I recenty posted this on my blog and thought the FBG community may be interested in reading given that he's in competition for the Jets #2 WR spot:
http://retiredrookie.blogspot.com/
I had the opportunity to speak with Chansi Stuckey (follow him @ChansiStuckey on Twitter) of the New York Jets the other day. As a lot of you know from my post earlier this summer here on my blog or reading some FBG threads, I'm a huge fan of Chansi and think he's on the verge of breaking out. He continues to generate a tremendous buzz. After talking to him, I'm psyched to see what he's got this year.
Here's what he had to say:
Retired Rookie (RR): Thanks for taking the time to get on with me here. I know you've got to be busy getting ready for camp and everything.
Chansi Stuckey (CS): No problem. Thanks for having me.
RR: How's the offseason going so far?
CS: Going great. Training with Terance Mathis (Former Jet) since I've been down here in Georgia. Just trying to work out in the heat and get as much prepared for training camp as possible.
RR: One thing I'm really curious on is that two years ago starting as a rookie you came on super strong and buzz was building like crazy. Everywhere I was reading good things about you and then you had the foot injury which killed the year for you. How frustrating was that?
CS: It was definitely a humbling experience for stuff to be going so well and then something of that magnitude to happen. It definitely prepares you to stay humble. Anything can happen at any time, so cherish the moment and play as hard as you can every play.
RR: Now, what about last year? Again you came on strong. Favre seemed to hone in on you, especially in the red zone and you contributed pretty nicely throughout the year. Compared to '07, how much more rewarding was last year?
CS: It was great. From an experience standpoint, just to get on the field and actually play a whole season, a bunch of games, a lot of different plays and a lot of different coverages. It was just a great thing for me to build on especially coming from what happened the previous year.
RR: What would you say was your favorite game last year, or you most rewarding game?
CS: It was definitely my first touchdown in the Miami game with it coming from Brett Favre who's, you know, a Hall of Famer and it being at that point in the game, it's in Miami, my family's there and it's my very first game. It was definitely the highlight of my career so far.
RR: As far as working with Brett. He's obviously worked with a number of receivers throughout his career and helped their development. Did you learn anything in particular working with him that you'll definitely carry with you going forward?
CS: More so being in the right place at the right time. Doing what the quarterback is thinking and knowing his reads. If a linebacker does this, safety does that or the corner does that, just ensuring that you're on the same page as the quarterback was something Brett was really big on because he liked to play a lot on instinct. Sometimes when something happens... if he sees it, he wants you to see it at the same time. It's being mentally prepared for anything and being on the same page as the quarterback.
RR: You guys (just from watching the games) seemed to have a nice chemistry going on there.
CS: Yea definitely. I think it results from me playing quarterback my whole life. I only switched to wide receiver my third year in college, so just having that instilled in me for so long I can really think what those guys are thinking sometimes, so it really helps a lot.
RR: What about when Sanchez's name was called at the draft? What were you thinking? Were you thinking, "Hey this is my third year and third different QB?"? What kind of stuff was going through your head?
CS: Well, as receivers our job doesn't really change. We're going to have to run the route the same way and catch the football. So, it doesn't really matter who's throwing it. Sometimes it does, but nine times out of ten it doesn't matter who's throwing it. Mark's definitely a guy who's gotten a lot of hype. He's a high profile guy. He came in very humbled and he's worked hard to gain the trust of all the veteran guys. I just think he's gone about everything the right way.
RR: Obviously we don't know if it's going to be Clemens or Sanchez, but any concerns with a rookie QB running the offense?
CS: Definitely not. With Matt Ryan doing what he did and Joe Flacco going in and winning two playoff games, there's definitely no concern. It's just a guy that has the right attitude, the right leadership and not being afraid to take over the huddle. It's a QB huddle. If he can get the job done in training camp and the coaches trust him enough, we as players have to trust him as well and go out there with whoever's there and win games.
RR: What about with the Coles departure and the opportunity starting you right in the face to be the starting WR for the Jets? How pumped are you at this point?
CS: Extremely pumped. Laveranues obviously did some great things for us and I wish him the best of luck in Cincinnati, but it definitely opened the door for me. There was an open spot and I was already training hard and then once that happened, I turned it up another notch and it really paid off working with Terance when I got back from mini camp and OTAs. Just hoping I can go into training camp building on that and be even better.
RR: Yea, I mean watching the games, you definitely seem to find the open seams. I'm psyched to see you get out there and get a bit more playing time.
CS: Yea, I'm excited as well. I have coach Henry Ellard who came from St. Louis who coached Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce. He came over with so much knowledge. I'm just trying to be a sponge with him. He played for so long and he really knows what he's talking about, so I'm really excited to get back and get back to work with him.
RR: Great. What about receiver competition between you, Brad Smith and Clowney? How's that going so far?
CS: It's going well. It's a very friendly competition. We push each other like crazy. It's not like most situations where if you're competing with a guy he won't help you and you won't help him. We see things with each other and they always ask me questions and I ask them questions and we just push each other. The more of us that can play, the better it will be for our team.
RR: Any indication on who's leading for the spot at this point?
CS: Na, we're just mixing around and playing football. We'll leave that up to the coaches to see what happens.
RR: Another thing I'm curious on is last year in limited time you had over 350 yards on like 30 catches... assuming you get the starting spot, targets will definitely increase and you project that it's roughly over one thousand yards. Obviously, it's not necessarily realistic, but it's definitely a good sign. How long you think until you have a 1,000 yard season?
CS: I don't know... hopefully this season. I pray that if you get the opportunity, you try to make the most of your opportunities, but definitely getting a thousand yards for the season is one of a receiver's personal goals within the team concept. The most important thing is winning games. If a thousand yards comes, that's great, but as long as we're winning games.
RR: So you think a breakout year this year?
CS: I pray. I really hope so.
RR: What about the team mood with Mangini being replaced with Rex Ryan? How have the first few months with the new coach been?
CS: Incredible. It's been great. The change has been for the better for everyone. It's been very positive. The energy has transferred over to practice with guys flying around, getting things done on and off the field.
RR: You think it's more of a defensive change at this point?
CS: I think so. We still have the same offensive scheme, but defensively with how aggressive he is and how Baltimore was always flying around, I'm starting to see that in our defense as well.
RR: That's definitely good to hear.
CS: Yea, I'm very excited about it.
RR: On road trips, who do you normally room with, or do you guys not have roommates?
CS: We didn't have roommates, but now Jerricho and I are roommates. I know we're going to be roommates in camp, so we'll see if we have roommates on the road this season.
RR: Have you been up to Cortland yet?
CS: Not yet. We report for the running test on July 30th and then we head to Cortland after that. Our first practice is going to be July 31st at 8:15 [AM].
RR: So none of you guys have seen the facility up there then?
CS: Not yet, just pictures. We had our last team meeting where they showed us pictures and the map of how everything's going to be. It looks pretty nice.
RR: What about short-term goals for the year for you personally?
CS: Obviously number one is to be the starter. Then, just catch as many balls and as many touchdowns as possible and have a number of big plays... a lot of long balls and a lot of short balls, as well, that turn into big plays and being interchangeable both outside and inside.
RR: What about long-term goals?
CS: To make it to the Super Bowl, be a hall of fame player and play in this league for double digit years.
RR: Nice, I'd love to see that.
CS: I'd love it too. [Laughs]
RR: What about the camp that you were running this past weekend in your hometown? Can you tell me a little about that?
CS: It's the first year that I did it. It was with the recreation department where I grew up playing football. It was ages 7 to 13 and it was just the first one and I didn't want to put to much on it, so it was a half a day camp from 8 to 12. We took the first hundred kids that came out and it went great. The recreation department (Lisa Jones) did a great job helping organize and Livis Freeman who's my PR guy did great. Willie Reid from the Dallas Cowboys came out and helped me. He's from the same town as well. It was great; a lot of smiles on the kids' faces and it was just very enjoyable.
RR: I think it's awesome you're doing that. I'm curious on your thoughts on the whole Twitter deal. I think it's great. You got any thoughts on it?
CS: I love Twitter. Most are positive, but you have some negative people that comment, but my advice to them is don't follow me. It's great. I've meet a bunch of people on Twitter. It's very good if you keep everything positive and don't get out of hand.
RR: Well, thanks very much Chansi, I appreciate it. I'll send you the link once I post, just in case you want to check it out.
CS: Ok, that'd be great. I really enjoyed it.
As a long time Jet fan, I've only owned a jersey once - Curtis Martin. After following Chansi the past few years and talking to him I may venture to purchase a new jersey... #83.
http://retiredrookie.blogspot.com/
I had the opportunity to speak with Chansi Stuckey (follow him @ChansiStuckey on Twitter) of the New York Jets the other day. As a lot of you know from my post earlier this summer here on my blog or reading some FBG threads, I'm a huge fan of Chansi and think he's on the verge of breaking out. He continues to generate a tremendous buzz. After talking to him, I'm psyched to see what he's got this year.
Here's what he had to say:
Retired Rookie (RR): Thanks for taking the time to get on with me here. I know you've got to be busy getting ready for camp and everything.
Chansi Stuckey (CS): No problem. Thanks for having me.
RR: How's the offseason going so far?
CS: Going great. Training with Terance Mathis (Former Jet) since I've been down here in Georgia. Just trying to work out in the heat and get as much prepared for training camp as possible.
RR: One thing I'm really curious on is that two years ago starting as a rookie you came on super strong and buzz was building like crazy. Everywhere I was reading good things about you and then you had the foot injury which killed the year for you. How frustrating was that?
CS: It was definitely a humbling experience for stuff to be going so well and then something of that magnitude to happen. It definitely prepares you to stay humble. Anything can happen at any time, so cherish the moment and play as hard as you can every play.
RR: Now, what about last year? Again you came on strong. Favre seemed to hone in on you, especially in the red zone and you contributed pretty nicely throughout the year. Compared to '07, how much more rewarding was last year?
CS: It was great. From an experience standpoint, just to get on the field and actually play a whole season, a bunch of games, a lot of different plays and a lot of different coverages. It was just a great thing for me to build on especially coming from what happened the previous year.
RR: What would you say was your favorite game last year, or you most rewarding game?
CS: It was definitely my first touchdown in the Miami game with it coming from Brett Favre who's, you know, a Hall of Famer and it being at that point in the game, it's in Miami, my family's there and it's my very first game. It was definitely the highlight of my career so far.
RR: As far as working with Brett. He's obviously worked with a number of receivers throughout his career and helped their development. Did you learn anything in particular working with him that you'll definitely carry with you going forward?
CS: More so being in the right place at the right time. Doing what the quarterback is thinking and knowing his reads. If a linebacker does this, safety does that or the corner does that, just ensuring that you're on the same page as the quarterback was something Brett was really big on because he liked to play a lot on instinct. Sometimes when something happens... if he sees it, he wants you to see it at the same time. It's being mentally prepared for anything and being on the same page as the quarterback.
RR: You guys (just from watching the games) seemed to have a nice chemistry going on there.
CS: Yea definitely. I think it results from me playing quarterback my whole life. I only switched to wide receiver my third year in college, so just having that instilled in me for so long I can really think what those guys are thinking sometimes, so it really helps a lot.
RR: What about when Sanchez's name was called at the draft? What were you thinking? Were you thinking, "Hey this is my third year and third different QB?"? What kind of stuff was going through your head?
CS: Well, as receivers our job doesn't really change. We're going to have to run the route the same way and catch the football. So, it doesn't really matter who's throwing it. Sometimes it does, but nine times out of ten it doesn't matter who's throwing it. Mark's definitely a guy who's gotten a lot of hype. He's a high profile guy. He came in very humbled and he's worked hard to gain the trust of all the veteran guys. I just think he's gone about everything the right way.
RR: Obviously we don't know if it's going to be Clemens or Sanchez, but any concerns with a rookie QB running the offense?
CS: Definitely not. With Matt Ryan doing what he did and Joe Flacco going in and winning two playoff games, there's definitely no concern. It's just a guy that has the right attitude, the right leadership and not being afraid to take over the huddle. It's a QB huddle. If he can get the job done in training camp and the coaches trust him enough, we as players have to trust him as well and go out there with whoever's there and win games.
RR: What about with the Coles departure and the opportunity starting you right in the face to be the starting WR for the Jets? How pumped are you at this point?
CS: Extremely pumped. Laveranues obviously did some great things for us and I wish him the best of luck in Cincinnati, but it definitely opened the door for me. There was an open spot and I was already training hard and then once that happened, I turned it up another notch and it really paid off working with Terance when I got back from mini camp and OTAs. Just hoping I can go into training camp building on that and be even better.
RR: Yea, I mean watching the games, you definitely seem to find the open seams. I'm psyched to see you get out there and get a bit more playing time.
CS: Yea, I'm excited as well. I have coach Henry Ellard who came from St. Louis who coached Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce. He came over with so much knowledge. I'm just trying to be a sponge with him. He played for so long and he really knows what he's talking about, so I'm really excited to get back and get back to work with him.
RR: Great. What about receiver competition between you, Brad Smith and Clowney? How's that going so far?
CS: It's going well. It's a very friendly competition. We push each other like crazy. It's not like most situations where if you're competing with a guy he won't help you and you won't help him. We see things with each other and they always ask me questions and I ask them questions and we just push each other. The more of us that can play, the better it will be for our team.
RR: Any indication on who's leading for the spot at this point?
CS: Na, we're just mixing around and playing football. We'll leave that up to the coaches to see what happens.
RR: Another thing I'm curious on is last year in limited time you had over 350 yards on like 30 catches... assuming you get the starting spot, targets will definitely increase and you project that it's roughly over one thousand yards. Obviously, it's not necessarily realistic, but it's definitely a good sign. How long you think until you have a 1,000 yard season?
CS: I don't know... hopefully this season. I pray that if you get the opportunity, you try to make the most of your opportunities, but definitely getting a thousand yards for the season is one of a receiver's personal goals within the team concept. The most important thing is winning games. If a thousand yards comes, that's great, but as long as we're winning games.
RR: So you think a breakout year this year?
CS: I pray. I really hope so.
RR: What about the team mood with Mangini being replaced with Rex Ryan? How have the first few months with the new coach been?
CS: Incredible. It's been great. The change has been for the better for everyone. It's been very positive. The energy has transferred over to practice with guys flying around, getting things done on and off the field.
RR: You think it's more of a defensive change at this point?
CS: I think so. We still have the same offensive scheme, but defensively with how aggressive he is and how Baltimore was always flying around, I'm starting to see that in our defense as well.
RR: That's definitely good to hear.
CS: Yea, I'm very excited about it.
RR: On road trips, who do you normally room with, or do you guys not have roommates?
CS: We didn't have roommates, but now Jerricho and I are roommates. I know we're going to be roommates in camp, so we'll see if we have roommates on the road this season.
RR: Have you been up to Cortland yet?
CS: Not yet. We report for the running test on July 30th and then we head to Cortland after that. Our first practice is going to be July 31st at 8:15 [AM].
RR: So none of you guys have seen the facility up there then?
CS: Not yet, just pictures. We had our last team meeting where they showed us pictures and the map of how everything's going to be. It looks pretty nice.
RR: What about short-term goals for the year for you personally?
CS: Obviously number one is to be the starter. Then, just catch as many balls and as many touchdowns as possible and have a number of big plays... a lot of long balls and a lot of short balls, as well, that turn into big plays and being interchangeable both outside and inside.
RR: What about long-term goals?
CS: To make it to the Super Bowl, be a hall of fame player and play in this league for double digit years.
RR: Nice, I'd love to see that.
CS: I'd love it too. [Laughs]
RR: What about the camp that you were running this past weekend in your hometown? Can you tell me a little about that?
CS: It's the first year that I did it. It was with the recreation department where I grew up playing football. It was ages 7 to 13 and it was just the first one and I didn't want to put to much on it, so it was a half a day camp from 8 to 12. We took the first hundred kids that came out and it went great. The recreation department (Lisa Jones) did a great job helping organize and Livis Freeman who's my PR guy did great. Willie Reid from the Dallas Cowboys came out and helped me. He's from the same town as well. It was great; a lot of smiles on the kids' faces and it was just very enjoyable.
RR: I think it's awesome you're doing that. I'm curious on your thoughts on the whole Twitter deal. I think it's great. You got any thoughts on it?
CS: I love Twitter. Most are positive, but you have some negative people that comment, but my advice to them is don't follow me. It's great. I've meet a bunch of people on Twitter. It's very good if you keep everything positive and don't get out of hand.
RR: Well, thanks very much Chansi, I appreciate it. I'll send you the link once I post, just in case you want to check it out.
CS: Ok, that'd be great. I really enjoyed it.
As a long time Jet fan, I've only owned a jersey once - Curtis Martin. After following Chansi the past few years and talking to him I may venture to purchase a new jersey... #83.
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Looking forward to the Sidney Rice interview...
