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Kind of a fluff piece but what else is there right now?

Q&A | Brady Quinn
Rookie ready for challenges that lie ahead
Sunday, May 6, 2007 4:00 AM

Every move, every throw and every practice is being watched closely, and the attention is sure to continue through the start of the regular season. The Browns drew national acclaim last week by trading up for Quinn, a Notre Dame quarterback, to take him with the 22nd pick after passing on him with the third pick.

Quinn, a Dublin native, is considered the future of a franchise he idolized as a child. Yesterday , he sat down with Dispatch Browns beat reporter James Walker to discuss his return to Ohio, his competition with starter Charlie Frye and the potential $17 million he lost on draft day.



Question: One hundred and four national and local media members were in Berea on Friday to watch your first practice. Are you prepared for this kind of spotlight?

Answer: It's funny that everyone keeps downplaying the fact that at Notre Dame we had a ton of media, as well. We each had to develop time because there were national media almost every other day. So I've been very accustomed and used to doing media after practice and talking to big crowds.

Q: Talk about your days growing up in Dublin, playing backyard football and pretending you were Bernie Kosar.

A: It was fun. Fortunately, I grew up in a neighborhood that had a lot of kids around my age that we could go play football with. I learned to interact and play sports with people from day one, from 4 years old on, and back in those days you always try to put yourself as the quarterback. It was kind of Bernie growing up through those years, living in Dublin and being so close to Cleveland.

Q: There are a lot of extra things that come with playing close to home. How do you plan to manage the added attention, presence of family and constant ticket requests while still doing your job?

A: I delegate (laughs). I push that off on my parents and other members of my family who I think will be able to help me out. They know the basic thing for me is to go out and play as best as I can. To do that, you have to focus and turn away a lot of things off the field that can distract you.

Q: Have you talked to Green Bay Packers linebacker and brother-in-law A.J. Hawk about the transition?

A: I have. He said the biggest thing is getting there, being a part of the team, learn the playbook and learn the system. When you come from a different place, they use different terminology. So it's like learning a different language and speaking a different language. Once you learn that, it makes things easier. You can communicate easier.



Q: Ideally, what type of relationship would you like to have with Charlie Frye, considering you're both competing for the same position?

A: I think one rule is we both have to be able to push each other and work off each other. In the end, we're a team. We're all pushing for the same goal, and our goal is to win and win every game. We want to win as many as we can fast and do something special. So our relationship has to be one where we both can help each other and push each other.

Q: You have heard the criticisms of never winning a bowl game or national title at Notre Dame. Was that your biggest regret in South Bend, Ind.?

A: It's not necessarily something that I regret. It's something that I wish I had an opportunity to go back and play those games and try to do something different to change the outcome. That's always a part of the game, though. I worked as hard as I can, so I don't regret how I played out there. Things just didn't work out. As far as the whole "big game" sort of thing, that's something I was used to playing in at Notre Dame. I'm used to playing in big games. I'm used to going up against those tough challenges and being nationally televised all the time.



Q: Do you wonder about the potential millions you may have lost with the Browns not picking you at No. 3?

A: I never had that money before. People talk about that, but that money was never in my pocket. I feel like I had a dollar in my pocket when I went to New York (for the draft) and I left with a dollar in my pocket (laughs). So I didn't make that money. You make your money from winning football games.



Q: Dublin Coffman was a better program after Brady Quinn. You put Notre Dame back on the national map. Do you believe you can resurrect the Browns and bring them back to prominence?

A: Without a doubt. I guess history tends to repeat itself, so hopefully it will in this case, as well.



Q: Finally, any message for your fans and supporters in Columbus and Dublin that are looking forward to seeing you in a Browns uniform next season?

A: I can't thank them enough for all the support throughout all the years and at Notre Dame. And now I'm back in Ohio. I'm playing for an Ohio team and I hope everybody makes the trip up to Cleveland now. It's only two hours away.

jwalker@dispatch.com

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Q: Ideally, what type of relationship would you like to have with Charlie Frye, considering you're both competing for the same position?

A: I think one rule is we both have to be able to push each other and work off each other. In the end, we're a team. We're all pushing for the same goal, and our goal is to win and win every game. We want to win as many as we can fast and do something special. So our relationship has to be one where we both can help each other and push each other.

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This statement shows class by Brady. My hope, even though there are a lot of Frye haters on here, is that the two of them become the best Quarterback tandem in the NFL. For once this team may have a quarterback in Charlie Frye that has more pride in team accomplishment and loyalty, that “IF” he looses his starting position he will be satisfied with being the #2 man to his favorite team.
I addition this statement tells me that Brady, now that he is a Brown, is self confident enough to not be concerned whether or not he starts day one. He, I am sure knows he will eventually win a starting position regardless of when he gets the start. I, personally, see that being next year though.

This years Qb line up; Frye/Quinn/Anderson/Dorsey with one of the later two being cut.
Next years lineup: Quinn/Frye/Anderson/Dorsey minus whichever of the later two who gets cut this year.

I'll also add this. One senario I see playing out, after the way the draft went, is that Frye will have a break out year and get traded to Miami for thier 1st round pick in "08. Just my opinion though, I know you Frye haters can not percieve even the most remote possibility of that senario happening.

I kinda look at the Frye question he got and think, there really is only one right answer,,, Brady found it and spoke it..

Now, does he believe it? Probably! So off to the races,, let the best man win,,

Funny, but I honestly don't care which one starts as long as we win,,,,,,,

with a new left tackle, a new left guard, Frye will be a better QB... Im hoping he stays healthy, and he takes this team pretty far this year... I think Quinn needs to sit and learn the game, cuz once you are put in the game, its so much different afterwards...

Darn fine man we've drafted. I am biased though, being a Domer.

Nice read Saint. I definitely didn't want Quinn with the third pick and was thrilled when we picked Thomas. When we got them both I figured I'd wake up soon. Now if I'm dreaming I hope I keep sleeping for a good long time

One thing's for sure- kid has poise and polish. He handled this interview with no mistakes.

Let's hope he has the same poise and polish when he finally takes the field. Handling the press in offseason is one thing; handling a disguised blitz package in late November is another.

Only time will tell how this kid works out. What I'm most pleased with is that Phil has at least tried to give him some protection on the OL. Without it, he's just another Tim Couch waiting for that one hit that puts him in the Cleve Clinic.

With all the media attention surrounding the aquisition of Quinn, for me the Browns' big story has been the attention given to the OL... finally.

can't wait to see how it all shakes out.


oh, yeah... I also have NO problem with seeing him on the bench for the entire season. Best we get all our ducks lined up before throwing him into the deep water...

I don't really mind if Quinn sits for a year (although I don't think he will, but if so that wouldn't have my knickers in a knot).
I would have no problem if CF were to really turn into a solid quarterback. It'd be a nice problem to have.

And let's be honest, we don't know for certain that BQ won't fall on his face. It wouldn't be the first time that happened to a supposed franchise quarterback coming out of college.

I like RAC's philosophy...the best player will play. If that's Quinn, then he starts Day 1, in my opinion. If that's Frye because Quinn is taking a while to get adjusted, I'd love to have a Brees-Rivers type of situation.

I really think we are going to see an improved Frye this year. Two years under his belt, a chip on his shoulder, an improved OL, and a great work ethic. What that tells me is that Quinn is going to have to work that much harder, and I think he will. If Quinn emerges as the starting qb, then we will have solid 1-2 punch.

Get rid of Anderson, and keep Quinn, Frye, and Dorsey. We could be set for years.

i used to think maybe it was and act, but over and over again i see that he is a mature humble guy.

I like the fact that our starter will be determined by competition. Like RAC said, if it's even, you go with the guy that has more experience and has faced the opponents before. We are in a good situation here where there is no rush to get Brady on the field, yet he should be fairly ready to start should Charlie go down. If Brady does win the position, Charlie will be right there should anything happen to BQ. This team still has a lot of growing to do as it gels and learns to win. Having two decent QBs certainly helps. Fact is, no one knows who will start. Quinn may get the job or Charlie might prove he's the guy, but none of that matters right now. They both just need to get ready to play.

As I stated before....for the older Dawgs...Sonny Jurgenson & Billy Kilmer.

The Washington Deadskins had a QB tandem of these 2 in the 70s with Kilmer the more rough edged runner and Sonny the more polished passer. If we had their desire and teamwork we'd have a winning duo for years to come.

Do remember costill, that it has been stated, Dorsey has football smarts. Specifically on the sideline, sort of an unofficial QB coach. Now I don't pretend to know how true this is but I've seen it posted several times and I believe RAC was quoted as saying this. Anderson, on the other hand, I've seen it posted from an older member on the original board, who lives in Oregon, where D.A. played college ball, said that most felt he had a strong arm but dumb as a rock. That's not me saying it, that's the quote from the poster, can't remember who it was, not sure they're still around, don't think so, maybe on the main board?

hopefully he plays as well as he interviews.

What I really like about Quinn that isn't mentioned in this article, but can be tied in, is that when at college he graduated with a double major. Quinn took on a pretty big task in college by having a double major in two very tough fields ( I am not sure what they were, but I believe one of them was engineering and another had something to do with medical science). Anyways, he's had a Charlie Weis' playbook thrown in front of him and tons of work for two majors over his 4 years at Notre Dame. He graduates (I think) as one of the top in his class and still manages to be an accomplished Quarterback.

This really shows what kind of work ethic he has and that he is up for any kind of challenge. They mentioned that these kids come into rookie camp and get the whole playbook thrown at them in 3 days, broken up into sixths. They say it's like nothing they have ever experienced before, but Quinn may be more ready for the challenge than any other rookie in the league this year. When many college athletes were taking phys. ed classes and courses in rock history, etc, Brady was taking classes that likely required much more.

It wouldn't be a surprise to be if he is the starter opening day because I think he is up to the challenge. He may not need a full year to learn the system. He may only need until that first home game against the Stoolers.

Dorsey over Anderson......you must be joking....right?

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Quinn took on a pretty big task in college by having a double major in two very tough fields ( I am not sure what they were, but I believe one of them was engineering and another had something to do with medical science).

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IIRC, political science and business. The guy's no dope.

While I'm all for football smarts and having players who can and will mentor the younger guys, why not have a guy who can play if you need him to. when d.a. and frye were hurt last year frye played the last game when it was thought for sure that dorsey would start. i know it was stated that frye wanted to start so he could prove his toughness or whatever, but you have to wonder if the coaching staff wanted no part of a game where ken dorsey was your starting qb. if we need a vet, sign one after roster cuts, someone who could actually play if needed not taking up a roster spot. i think dorsey is a goner.

Derrik Anderson is the one guy i got real inside info on. A buddy i was at college with in Czech Rep was a really good basketball player. Knew Brandon Roy, knew his older brother Ed Roy (whom i guess is a huge dissapointment in Wash.), hangs out with Dan Dickau regularly.

Anyway, he said he knew Derrik Anderson from playing basketball with him regularly. Said the guy was a jerk and dumb as a rock. I told him that he was our starting QB and he started laughing his butt off at me. Said the guy is a big dude, but he's got a really small brain whom nobody liked because he was cocky but really stupid.

Take that the way you want, butI'm sticking with my buddy on that one. He's a credible source in my book and why i want Anderson to be cut before Dorsey. He might have more skill, but Dorsey offers intangibles to this team which i don't think can be measured. I don't ever want him to see the field, and i do think that Anderson might be more effective. But i think Dorsey provides skills which aren't necessarily measured through stats or starts.

It could be done, I had a convo with my Chem teacher and he said it's possible, just no one wants to take the risk. I'll take the risk if someone tells me what to do. Honestly, I don't think anyone will miss Dorsey or Anderson if I mess something up.

Being a Frye backer, but first and formost a Browns fan, I dont care who , just WIN...


But I do have too add a few things in about Charlie, NOT a peep from him, nothing negative, like Philly with Donavan, who drated a QB in the 2nd round and he's whinning, nothing form Charlie....CLASS....and I bet ya wont hear anything except what Brady said, which showed his class also, Funny how some players understand hard work pays off, and how keeping your mouth shut and working your butt off makes the whole team better....

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Now if we can just find a way to morph Ken Dorsey's brain with Anderson's body...........

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you rang? ...i'll devote all my human engineering skills solely to the Browns, with this being project #1...i'll only require the necessary equipment and a nominal contract...say, 5 yr 10 mill, 3 mill SB ...

I think there is a bit of difference between McNabb and Frye. One has proven a few things in the league and the other hasn't.

What can Frye say?
he knows if he makes a ton of noise Phil can ship him out faster than FED-EX can.

He's a 3rd round project pick not a bonefide # 1..not a whole lot of talking he can do..he knows whats up...

Exactly. Which is why the media are going crazy over the Eagles taking Kevin Kolb and Donovan's subsequent reaction and not even mentioning Charlie Frye's reaction to us taking Brady Quinn. As far as everyone in the national media is concerned, Brady is our starter and Charlie is just keeping the pocket warm. Unfortunately, many fans may begin to feel the same way sooner than later. And it's dangerous to think that way.

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Now if we can just find a way to morph Ken Dorsey's brain with Anderson's body...........

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we have my friend ... his names Brady Quinn .....

No one really understands that pick .. the Iggles picking Kolb that is .. well there just not looking deep enough ...

McScabb has missed SIGNIFICANT time the last 3 years .. the last two hes missed almost the ENTIRE LAST HALF OF THE SEASONS ... he is getting hurt alot ... and he aint getting any younger ... it was a SMART PICK by them ....

everytime soup brought up all the injuries we've had at QB and blamed it solely on the the OL all i did was LMAO at the IGNORANCE shown by him and those that believed it .... all u have to do is look at Phili a team with a top 5 OL EVERY YEAR and see they've gone through 6 different starting QB's the last 3 years .... kinda throws a KINK IN soups FLAWED argument (I can't say logic, cause i'm not sure he has any of that .. *L* .. ) ..

anyhow the pick of Kolb is to protect themselves agaisnt anymore McScabb injuries and not have to play revolving door at back up and to start grooming him for the future ... plus QB's have HUGE TRADE VALUE if u so choose .... look at what Holmgren got for Hassleback when he was in GB and look what he got for Feely just a few short years ago ...

its a GREAT PICK ... although they may have better spent it on some help for that ailing ass D of theirs ..

If they were really all that worried then this questions begs to be asked: Why in the !#$!#% did they let Jeff Garcia walk without even ATTEMPTING to resign him? Especially after Garcia flat out said he wanted to stay in Philly?

Something doesn't add up there to me.

Garcia is a funny ass dude ... he may have said he wanted to stay there at some point .. but how true was that once Gruden came a callin?? and how much $$$ did he want to stay there??? plus they more than likely feel comfie with that other dude they have there (can't remember his name . but hes played for them and done OK .. ) ..

the NFL has turned into a true business where u have to watch costs ... my GUESS IS and its only a GUESS is that Garcia would have cost to much to keep around ... only thing i can think of .. cause he IS/WAS a perfect fit and the PERFECT BACK UP for them ...

and if u wanna go that route .. then why else would they have drafted Kolb??

hes going to be a FIXED COST and they believe a very good back up for the next 5 or 6 years .... and he can possibly step in and start if McScabb gets sick of rehabbing or if Kob plays well enough maybe they can get nice value for him in a trade ...

many many options with Kolb ... but like i said .. i think they'd have been better off helpin that poor ass D of theirs ...

I am not questioning the pick. I am one who thinks Kolb will be a good NFL qb.

My only point was McNabb has earned the right to question the move a little bit where Frye hasn't earned anything.

Plus....even though Frye sounds like a dunce, I am sure he isn't totally dumb. He knows he is bound for another team or a back-up position on this one.

It isn't even up to Charlie.....he can play lights out. The only way he remains starter is if Quinn really botches things in training camp. If Quinn even looks like half a NFL qb, he will start from the beginning.

The last thing this team needs is "We want Brady" chants by the middle of the second quarter of the opener.

The best thing that can happen to us at this point is another teams qb gets hurt in camp and we ship Chuck for some conditional pick.

I don't see that happening at all. IMO Charlie will be here all year.