One day, though, I was asked if I'd like to go to the University of Florida and become a Gator.

I visualize things in my mind before I have to do them. It's like having a mental workshop.

You learnt that, whatever you are doing in life, obstacles don't matter very much. Pain or other circumstances can be there, but if you want to do a job bad enough, you'll find a way to get it done.

You learn to kid around and joke and not take things too seriously because somehow its all gonna work out for the best - or you're gonna make it work out.

Those opportunities to play in championship games are few and far between.

The joy of winning is not as dramatic as the losses were, because I expected us to win.

The disappointment of losing is huge.

Good luck is a residue of preparation.

Merlin really taught me how to concentrate, that you play each play as if it were the only play. And if you put all the plays together like that, then you'll come out on top.

The emotions of the game do not change.

Boy, I'll tell you, when the Rams drafted me No. 1, it surprised me. I was walking on air for days.

But this was my chance to go to the Super Bowl. Nothing was going to stop me.

By that time I was thinking a little about pro ball and hopeful that someone would draft me.

Football has been my life for as long as I can remember.

He owned a service station, and I used to go there and piddle around - pump some gas, get in the way.