Q&A G BRIAN WATERS - TE TONY GONZALEZ - G WILL SHIELDS

Dec 21, 2005, 4:35:59 PM

PRO BOWL SELECTION

BRIAN WATERS

Q: What about RB Larry Johnson’s selection to the Pro Bowl? Is that a testament to the line, as well?

WATERS: “I might be more proud of that. I think what he has done over this last season starting in training camp and the type of effort and all the energy that he put in at trying to be the best and when his opportunity came he took full advantage of it. Even when he was sharing carries with RB Priest (Holmes), he was taking full advantage of every opportunity that he got. It didn’t surprise me that he was successful. It did surprise me at how successful he was.”

Q: Do you feel like you are playing better this year than last year?

WATERS: “I can’t say that, I will be honest with you. I think I am kind of about the same to be honest with you. I feel like I was in a lot better shape last year but I think I got off to a slower start this year but I think about the same.”

Q: You were nominated for the second time. What does that mean in your mind. Is a second time a certification?

WATERS: “I think it has a lot to do with the fact that your peers are watching you and taking a notice of what kind of a job you are doing, and not just them the general manager. The coaches and the general managers are the people who also get to vote. The fact that their votes count bigger than any other part of the deal that shows a lot of respect and hopefully I am doing a good enough job that these people continue to respect me.”

TONY GONZALEZ

Q: 7th in a row?

GONZALEZ: “Yeah seven. I will take it for what it’s worth. I’m having a good time with it. It never gets old. Somebody just asked me – K Lawrence Tynes – he asked, ‘it never gets old does it?’ I am always excited to appear as a representative, especially after a year I have had. It’s kind of been a frustrating year as far as production wise I guess, but I’m glad I’m able to make that trip again.”

Q: Does making the Pro Bowl during a frustrating year make it a little bit more special?

GONZALEZ: “It doesn’t make it more special. I am still frustrated and disappointed in what I was able to do this year but that is just me. That is how it goes, but like I said it was probably my best year blocking wise that I have had up until this point. So I’m proud of that part of it, being a complete tight end. But the other stuff I will probably pick it up again next year.”

Q: As you said is it a testament to being a complete player as you haven’t been called upon to do as much?

GONZALEZ: “That is what it called for when T Willie (Roaf) went down at the beginning of the year. They kept me in on more of the protections for QB Trent (Green) and run blocking and being a part of the running game. I’m happy about that and I’m glad I can show the world that I am a complete tight end. I can go out there and do it both ways whatever way you want it I can get it done.”

Q: What about RB Larry (Johnson)?

GONZALEZ: “That puts a smile on my face with what he has gone through around here. I am so happy for him. It’s kind of sad FB Tony (Richardson) didn’t make it and the way he has been making holes for him and RB Priest (Holmes) over the last couple of years but that is just how it goes. With Larry he has worked hard he has persevered and worked through some stuff growing pains and now I think he is finally getting what he worked for.”

Q: If Larry takes his line out to dinner you might have to go with this time?

GONZALEZ: “Yeah I might have to go with him. I have been thinking about that too. Larry makes some holes himself though too. We all feel good about sending the running back over there and then obviously we have one of the best offensive lines in the league and so it’s fun to be a part of.”

WILL SHIELDS

Q: Were you surprised or hopeful to be selected to you 11th straight Pro Bowl?

SHIELDS: “I really don’t worry about it. You just see how it happens and see how the chips fall. If you do you do, if you don’t you don’t. You just try to go out and play hard every week. It’s always an honor to be considered one of the better linemen in the NFL and to be a part of the group.”

Q: You told us last year that your son Solomon was worried he wouldn’t get to go to Hawaii last year. Has he been asking again this year?

SHIELDS: “He asked the same question this year. ‘When does that come out? Did you make it? That kind of thing, but he always worries about it and just see what is going to happen this year and fortunately enough I am part of it this again this year.”

Q: Is it a testament to your line that RB Larry Johnson made it to the Pro Bowl?

SHIELDS: “I think it just shows that there are a lot of guys that are on the line that should be honored. I think they should have the opportunity to go because they are having a phenomenal year and they have been doing some phenomenal things.”

Q: Does this verify that you made the right decision to play this year?

SHIELDS: “I don’t know if it’s verification or not. I just think I was fortunate enough for me to stay healthy throughout the year so far and to be able to play. It’s an honor to be in the Pro Bowl and it’s a good thing on top of that.”

Q: Do you feel good health-wise?

SHIELDS: “I am healthy as can be so that’s a good thing.”

Q: You have been there so many times, is it exciting having Larry Johnson going to his first?

SHIELDS: “Yeah I was excited to see him make it for the first time because he’s a new face, it’s a good opportunity and a new chance. Hopefully it will give him a new perspective on what it is to be a top athlete in the NFL.”