October 1, 1997

BRONCOS RUNNING BACK TERRELL DAVIS TALKS ABOUT HIS SUCCESS &
FELLOW CLASS OF ’95 BACK CURTIS MARTIN OF THE PATRIOTS

In a national media conference call on Wednesday, October 1, Denver Broncos running back Terrell Davis answered questions on a variety of subjects:

Do you ever talk to Curtis Martin about the two of you playing well despite not being early draft picks?

Yes. The first time I met Curtis was at the Blue/Grey game and we discussed what we wanted to do in the NFL. We are just trying to be the new Emmitt Smith and Barry Sanders of the league. We look at them in terms of what we try to model ourselves after.

How did you and Curtis hit it off and how have you maintained that friendship?

We came in from similar situations. We realized that our college careers weren’t the greatest and we looked forward to getting to the next level and proving that we would do well on the next level. But there is another reason. Curtis is a good person as well as a player. That is why I relate to him more than any other reason.

Could you make a comparison between yourself and Curtis Martin as to who is further along in the NFL?

I would have to say Curtis. He went to the Pro Bowl his first year and to the Super Bowl last year.

When you got into the league, everyone was talking about Emmitt Smith and Barry Sanders. Now it has to make you feel good that everyone is talking about Terrell Davis?

It is strange. I don’t consider myself in their class right now. But the key is longevity – maybe six or seven years before I’m compared with them. Right now I think I’m comparable to Curtis, Eddie George and Napoleon Kaufman.

Can you describe your running style?

It’s a mix. A little fullback…a little halfback…a little lineman…a little receiver. Sometimes I might try to finesse you. Some times I might try to run you ever.

Do you run low to the ground naturally, or did you develop that ability?

I was a noseguard in high school and I saw backs run high and take a lot of hits. That’s why I try to stay low.

Why are you running better now than in college?

I’m more confident. It’s amazing what confidence can do for you when someone tells you that they are going to ride you and let you help the team. In school, I wasn’t really a key part of the offense. Here, I am.