players on the Jaguars that have mentored you the past two years?
AL: Oh absolutely. Aaron Kampman has been a huge, huge asset to me. He’s a Wisconsin guy too so I‘ve grown up watching him. And now just a word from him on how to be a pro on and off the field has meant a lot to me.
PPI: What do think about Paul Posluszny, aka Poz , one of your newer teammates who moved from the Bills to the Jags this season?
AL: I’ve never seen a man look so intense, like doing anything, in my whole entire life. He is a hard worker and player. His intensity can even be seen eating cereal in the morning at the facility. He is a great guy and addition to our team.
Megan McLaughlin contributed to this report.
