October 9, 1997

GREEN CREDITS LONGEVITY TO LIFESTYLE

In a national media conference call on Thursday, October 9, Washington Redskins cornerback DARRELL GREEN credited the longevity of his career to his lifestyle and answered other questions on a variety of subjects. Green and the Redskins host the Cowboys this Monday night:

What do you attribute your longevity to?

As a Christian, I’ve never smoked a cigarette, drank a beer, or did drugs in my life. I don’t run the street. I’ve been married my whole career. I go home at night. A lifestyle is important. Years ago in Houston, Charlie Joiner, Earl Campbell and the late, great Tom Williams taught me how to train. I’ve consistently done that every year. I’ve trained consistently. Charlie Joiner did it and played 18 years. I have my priorities straight about that. I have the foundation in my wife, kids and my church. Lifestyle, workout regiment and consistency in that regiment. Playing in this one city has also brought about a certain amount of stability and focus.

How does the team like the new stadium?

Everyone likes it a lot. There’s not a whole bunch of guys who have a tremendous history in RFK. It’s a wonderful place for all of us to play, including myself.

Have you been able to appreciate playing football every week?

I haven’t always been able to absorb (appreciate) them all, but I’ve been among the best in being able to do that. I’ve always enjoyed the game, appreciated the competition and have just tried to absorb it all. Now I try to concentrate on it even more.

How have the offensive schemes changed since you began playing?

They are always evolving. The run-and-shoot brought a different kind of a look. The little receivers brought a look. The bigger receivers bring a different look. One of the greatest things is the tremendous timing and connection that is being made between quarterbacks and receivers such as Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin. That’s just tremendous timing the way they do things. They do a great job working together.