Mr BioFile Interviews by Scoop Malinowski
By Scoop Malinowski
STATUS: NFL quarterback from 1985-2005 for San Diego Chargers, Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, Chicago Bears.
DOB: October 23, 1962 In: Manchester, MA
HT: 5-10 WT: 180
CHILDHOOD HEROES: In my prime watching years I liked Roger Staubach and Terry Bradshaw. I was a big Baltimore Orioles fan, so guys like Brooks Robinson and Jim Palmer.
NICKNAMES: Really none. Once I had an 8th grade basketball coach who kinda tried to tag me with ‘Flash’ and it never stuck. So really none.
HOBBIES/INTERESTS: Basketball’s my number one activity. I like to ski. Like to play soccer now…never played soccer growing up but I like it now. I love hockey. I’m a jock [smiles].”
EARLY FOOTBALL MEMORY: First time I got on the field (age 9). I was undersized and the youngest of the age group. And I got in at the end of the game as a safety and got an interception.
FAVORITE MOVIES: Arthur with Dudley Moore. But recently, Austin Powers was funny. I like comedies in general.
MUSICAL TASTES: Classic rock, Aerosmith. Love Lynyrd Skynyrd, southern rock, Bon Jovi is what I grew up with in the ’80s.
PREGAME FEELING: I get excited more than nervous. I get excited to play. My father (Richard) always pushed us to win. Some people might say that’s the wrong thing to do but it makes you do the things you have to do to win, and learn how to win.
FAVORITE MEAL: Pizza.
FAVORITE BREAKFAST CEREAL: Frosted Flakes.
FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR: Chocolate.
GREATEST SPORTS MOMENT: Oh gosh. Everybody else remembers the Hail Mary (with Boston College to defeat Miami in ’84). But the one that stands out to me…we (Calgary Stampeders) put together an 80-yard drive at the end of the game against Edmonton to put us into the Grey Cup (’92). Then we won it (over Winnipeg). So it was my first championship. That drive…and I scored the winning touchdown (3-yd run). The most memorable moment for me. Only a three-yard run but I made a handful plays during the drive. And we scored with like :13 left in the game.”
MOST PAINFUL MOMENT: Maybe getting hit, fumbled down on the five yard-line against Miami in the playoff game (24-17 loss in Wild Card game).
PEOPLE MOST ADMIRED: Honesty. Just being straight-forward with people. And always being considerate to people.
FAMILY: Wife, Laurie; daughter, Alexa; son, Doug.
CAREER ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 1984 Heisman Trophy winner with Boston College; left NCAA as all-time passing yardage leader (10,579 – since surpassed); Played in NFL for 12 years and eight years in Canadian Football League and one in USFL; CFL MVP six times in eight seasons; Won three Grey Cup championships.
