While hanging out on Twitter one evening, I saw a very familiar name on my time line. It was one of my favorite Arizona Cardinal players (of all time), Larry Centers. The former NFL running back, Pro Bowler and eventual Super Bowl Champion had just started his Twitter account, and was being bombarded by fans tweeting about his accomplishments as a player.
I saw others asking if he was, indeed, the real Larry Centers. So I did what any Cardinals fan would do: I shot off a couple tweets of my own.
For me, it all goes back to the days of when the (then) “Phoenix” Cardinals came to the desert.
People still say that the Cardinals play in the desert; but, back then, they literally played in “the desert” or Sun Devil Stadium to be precise. The temperatures were often well into the 100′s, the fan base was usually out numbered by the visiting team’s fan base, and the team didn’t see a winning record for the first 10 seasons.
Over time, the fan base grew and somehow the die-hards gained in numbers, abandoning our allegiances to our former teams. Larry Centers made this transition much easier.
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If you were there, you know what I am talking about. Centers was listed as a fullback, but led the team in receptions in 1993, 1994, 1995, and 1996. He set the NFL record of 101 receptions in a season, which lasted for 10 years (and currently belongs to Larry Fitzgerald, who earned 103).
The #37 jerseys were among the most popular on game days. Fans just loved the way he played the game, myself included. So when I saw that he was active on Twitter, I jumped at the chance to ask him for some his time. To my delight, he was very open to speaking with me. After recording the interview, I decided to leave this all in its pure question and answer form, and hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Q: Alright, it’s August 19th and I am speaking with the one and only Larry Centers.
First off, how have you been, and what are you doing for enjoyment these days?
LC: I’m trying my best to hit my golf ball straight. That’s proven to be a little tougher than I thought it would be, but I’m not doing a whole lot. Trying my best to be around the kids and share my experiences with some young people.
Q: I noticed on your website you have been doing some motivational speaking. How did you get started with this and how is it going?
LC: It’s going OK at the moment, I get a chance to talk at the Boys and Girls Club from time to time, and am starting to do some corporate appearances. I’ve been dealing with Rita as you know, and Rita has done a great job for me in terms of getting me the exposure that I wouldn’t get on my own.
(Rita Mort is Larry’s rep/agent)
Q: Do you still follow the NFL or the teams that you have played for?
LC: I pay attention loosely — mainly I look at different players who’s style I appreciate, and I don’t really choose a team until around playoffs because I like to see the dynamics of teams as they really gel and come together.
Q: In your opinion, has the game changed much since you were on the field?
LC: It’s changed tremendously, I think we can all agree to that. And, because you’re a long time fan, you know now days, guys, especially on the defensive side of the ball, are a little more hesitant to take the big hit. There used to be a dilemma from safeties as to whether to go for the interception or go for the big hit. Now they have taken the big hit option off of the table because of all the fines and penalties.
Q: What does having the most receptions by a running back ever (record) mean to you?
LC: It wasn’t as big for me as a player as it is now in retirement. When I was still playing, of course, I was still trying to climb the mountain. Now that I’m retired and I have some things that I look back at and things I could be proud of, having the most receptions by a runningback in League history is one of those things that really… basically it gives me bragging rights. The real die hard fans appreciate that. People come up to me from time to time and ask me if I still hold the record or not. I’m proud to say that I do, you know.
LC (continued): I don’t know if you payed attention this year but Forte took my full season total (most receptions in a full season) record , he made it to second place now, he had 102 receptions. I don’t have that one, the only one I have left is most receptions by a back, career wise.
Q: Do you see any current fullbacks in particular that you admire?
LC: There’s really not a whole lot of fullbacks who are still playing, I think of John Kuhn with Green Bay as far as the main stage. He does a great job with what they ask him to do. Again, as I look at a lot of schemes now days, they don’t run the lead block as much, so that takes a big piece of the whole fullback’s role out of the equation. No one other than Kuhn from Green Bay comes to mind.
Q: What do you think about the Arizona Cardinals in 2015?
LC: I’m picking them to win it all. If they can keep their quarterback healthy and continue to build on what they did last year, I think they’ll have a pretty successful outcome this year – hopefully take it back to the Super Bowl.
Q: Do you feel you should be in the Ring of Honor along with the other Cardinal greats at the University of Phoenix stadium?
LC: Well I don’t want to come across as being too arrogant. That’s never been my style. But if you look at it for what it really is, in the context of what I gave to my team during my time as a Cardinal, there’s no doubt in my mind that I have a place in the Cardinal Ring of Honor.
(Me) Absolutely. I think you played every game like it was a playoff game and that’s what the fans really enjoyed about you.
Q: Do you consider winning a Super Bowl the highlight of your career?
LC: Yes, absolutely. I can’t think of anything else that I could have done more important than being on a team…being with a group of guys that won the whole show. That goes without saying. Honestly, as a player, I can’t think of anything that even compares to winning a Super Bowl. And to have won it in the last game I ever played, as a player, that makes it even more special for me.
Q: What are your goals and plans in the immediate future?
LC: I want to continue to shine a little light on what I’ve been able to do, I want to utilize my success as a player and share that with the young people. I’d like to eventually gain more serious consideration for the Hall of Fame. I think next step is to make it to the finals or even get in…and we’ll take it from there.
After the interview, Larry and Rita informed me that they planned on attending some of the Cardinal home games this season. Centers is also looking forward to making some of the tailgates with the fans, and and hopes to do more charity work in Arizona. One thing that definitely came out of the interview is that Centers is very down to earth. Rita actually describes him as “a salt of the earth” kind of man who enjoys the simple things in life, like sharing the eggs from his backyard chickens with his friends and neighbors.
I for one believe Larry should be in the Cardinal’s Ring of Honor, as well as in the NFL Hall of Fame. I’ve only been watching professional football for about 32 years, but I’ve never seen another player like him.
Before we had Larry Fitzgerald in Arizona, we had Larry Centers, I’d put both of these Larry’s in the same class as far as talent and heart goes. I hope others agree, and encourage them to follow Larry’s website and Twitter account. I expect it will be both interesting and entertaining!
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