Joe Flacco was interviewed just a few minutes ago on ESPN and nobody probably new. He sat relaxed and upright in his chair, made eye contact, smiled, answered the questions in a confident voice, smiled and thanked the interviewer. He didn't outwardly laugh or over-expand on simple subjects and fluidly answered the questions. It was all so quietly unassuming and left me thinking of Forest Gump when Forest delivered his speech at the Nation's Capital. Forest said a few words (with the microphone unplugged) and (with the microphone back on) concluded with, "Thats about all I have to say about that." There was a pause in the crowd then cheers and the hippy organizer told Forest, "Right on man, right on." 

     The interviewer today had twice as much enthusiasm as Joe and obviously tried to bait him into a spicey discussion about T.O.. Joe simply sidestepped the question, smiled and smoothly interupted that he was happy to have Ray and Matt Birk. Making direct eye contact with the interviewer and holding his 6' 5" frame like someone with nothing to prove, Joe moved the interview along. This is when I thought of the Forest Gump scene. The crazy hippy trying to stir up the crowd and deliver some shock statements and Forest being Forest. He communicated in many ways that things are plain, simple and nothing is as complicated as it seems. Joe cool. 

     It takes an interviewer, who is used to the more flamboyant pro athlete, only a few questions to realize that he is talking to an man of character. You can feel the interview changing with each question. The interviewer slows down and starts taking in some of the fresh air that surrounds a humble, confident and conscientious person. When Joe explained that he still lives with his parents and 4 siblings at home in NJ in the off season, the interviewer couldn't believe it. For Joe, it was natural to be home enjoying home cooked meals and spending time with those who are most important to him. He explained that even during the season it was easy and enjoyable to head north for a home cooked meal. Joe looked curiously at the interviewer for even wondering about that . Joe added that he has a place in Baltimore for the season but you could tell it's because he has to. The interview concluded with the host saying, "you don't even realize your a big deal do you? Don't ever change Joe."