At Home with Jeremy Maclin

Bonus Family

PhillyIn: “Wow! Your upbringing sounds a lot like “The Blind Side”! That was a very popular movie last year. Did you see it?”

Jeremy Maclin: “Yeah, I did. It relates in some ways; but, I wouldn’t want to overstate the case. I know Michael.” (That would be Michael Jerome Oher, offensive tackle for the Baltimore Ravens, whose early life was the depicted in the movie.) “I’m not sure how accurate the Hollywood story is for him either. But, I wasn’t illiterate. I was blessed with an education. And, I was never homeless. But, it’s true, my ‘Bonus’ family was also white, and I owe them a great deal.”

PI: “How did all that come about?”

JM: “I was living with my mom in Kirkwood, Missouri (near St. Louis), but our living situation was not good. I had made friends with this guy on my little league football team, Tyler Parres. We’d become close, and, when things were not so good, I’d go over Tyler’s house, hang out, sleepover, and stuff.”

PI: “When did ‘hanging out’ with his family turn into living with them?”

JM: “Well, I didn’t grow up in the best neighborhood; and I knew that, if I wanted to do bigger and better things after high school, I just had to put myself into a better situation. So, when I was 15, and playing in High School football, and The Parres offered, I seized the opportunity.” PI: “Was it a big adjustment for you? Did it seem strange to be a black kid growing up within a white family?”

JM: “Strangely, no. They were so welcoming, and it had already come to feel natural, being there with them. Think of me as doubly blessed. On NFL Draft Day, I had all my family there; my real family, my surrogate family, their extended families, aunts, uncles, everyone was there! It was a big, BIG party. We played wiffle-ball in the backyard. That kept me loose until it was time for the draft to start. Then, we all just sat by and waited for the phone to ring.”

PI: “Ah, we have lots of football to talk about. And, we’ll get there soon. But, how about just one more thing about young Jeremy Maclin, before we go there. Something your legion of fans doesn’t already know. How about the High School Prom? Did you go?”

JM: “Yeaahhhh. “I went three years.”

PI: “Oh you stud! You were asked as a sophomore?”

JM: “Actually, I was asked as a Freshman”, he responds with a twinkle in his eye, “but I didn’t go that year.”

PI: “Sure. Got to draw the line somewhere, huh!”

A.D.I.D.A.F. (All Day I Dream About Football)

PI: “I know that you lettered in both football and basketball, and even played some baseball. So, how did it start; and how did you settle on football as your sport of choice?”

JM: “I started playing Little League Football at the age of 9. My brother played the year before me. He put me in little league. In fact, both of my brothers played football. So, some of it is just following footsteps. And, I like basketball and baseball; but, football . . . Football is something I can’t even imagine living without.”

PI: “I feel that every single boy in my little suburban Catholic grade school dreamed of becoming a professional athlete. And, I think I can safely say, not one of them did. But, you succeeded. That means that at some point, the dream became less of a dream and more of a goal – something you began to believe you could accomplish. When and how did that happen?”

JM: “I suppose it started early. When I was young, I was the best player on my little league team. Then, when I got to High School, I found that I was still the best player on my team. When I got to college, the pattern began playing out again. At some point, you begin thinking, ‘Why not me? If I’m willing to put in the hard work, why can’t I go onto the NFL and do the same thing?’ I don’t think I’ve achieved close to what I’m capable of on a professional level yet; but, I believe, if I keep doing right things, I can get there.”

PI: “You chose Missouri over Ohio State, Notre Dame, and Oklahoma. You even picked Oklahoma and then changed your mind about it. Why?”

JM: “Home. Family. I liked what the program was doing, and where it was headed. And, I had a chance to go to Mizzou and make a difference, be that star, be that guy right off the bat. Some of those plans were a little delayed when I tore my ACL the first year, but eventually I got onto the field and became that guy.” (For those that don’t know, Jeremy still holds the NCAA freshman record for “most all purpose yards in a single season” – 198.3 yards per game for 14 games. The Tigers were really fortunate to snag this “AP first team, All American”.)

PI: “Speaking of that injury, I heard it was pretty intense, did you ever think that you weren’t going to play football again?”

JM: “Honestly, I thought I didn’t want to play again.”

PI: “I can imagine it was a scary thing. How did you get through that?”

JM: “It was hard to deal with. I had never even missed a game, let alone a whole season. Your friends count for a lot at times like that. They talked me into staying with it. Now I look back and can’t imagine what my life would have been like without football.”

PI: “So, in the end, you played for Missouri for three years?”

JM: “Two and a half, technically.”

PI: “How did the Big 12 compare to the NFL experience?”

JM: “It was definitely one of the better conferences. Week in – week out – you were competing against some of the top teams in the country. I know that it helped me to prepare for the next level.”

PI: “How about your relationship with Chase Daniel, the quarterback?”

JM: “Well, it’s always good to have a tight relationship with your quarterback. He’ll throw you the ball more.” Jeremy laughs heartily as he points out this universal truth. “But, really, we were friends on and off the field. I still talk to him.”

PI: “It had to feel good to be named All American for two years, especially that first year after coming back from your injury.”

JM: “That WAS good. But, that type of award isn’t just for the person receiving it. That kind of thing is earned by the whole team, in fact, the whole University, that opens the door for someone like me to walk through. That’s how I look at it, anyway.” (And, he says it with true conviction. You’ve got to love this guy. And, I’m saying that with conviction.)

PI: “Yet, you decided to leave after those two and a half years. What went into that decision?”

JM: “I sat down with my coach and discussed it. He told me he wanted me back. But, if I were his son, he would advise me to move onto the NFL. Good things were waiting for me. That’s one of the things I most appreciated about him. He always kept it honest with me. In the end, it came down to my gut feeling. And, my gut told me to go.”

FLY, EAGLE, FLY

 PI: “You told us a little about draft day already. How did you feel after you got the call?”

JM: “Relieved. Excited. Glad it was Philly. I’d liked the Eagles while I was growing up. It’s a team that’s competitive year after year. When I heard that Philly had drafted me, I couldn’t wait to become part of the family.”

PI: “So, you know you stole my number, right?”

JM: “What? . . . I did?”

PI: “Yeah. 18 is totally my number! Maybe not much of a “lucky” number – it doesn’t seem to win me any money in AC – but, it is a reoccurring theme in my life. So, how did you pick it? Or, did you just end up with my number by accident?”

JM: “Well, 2 was my number in High School. And, 9 was my number in College. 2 X 9 = 18. So, there you go!”

PI: “Oh, so you’re a victim of arithmetic. I guess I’ll let you keep it. So, now number 18’s in the Big Leagues! Kevin Curtis gets injured and Jeremy gets his first NFL start under the bright lights of Lincoln Financial Field against the Kansas City Chiefs. What was it like taking center stage for the first time?”

JM: “Obviously, what happened to Kevin, you don’t wish that upon any teammate. But it gave me the opportunity to go out there and prove what I could do. I haven’t looked back since.”

PI: “You made your first NFL touchdown against Tampa – no, make that your first two NFL touchdowns, actually! How did that feel – sailing into the end zone for the first time as a pro?”

JM: “It was a sigh of relief, to finally get into that end-zone. But most of all, it was a dream come true. As a child, you dream about scoring a touchdown in the NFL. I felt like that little kid again. It was a moment I will never forget.”

PI: “So, from first touchdowns to Rookie of the Week vs the Broncos – Actually, I’ve always personally wondered about this kind of a thing — You’re stretching for a ball, and falling out of bounds. How do you even think about dragging that second toe, while being pushed, with no sight of the line mark, and only a split second to execute? Aren’t the rules different in college? How do you adjust to the NFL so quickly?”

JM: “That’s a big rule change. As soon as you’re done playing college football, you prepare for the NFL and that’s one of the things you work on as a receiver. After awhile, it becomes instinct.”

PI: “When this happened to you in the Denver game, the officials originally ruled it incomplete. Then they changed their ruling. What’s it like – the waiting? Did you actually know whether it was good or not?”

JM: “Yeah, you can kinda always tell. I knew I had gotten the ball and gotten both feet down. I was telling Coach Reid to challenge the play, but it was under 2 minutes so he couldn’t. So, we had to wait for the upstairs to call the review.”

PI: “Speaking of Coach Reid, he’s been both glorified and vilified in this city; tell me a little about your relationship him.”

JM: “We have a similar background. He coached at Mizzou, so we talk Tigers. Plus, he’s always there talking to you, making sure everybody is on the same page. I think when a head coach is hands-on like that, it helps the team and keeps everyone involved.”

PI: “Another controversial character on the “Eagles Show” is Michael Vick. After all the drama, he seems to be doing pretty well. What are your feelings towards him?”

JM: “He plays good football, and that’s what it comes down to. What people forget, is that he went to three Pro-Bowls in five years at Atlanta. Not many quarterbacks can run like him. He’s a tremendous talent, and I think we’re lucky to have him on our team.”

PI: “It may be your sophomore year, but you’re still one of the younger players in the league. (Jeremy is actually the youngest player in the NFL to score two touchdowns in the post season.) Do you ever feel like you get the “lil bro” treatment in the locker room?”

JM: “No, people actually call me “Old Man”. I may be young, but I’m very mature for my age. I think, at 22, you should be.”

PI: “It can’t be all business all the time. Do you have any funny locker room stories or pranks?”

JM: He pauses and thinks for a second. “No…I can’t tell you.”

PI: “What a tease!”

JM: “They got me last year, but I can’t reveal it, because they wouldn’t be able to get anybody else.” He laughs just thinking about his secret. “They get people all the time though!”

PI: “Who are your closest friends on the team?”

JM: “I’m cool with Shady and DJ. (That would be Lesean McCoy and Desean Jackson for those of you who aren’t in the know.) Those would probably be my closest friends. It can be hard, because some of the guys like Kevin Colb, Brent Celek and Michael Vick, they all have families and wives. It’s hard to do stuff outside of football. We get together when we can.”

PI: “You and DeSean are friends, but you’re also some of the fastest guys in the league. Forget the 40, who do you think would win a race up the Art Museum steps?”

JM: Laughs loudly, “Those are some steep steps! I have NO idea.”

PI: “Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?”

JM: “I always listen to Motivation by T.I. before we go out. It blocks out all the negativity.”

 Smiley?

PI: “What’s a typical day in the life of Jeremy Maclin?”

JM: “I get up around 7 am (at least I try too). I don’t get out of bed till 7:30. I go to the facilities, have meetings from 8:15 to 11. Then walk throughs.”

PI: “What’s a walk-through?”

JM: “We walk through the plays that we’re going to do during practice.”

PI: “Oh, not so different from dance practice! We walk through the routines to get them in our head before actually doing them.”

JM: “Yeah, then we go eat lunch. After that it’s onto the field and practice for about 2 hours. Then watch film. Depending on the day, I may lift weights, or get some treatment if I need it. Then I go home around 5:30.”

PI: “What do you do when you get home to unwind?”

JM: “Just hang out, play “Call of Duty” on X-Box, watch TV. Get some ME time.”

PI: “Do you have any nicknames?”

JM: “J Mac.”

PI: “Someone said Smiley, somewhere I found that …”

JM: Jeremy laughs heartily, “Oh man, they said that on ESPN! Uh, Smiley was the nickname I was given when I was in the 6th grade; I’m talking summer camp here.”

PI: “Seems fitting with those cute dimples. Although, I can’t imagine ‘Smiley’ being very intimidating on the football field…”

JM: “Yeah. But I like J Mac, Mac, Mac-Man.”

PI: “What’s your favorite thing about living in Philly?”

JM: “The food. They have really good food.”

PI: “Where do you like to eat?”

JM: “I love Ruth Chris, Capital Grille, Marathon Grill…”

PI: “So, you’re into the steak places?”

JM: “Yeah and Alma de Cuba!”

PI: “Yeah that’s a great place, Alma de Cuba. Great mojito’s! What are your thoughts on Philly football fans?”

JM: “Very, very supportive, but also very, very… crazy.”

PI: “Do you have a website?”

JM: “It’s getting created as we speak.”

PI: “Ok you’ll have to keep us updated on that, but people can follow you on twitter?”

JM: “Yes @JMac_18”

Fun and Games

PI: “So, what’s this I hear about a shoe obsession?” (A wide smile and deepening dimples tell me I’m onto something.)

JM: “Yes!”

PI: “What’s your passion? Is it ALL shoes? Sneakers? Custom shoes?”

JM: “All shoes! All brands. Nike, Jordan’s, Louie, the list goes on and on. I could probably go up into my closet right now and pull out 15 or 20 pairs that I haven’t worn yet. I guess that’s kind of bad, but I love shoes. I can’t help it!”

PI: “Oh trust me, I understand all about shoe obsession! You’re speaking to a woman with a world class appetite. So, now we know you love football and shoes. What else do you love?”

JM: “I really love working with kids. That’s my number one thing. But, I also play dominos.”

PI: “Dominos, really?”

JM: “I didn’t learn to play the game until I got to college. But, I’m probably one of the better domino players around now.”

PI: “I heard that you’re pretty competitive off the field, as well as on. Do you like board games too?”

JM: “I do like Catch Phrase. Me and my friend make a good team at Catch Phrase. I don’t think we’ve ever lost a match.” He laughs.

PI: “Catch Phrase huh? I’m pretty good myself. That may be a challenge right there. And, what about that hidden talent of yours? How did you get into juggling of all things?”

JM: “I was just bored and taught myself. I saw people doing it and thought it was something cool to do. So, I picked up some balls and started tossing them around.”

PI: “You have some tattoos?”

JM: “I have 6.”

PI: “Annnnnd? Location? Significance?”

JM: “They describe my life. They are on the inside of my arms. I have “Struggle” in flames on one arm and “Survival” in wings on my other. Those are my two favorites, they kinda symbolize my life and what I’ve gone through to get to where I am now.” 

PI: “Girls of Philadelphia need to know, is Jeremy Maclin single? And ready to mingle?”
JM: “Jeremy IS single.”

PI: “And what is he looking for in a girl?”

JM: “Ya know what, just somebody I can chill with, have fun with and be cool with. She doesn’t have to be…well, obviously it would be nice if she was good looking, but she doesn’t have to be anything specific.”

PI: “One more question for the ladies, boxers or briefs?”

JM: He smiles slyly. “Boxer Briefs.”

PI: “Oh, so you go for the combo?”

JM: “Yeah, the long ones.”

PI: “Who was your favorite childhood football team?”

JM: “The Rams. I was growing up when they were really good in St. Louis, so I liked them.”

PI: “So, were they on your ‘Starter’ jacket?

JM: “My ‘starter’ jacket?” He laughs. “Hard to believe, but I don’t remember what team was on it. I just know I had one. I think everybody did.”

PI: “That’s funny. Hmmm, favorite football movie?”

JM: “There’s a lot of good ones. Any Given Sunday, that’s a sweet one. Oh, and I like The Blind Side too.”

PI: “Who do you think has the best touchdown dance in the NFL?”

JM: Laughs. “Kelly Washington!”

PI: “Really?”

JM: “Yes, he was actually with us in the pre-season. He’s not with us anymore. But, for people who haven’t seen it, look up ‘The Squirrel’ by Kelly Washington on YouTube. It’s hilarious!”

PI: “So that’s a good one?”

JM: “Oh god, I’m laughing right now just thinking about it.”

PI: “Would you ever do a reality show like T.O. or Ocho Cinco? When can we expect the “Jeremy Maclin Show”, and what kind of show would it be?”

JM: “No, I don’t think I would do one. I don’t want the camera on me all the time. I’d make make a guest appearance for someone, but I couldn’t constantly do it.”

PI: “What was your first big purchase after signing your contract?”

JM: “My car. My Range Rover.”

PI: “Inquiring minds would like to know (and by ‘inquiring minds’ I mean Amber-Joi) if you’ll be headed to the Pro-Bowl this year?”

JM: “I hope so. More importantly, I would love to go to the Super Bowl. That’s my number one goal.”

PI: “I think everyone would like to see that. What is the biggest misconception about you?”

JM: “Um, I guess some mistake my quietness as I sign that I think I’m too good for people. That’s not the case. I’m a very laid back type of dude. You’ll never see me try to be the center of attention, or be out doing absurd things. That’s just not my personality. Just don’t be afraid to talk to me.”

JMac: Paying it Forward

PI: “One of our first In-Focus interviews was with ‘The Cool Kids’, Reggie Berry and Jackiem Wright. You know the guys personally, what’s your relationship with them?”

JM: “They are friends before anything. They’re cool dudes and really good to know around town. They showed me the ropes in Philly and what to expect. It’s been good to have them on my side, for sure.”

PI: “And speaking of Reggie and Jacky, when we spoke to them, they talked about the importance of being relevant. What does relevance mean to you?”

JM: “Well for me, I want to be remembered. If you’re remembered for good things, then you’re very relevant. That’s how I look at it. They’re right: at the end of the day, money doesn’t really matter. You can have all the money in the world and still not be a good person.

Establish a good name for yourself; help people; and just give! For me, I like to show kids that it doesn’t doesn’t matter where you come from, what your name is, what color your skin is, who your parents are, if you want to make a difference you can.”

PI: “Speaking of giving back, I hear you’re involved with the “Raise Me Up” organization. Tell me about that.”

JM: “It’s a foundation for foster kids. The theory is you don’t have to physically raise a kid to be able to “raise them up” in life. It’s a great organization and I’m very proud to be a part of it.”

PI: “I can see how that would have a powerful appeal to a man with your background.”

JM: “Yeah, I really relate to these kids. Kids can’t really pick their situation. They don’t choose their parents. They don’t choose what neighborhood they grow up in. They don’t choose their siblings. A lot of the time, these kids get into trouble, and it really isn’t their fault. I ended up living with a family that wasn’t my biological family, and I know how that made me the man I am today. Raise Me Up is a helping hand to these kids that might not have the support they need. It’s something that’s really important to me.”

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