10 Questions with Primetime - Mike McClure
by tikobrown | 7 years ago | 0 Comments
10 Questions with Primetime - Mike McClure
Prime: RZ! We back for Season 38! It’s ya boy Prime, with the 1st 10 questions of the new year. We got the #1 pick in the RZ38 Draft. QB Mike McClure of the Carolina Panthers. How you livin, man?
MM: What’s good primetime! Thanks for having me. The past 3 months have been a whirlwind getting used to the league and what to expect on Sundays.
Prime: We gon get right into these 10 questions. You ready, brotha?
MM: Let’s do it!
Prime: Fasho. So you were, in most mocks, projected to go 30th. And you went 1st Overall! Were you surprised?
MM: Honestly, not really. Carolina called me after the Super Bowl and told me to be ready. I didn’t know what exactly that meant but knew it was time to hit the lab. I didn’t want to be a Ryan Leaf bust so I was motivated and honored to be in the conversation of #1 pick.
Prime: I was there with you on Draft Night, my man. And you and your family could barely contain your emotions. What did this mean to you and the fam, man?
MM: It’s a dream come true man. My mom worked 17 hour days to get me to this point and never complained once. She’s my hero and I’m so thankful I can start to pay her back for everything she’s done for me. I’m a quiet guy and to be put on the spotlight of #1, she’s helped me every step of the way so to have that moment with her... was truly amazing.
Prime: Mama McClure did a great job keeping you grounded. So #3 on the All Time QB Leaderboard at Pitt behind Dan Marino and Alex Van Pelt. What does mean to you?
MM: Pitt was an incredible experience for me. They gave me a shot out of high school when all the other D1 Schools turned their back on me. Pitt will forever be my Home and I hope I can make them proud of me. If I can finish my career with comparisons to Dan Marino, what more could a guy want?
Prime: I agree, man. You'd be in GREAT company! Your GM went out and got some proven talent this offseason to put around you. LeGarrette Blount, Dez Bryant, etc. What has that meant for you and your growth?
MM: Man.. Dez was a huge get for us at the last minute. When Aaron called me and told me they signed Dez to a one year contract right before week 1, I about cried. To have guys like Dez and Zay to rely on, it makes the game so much easier as a rookie. This offense has talent and I’m excited to see where it takes us this season.
Prime: What would you say has been the hardest thing to adjust to coming from College to the RZFL?
MM: The speed Man, it’s absolutely insane how athletic and fast this league is. Game 1 and 2 I built my confidence throwing 5 TD’s and 0 Picks. Then WHAM! Bucs come around and I have one of the worst games of my career. You can never let your guard down in this league and you have to continually learn or you’ll get left behind.
Prime: Yeeeaa boy! We got Dlineman running 4.5s! Watch Out Na! You replaced a very popular young QB in Cam Newton. Has that been tough for you? How has the fanbase received you?
MM: Yeah, that was rough. There were a lot of skeptics in Carolina and the Press wasn’t afraid to let me know it. Cam was Carolina and when they moved him to the Bills, this team went all in on building for the future. I’m thankful to the organization and the success is paying off. We’re 3-1 and tied for the division. I think the Carolina Media are starting to warm up. Winning fixes everything.
Prime: Yes it does. What motivates Mike McClure? What makes you strive for greatness? ROY? Playoffs?
MM: Winning. That’s the most important thing in the league and insures job security. Nothing is guaranteed in this league and it’s up to me to control how my career goes. The individual records mean nothing to me. I want success and success to me is getting to the playoffs, winning the division and competing for a super bowl.
Prime: What’s the 1st thing you bought after the draft? Big ticket item?
MM: Well I had to get the locker room on my side so I took my entire offensive line to the Bahaha’s for a little getaway. Those boys can eat and I may be 23, but I couldn’t keep up with them. Turner and Motan have some mad dance moves. Personally though I finally got my little Tesla.
Prime: You played college ball about 11 minutes from Steelers facilities. Have you had any relationship with Steeler players? Talk to Big Ben?
MM: Yeah actually. Ben is an incredible guy and someone that has shown heart and guts in the league. It’s unfortunate he couldn’t finish his career in Pittsburgh but that’s the NFL for you. It’s funny because Carolina looked at him before the draft and none of this would have happened if they signed him.
Prime: Last Question, brotha. And you know what it is, I’m sure. You buying mom a new house?
MM: Ha! I tried to buy her a house in Charlotte but she insisted on staying in Pittsburgh. My mom is stubborn and there’s no changing her mind once it’s set. She’d rather fly every Sunday then leave her 2- bedroom $100,000 house. She’s a dork but I love her to death. I’ll continue working on persuading her to head south.
Prime: Excellent, my brotha. Humble beginnings. Humble to the end, man. Alright, I appreciate you visiting with me, Mr. McClure.
MM: Thanks for having me man, this was fun!
Prime: Great luck this season and in your career! This has been 10 Questions with Primetime. We out!