Thread: Brad Johnson speaks with the Tribune's Tom Davis

[size=18px]Minnesota Viking Brad Johnson speaks with the Tribune's Tom Davis[/size]

Tuesday, August 08, 2006

Tribune Staff Report

Minnesota quarterback Brad Johnson talked recently with Tribune Managing Editor Tom Davis following a practice session at the Vikings training camp in Minnesota. Here are his thoughts on a variety of things:

On the return of center Matt Birk following his injury last year:

"Matt's resume speaks for itself. To come back from (sports hernia and hip injuries) is pretty remarkable. He's a leader on the team. A leader of the offensive line."

On motivation for returning from injuries to play again:

"You can work the rest of your life. You don't get football back."

What does it take to be successful in the NFL?

"If you are going to win, you have to have one of the better defenses in the league. The only team that maybe didn't was St. Louis, when they won the Super Bowl. But when they did (win), they won 10-6 and 17-13 (in the playoffs). If you're going to win, you have to have a good defense and offense can't turn the ball over and create short field (situations). You have to make each other better. "

How did Tampa Bay practice?

"The year I won in Tampa, the practices were live everyday. You're talking about potential hall of fame players, a lot of pro bowl players out there making each other better everyday."

How does he feel about his experience with the Buccaneers?

"That was a lot of fun."

What is (former Buc teammate) John Lynch like?

"John Lynch is a jerk. I can't stand that guy. No really, he's great guy. He's one of my best friends."

Minnesota Viking Brad Johnson speaks with the Tribune's Tom Davis

...What is (former Buc teammate) John Lynch like?

"John Lynch is a jerk. I can't stand that guy. No really, he's great guy. He's one of my best friends."

:lol:, I wonder how many times that quote will be taken out of context.

Well, that was pretty much a waste of space in that Indiana newspaper.