On the competition at safety:
Horton: "I'm competing with all of those guys, Kareem (Moore), Reed (Doughty). I even compete with LaRon (Landry) and I don't even play his position, but you just never know how things are going to go. I just look at it as show up every day and put forth your best effort."
On what he had to do today:
Horton: "Today was fairly easy. You come in, they test your measurements on stretching. Then you do the treadmill run."
On what he has done this off season:
Horton: "I spent a lot of time on the west coast, around UCLA. I can't get enough of that place. I did spend a couple weeks back in New Orleans. I just hung out with my family. I'm not really a guy into big trips and doing all that stuff, at least not yet."
On what he personally needs to improve on to become better:
Horton: "I still think there are some things that I need to get better at in the film room. I need to look at myself from last year and do a self evaluation and figure out where I went wrong in certain games. How could I have done certain things better? I just want to get my physical strength up and just stay healthy."
Chris comments on his Performance based bonus:
So does this bonus make up for the hundred thousand dollars Randy Thomas lied to you about during the season?
Horton: "Definitely. I think that was more than I made the whole year, so I'm still smiling. I haven't even put it in the bank yet, I just go to my place and I look at it. Wow. That's a lot of money."
Is this a Rickey Henderson thing? Are you just going to frame the check instead of taking it to the bank?
Horton: "Mine is going to the bank pretty soon, I just haven't had time."
Any particular plans for the money?
Horton: "I'm not really a big spender. I'm going to sit down and think – what do I need, what do I want? Randy [Thomas] is clowning my car. He's always clowning my car. I think I have a pretty nice car and he just clowns: 'I think you need you need a new car and you have the money to go do it.'
"No I don't. I'm probably just going to save it for right now."
What do you drive?
Horton: "A 2001 Monte Carlo. It's nice, it's in good shape."
So did you even think about Randy's prank when you got this check?
Horton: "I didn't think about that, but every time I see Randy I know not to listen to him because he always has some tricks up his sleeves.
"When I did get the check he said, 'I told you that you were going to get that check.'
"Come on. That's not the same check that you were talking about. We were talking about a check earlier in the year. But it's definitely a good feeling.
"I'm sure a lot of guys around the league who are in my position, who got to play a lot, they're all smiling now."
(Special thanks to Redskins.com for quotes)
Showing posts with label washington redskins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label washington redskins. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
My Season in Review
What’s up Washington Redskin and Predator48 fans! This is Chris Horton blogging in my hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana. This blog is somewhat special because it is my year ending summary, and every question is derived from you, my fans.
Chris being an overlooked 7th round draft pick, can you give us a summary of your expectations coming into this year?
I definitely exceeded my expectations by a long shot. My first priority was to make the team and maybe play special teams. Due to some injuries, I was able to not only play, but make an impact early. When the starting position became available I became determined to make the most out of the opportunity. The ability to excel in the Redskins defense came from the football knowledge I have acquired over the years, and from working hard to obtain the ability to adapt to the defensive scheme.
Chris what is it like to be a starting rookie in the NFL?
Being able to start as a rookie in the NFL is an enormous honor and accomplishment. Starting in the secondary is even more difficult because of the numerous composure issues that arise. Maintaining a mentality of giving 110% on every single play made it easier for me to accept the fact that I wasn’t going to make every play. I feel extremely honored to be a part of the Washington Redskins organization.
Do you think that you should have made the pro bowl or defensive rookie of the year?
I don’t know how the pro bowl voting and picks go, but if it is determined by your level of play compared to other guys, I definitely think I should have been in the mix. I have an immense amount of respect for Adrian Wilson. Adrian has put his time in, and continually proven that he is a top safety. I think that I could have been an alternate for the pro bowl, or in consideration for defensive rookie of the year. However, that has never been my concern. My focus this year was going out there, getting my feet wet, and showing the league that I can play.
Watching you play is truly exciting, have you always played with that predator like instinct/style, and where did you get it?
Since I started at age 5 I have always played with a sense of urgency. One of my nicknames that I took on around 6 or 7 was Hard Head Horton. I believe that football can only be played one way: physically. If you can’t play physically then you shouldn’t be playing this game. I love playing football and testing myself every time I play.
When looking back on the Redskins this year how do you think that the team did?
Have you guys talked as a team about this season and/or talked at all about next season?
As a team I believe that we started the season off well and did some great things. I have never been apart of a winning team and it kills me to see how the second half ended. It makes me sick to go from such a high at the beginning of the season to ending our season the way we did. Our organization needs to go back as a team including players and coaches to make improvements both individually and collectively. Looking forward, we are going to take everything that we did positively and carry that into next year.
Have you talked to the Redskins organization about restructuring your contract?
I haven’t heard anything about that and I am not in the realm of restructuring contracts. I am more focused on building upon the great year I just had, and improving every facet of my game this off-season. Of course I would like a new deal, but that is for my management and the Redskins to discuss.
Are you going to be participating in any upcoming autograph signings?
I would definitely be willing to do some autograph sessions during the off season if my fans are interested. I have to talk to my marketing guy and the Redskins organization to see what off-season (activities/festivities) are going on. I would love to sign autographs for all of my Predator48 & Washington Redskin fans.
What are your plans for the off-season? Are you going to be in Washington, New Orleans, and/or LA?
My plans for this off-season consist of coming home to New Orleans, eating some home cooked food, and relaxing. I am going to hang out with my family for a while because I did not get the opportunity to spend much time with them during the season. I am also going to head out to LA for a while and hang out with some friends. I may also take a few small vacations. Other than that, I am going to sit back, review my year, and work towards getting better for next season.
What is going to happen during the off season in regards to your website?
I am going to definitely continue with the Blogs, which will now focus on my life outside of the NFL season. I am also going to try and get some raffles going because I have a bunch of gloves from various games as well as couple of game cleats that I want to autograph for my fans. I will also start video bogging sometime this off-season!
I want to also take this opportunity to thank my fans and supporters. You have been amazing this year and have made me feel welcome in my new home. Remember to keep checking in on my site as I will be posting new things periodically.
Chris
Chris being an overlooked 7th round draft pick, can you give us a summary of your expectations coming into this year?
I definitely exceeded my expectations by a long shot. My first priority was to make the team and maybe play special teams. Due to some injuries, I was able to not only play, but make an impact early. When the starting position became available I became determined to make the most out of the opportunity. The ability to excel in the Redskins defense came from the football knowledge I have acquired over the years, and from working hard to obtain the ability to adapt to the defensive scheme.
Chris what is it like to be a starting rookie in the NFL?
Being able to start as a rookie in the NFL is an enormous honor and accomplishment. Starting in the secondary is even more difficult because of the numerous composure issues that arise. Maintaining a mentality of giving 110% on every single play made it easier for me to accept the fact that I wasn’t going to make every play. I feel extremely honored to be a part of the Washington Redskins organization.
Do you think that you should have made the pro bowl or defensive rookie of the year?
I don’t know how the pro bowl voting and picks go, but if it is determined by your level of play compared to other guys, I definitely think I should have been in the mix. I have an immense amount of respect for Adrian Wilson. Adrian has put his time in, and continually proven that he is a top safety. I think that I could have been an alternate for the pro bowl, or in consideration for defensive rookie of the year. However, that has never been my concern. My focus this year was going out there, getting my feet wet, and showing the league that I can play.
Watching you play is truly exciting, have you always played with that predator like instinct/style, and where did you get it?
Since I started at age 5 I have always played with a sense of urgency. One of my nicknames that I took on around 6 or 7 was Hard Head Horton. I believe that football can only be played one way: physically. If you can’t play physically then you shouldn’t be playing this game. I love playing football and testing myself every time I play.
When looking back on the Redskins this year how do you think that the team did?
Have you guys talked as a team about this season and/or talked at all about next season?
As a team I believe that we started the season off well and did some great things. I have never been apart of a winning team and it kills me to see how the second half ended. It makes me sick to go from such a high at the beginning of the season to ending our season the way we did. Our organization needs to go back as a team including players and coaches to make improvements both individually and collectively. Looking forward, we are going to take everything that we did positively and carry that into next year.
Have you talked to the Redskins organization about restructuring your contract?
I haven’t heard anything about that and I am not in the realm of restructuring contracts. I am more focused on building upon the great year I just had, and improving every facet of my game this off-season. Of course I would like a new deal, but that is for my management and the Redskins to discuss.
Are you going to be participating in any upcoming autograph signings?
I would definitely be willing to do some autograph sessions during the off season if my fans are interested. I have to talk to my marketing guy and the Redskins organization to see what off-season (activities/festivities) are going on. I would love to sign autographs for all of my Predator48 & Washington Redskin fans.
What are your plans for the off-season? Are you going to be in Washington, New Orleans, and/or LA?
My plans for this off-season consist of coming home to New Orleans, eating some home cooked food, and relaxing. I am going to hang out with my family for a while because I did not get the opportunity to spend much time with them during the season. I am also going to head out to LA for a while and hang out with some friends. I may also take a few small vacations. Other than that, I am going to sit back, review my year, and work towards getting better for next season.
What is going to happen during the off season in regards to your website?
I am going to definitely continue with the Blogs, which will now focus on my life outside of the NFL season. I am also going to try and get some raffles going because I have a bunch of gloves from various games as well as couple of game cleats that I want to autograph for my fans. I will also start video bogging sometime this off-season!
I want to also take this opportunity to thank my fans and supporters. You have been amazing this year and have made me feel welcome in my new home. Remember to keep checking in on my site as I will be posting new things periodically.
Chris
Friday, December 19, 2008
Redskins are bouncing back against Philly
Hello Predator48 fans, Washington Redskins fans, and those who want to check out the Chris Horton Daily Life. Thanks for stopping by.
First, I want to address my absence on the playing field last week. The decision for me not to play against Cincinnati was made by the coaches, training staff, and me because we felt that my shoulder wasn’t progressing quickly enough. I wish I could have played, especially because there were playoff implications for that game. However, it was in my best interest to let my shoulder rest. As of today, there is a 99.9 percent chance that I will be out there next week.
Our upcoming game against the Eagles will be a battle because not only are the Eagles a division opponent, but they are trying to make the playoffs. McNabb, Westbrook, and the rest of the team are fighting for their playoff lives. This is evident by their play in their last three games. In order for our defense to be successful this week, we must neutralize their weapons.
Second, I would like to address all the Redskins naysayers. For those people who say there are quitters on our team, I want to assure them that they are wrong. Although we have been in a slump the last couple of weeks, we as a team are determined to dig our way out of it. We are working hard and believe we will finish the season on a positive note. There are no quitters on our team. We will prove that this week by playing hard for 60 minutes. We fully expect to walk away with a victory.
I would like to tell the Redskins fans to keep the faith. We feel and appreciate your support! We are going to make it through this trying time together, and I look forward to seeing all the fans support us for our game against the Eagles.
Thanks ‘Skins fans, and Happy Holidays!
First, I want to address my absence on the playing field last week. The decision for me not to play against Cincinnati was made by the coaches, training staff, and me because we felt that my shoulder wasn’t progressing quickly enough. I wish I could have played, especially because there were playoff implications for that game. However, it was in my best interest to let my shoulder rest. As of today, there is a 99.9 percent chance that I will be out there next week.
Our upcoming game against the Eagles will be a battle because not only are the Eagles a division opponent, but they are trying to make the playoffs. McNabb, Westbrook, and the rest of the team are fighting for their playoff lives. This is evident by their play in their last three games. In order for our defense to be successful this week, we must neutralize their weapons.
Second, I would like to address all the Redskins naysayers. For those people who say there are quitters on our team, I want to assure them that they are wrong. Although we have been in a slump the last couple of weeks, we as a team are determined to dig our way out of it. We are working hard and believe we will finish the season on a positive note. There are no quitters on our team. We will prove that this week by playing hard for 60 minutes. We fully expect to walk away with a victory.
I would like to tell the Redskins fans to keep the faith. We feel and appreciate your support! We are going to make it through this trying time together, and I look forward to seeing all the fans support us for our game against the Eagles.
Thanks ‘Skins fans, and Happy Holidays!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Fans Questions 101
Hello Redskins Fans,
Here are some questions that where sent to me by fans who visited my website www.Predator48.com. Keep the questions coming and I will do my best to answer them.
What advice would you give to a high school athlete who is getting ready to start college?
Going from high school to college you need to learn how to handle football, school, and your social life. Now that you are away from your parents you have a lot more free time. You can do basically what you want. Learn how to manage those three aspects effectively, and of course work to be successful on the football field.
How did you manage going to school, playing football, spending time with your family, and your social life?
What helped me was that I knew exactly what I wanted in life. I had a goal I was working towards. I know that you can't have one without the other. For example, if you don't go to class and make the grades to stay in college, there isn't a football life because you won't be eligible, and there isn't a social life because no one is going to want to hang out with someone that's not doing well. If you can make good grades, stay on the football team, balance the family life, you will be able to go out and have good time because you have your life priorities in line.
How has the transition from living in the sun your whole life to moving to the cold temperatures in Washington D.C.?
I am still adjusting to the weather here. The experience of growing up in a region where I was in the warm sun everyday, and could go to the beach year round, to stepping out into the freezing cold weather here has been different to say the least. I actually need to go buy a winter coat before I get sick!
What routines or habits do you complete before games?
Before a game I like to sleep as much as possible. Also, I always eat the same thing: chicken and pasta with red meat sauce. As far as pre-game music goes, I listen to everything from rock, heavy metal, rap, to just a little bit of everything. For morning games, I try and listen to something a little slower and then transition into something that is going to get me pumped up to make plays.
Thanks fans! GO 'SKINS!
Here are some questions that where sent to me by fans who visited my website www.Predator48.com. Keep the questions coming and I will do my best to answer them.
What advice would you give to a high school athlete who is getting ready to start college?
Going from high school to college you need to learn how to handle football, school, and your social life. Now that you are away from your parents you have a lot more free time. You can do basically what you want. Learn how to manage those three aspects effectively, and of course work to be successful on the football field.
How did you manage going to school, playing football, spending time with your family, and your social life?
What helped me was that I knew exactly what I wanted in life. I had a goal I was working towards. I know that you can't have one without the other. For example, if you don't go to class and make the grades to stay in college, there isn't a football life because you won't be eligible, and there isn't a social life because no one is going to want to hang out with someone that's not doing well. If you can make good grades, stay on the football team, balance the family life, you will be able to go out and have good time because you have your life priorities in line.
How has the transition from living in the sun your whole life to moving to the cold temperatures in Washington D.C.?
I am still adjusting to the weather here. The experience of growing up in a region where I was in the warm sun everyday, and could go to the beach year round, to stepping out into the freezing cold weather here has been different to say the least. I actually need to go buy a winter coat before I get sick!
What routines or habits do you complete before games?
Before a game I like to sleep as much as possible. Also, I always eat the same thing: chicken and pasta with red meat sauce. As far as pre-game music goes, I listen to everything from rock, heavy metal, rap, to just a little bit of everything. For morning games, I try and listen to something a little slower and then transition into something that is going to get me pumped up to make plays.
Thanks fans! GO 'SKINS!
Friday, December 12, 2008
Got to get it done!
Hello Predator48 fans, Washington Redskins fans, and those who just want to check out the Chris Horton Daily Life. Currently I am hanging out and getting ready for a big game against the Bengals. I wanted to take a moment to touch base with my readers, and answer some fan questions.
Basically what happened with the shoulder was that I tweaked it a little bit. I am continuing rehab so I can get it back to where it needs to be for the game. I would call my injury a sprained shoulder, and not a stinger. As of right now, my goal is to play. Unless the training staff and coaching staff have other plans for me, I am definitely going to play.
We have one plan this week and that is to do whatever it takes to win. The approach we are taking is that we only have one game the schedule right now and that is against the Bengals. As a team, we are going to play better defense, better offense, and pick up our special teams game. We are going to play the way we started this season: at a high tempo while trying to create turnovers.
The team’s morale is fine after last week’s loss. Our number one goal is still to make the playoffs but we are taking things one game at a time. Our defense doesn’t have one main focus this week because of the explosive players the Bengals have on offense like Chad Johnson, TJ, Coldwell, Hearing, and Cedric Benson. Our goal is to come out not let anyone go off. We need to stop them all.
Chris Horton - Predator 48
Basically what happened with the shoulder was that I tweaked it a little bit. I am continuing rehab so I can get it back to where it needs to be for the game. I would call my injury a sprained shoulder, and not a stinger. As of right now, my goal is to play. Unless the training staff and coaching staff have other plans for me, I am definitely going to play.
We have one plan this week and that is to do whatever it takes to win. The approach we are taking is that we only have one game the schedule right now and that is against the Bengals. As a team, we are going to play better defense, better offense, and pick up our special teams game. We are going to play the way we started this season: at a high tempo while trying to create turnovers.
The team’s morale is fine after last week’s loss. Our number one goal is still to make the playoffs but we are taking things one game at a time. Our defense doesn’t have one main focus this week because of the explosive players the Bengals have on offense like Chad Johnson, TJ, Coldwell, Hearing, and Cedric Benson. Our goal is to come out not let anyone go off. We need to stop them all.
Chris Horton - Predator 48
Sunday, December 7, 2008
This week vs Baltimore
What up Predator 48 and Washington Redskins fans today is Saturday December 6th. This week we are facing the Baltimore Ravens which is a must win situation for us. We are trying to get where we need to be which, is the playoffs, so everything from this point on is basically a playoff game in my eyes. We have to win. Defensively to give our team a chance to win we have to create turnovers, give our offense the short field, and try to score on defense. We need to force the Ravens offense to punt from deep in their territory and take advantage of their mistakes. I am not going to go out there and tell you our specific defensive schemes, but I will tell you that against Flacco the Washington Redskins are going to play our game and were going to put the best plan to beat the Ravens. I also can't tell you where I will be lining up whether it be close to the line of not, but I have been up close all year so I wouldn't expect anything different. Hopefully you will see me blitzing or you might not, there have been some games where I haven't blitzed once; all I know is that when I get that call from the defensive coordinator I have to be ready to do my assignment.
When looking at the three Ravens running backs they are great compliments to each other and have completely different running styles. Rice has that speed and can get outside, McGahee can get outside but also run in the middle, and McClain is a straight downhill runner; so watching film as a player we have to prepare for everything and be ready for all three of their styles.
Last week we went up against a great trio of running backs and I had 11 total tackles. Basically what it came down to is that I like to hunt, I like to get after people, and I like to run. When your watching film of me you will notice one thing, I am always running to the ball. Against the Giants there were just several times where the ball came my way and I knew that I had to make this tackle to help my team win the game. I just wanted to let the fans know that I am looking forward to having another big game this week and doing everything I can to get a W.
When looking at the three Ravens running backs they are great compliments to each other and have completely different running styles. Rice has that speed and can get outside, McGahee can get outside but also run in the middle, and McClain is a straight downhill runner; so watching film as a player we have to prepare for everything and be ready for all three of their styles.
Last week we went up against a great trio of running backs and I had 11 total tackles. Basically what it came down to is that I like to hunt, I like to get after people, and I like to run. When your watching film of me you will notice one thing, I am always running to the ball. Against the Giants there were just several times where the ball came my way and I knew that I had to make this tackle to help my team win the game. I just wanted to let the fans know that I am looking forward to having another big game this week and doing everything I can to get a W.
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