Antonio Chatman Q & A
March 19, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release
In just two seasons, ANTONIO CHATMAN, offensive specialist for the Chicago Rush, has managed to make history, both in the League and with his team. This season, Chatman is among the League leaders in receptions (53) and kick returns (30) and ranks second in the AFL in all-purpose yards with 1,468.
Chatman's Arena Football career began with a stellar rookie season in 2002. He was named to the All-Rookie team for his 26 touchdowns and 2,666 all-purpose yards -- the 3rd highest total in the League. He also tied League records for longest reception (49 yards) and longest missed field goal returned for a touchdown (58 yards). The 2003 season is proving to be just as impressive for Chatman, who has been named Game MVP three times. Chatman and the Chicago Rush face MIKE FURREY and the New York Dragons this Sunday (NBC, 12 p.m., ET).
Antonio ChatmanâChicago Rush
Q: Is there any one person who has had a tremendous influence on your football career?
A: My best friend, Keyon Hammick. He kept me into it because there were times when I wanted to quit. He told me âdon't give up'. I was too good not to be playing. He watched me when I was playing street ball and he got me started from there.
Q: Growing up, which football player did you model yourself and your game after?
A: Jerry Rice. I used to watch him all the time. I thought he was the greatest. As I got older, I started liking smaller receivers like Andre Rison and Marvin Harrison. Everyone used to say that if you were small, you couldn't play receiver, so I started to become accustomed to smaller receivers.
Q: Do you have any superstitions or pregame rituals?
A: I eat candy and McDonald's before every game. I have to have McDonald's. I can't explain it. That's what I've always eaten before games -- since high school -- and I don't really like to change what I eat on game day. That's why I've always stuck with McDonald's.
Q: This is your second season playing in the Arena Football League. Do you feel like you have mastered the game?
A: I haven't mastered the Arena game yet. I'm still learning. I think it will take me a few years. I'm learning every game. That's the only way you can learn -- by participating in a sport. Had I not played, I would have never known how to play the game. I think the more I play, the better I get.
Q: What do you think of Head Coach MIKE HOHENSEE?
A: He is a great coach. He has really helped me learn the game of Arena Football and be the best that I can. He expects the best out of me. He doesn 't want my second best; he wants me to play to my potential. He makes me practice like it was a game. Most people didn't make me do that. He expects a lot out of me. I can't complain because, after all, no one can cover me.
Q: What trait do you think is most important -- speed, running routes, or having good hands?
A: I think running routes because it doesn't matter how fast you are, or how slow you become -- if you can run routes, you can always get open.
Q: What characteristics do you feel make you good at your position?
A: I have everything but height. I'm fast and quick and I can catch. The thing they have over me is height, but I can jump so it doesn't matter. That 's why I say no one can cover me one-on-one. One person is not going to tackle me. It's hard -- it's impossible.
Q: Which of your teammates do you feel has helped you most in the game?
A: Dameon Porter and Cedric Walker. At practice, they try to do everything that a player wouldn't think about doing to me. They make me work hard everyday. They have been in the league for a while so they tell me, âthis player does this' or âhe likes to do this, so you can beat the speed, beat him with your routes'. As far as running my routes, they tell me âokay, if the defensive back is playing high, you can make this route flatter'. They help me a lot.
RECIEVING
Year Team GP No. Yds Avg/Rec TD Long Avg/G
2002 Chicago Rush 14 74 1,068 14.4 23 49 76.3
2003 Chicago Rush 7 53 655 12.4 11 48 93.6
Career Totals 21 127 1723 13.4 34 48.5 84.95
KICK RETURNS
Year Team GP No. Yds Avg TD Long
2002 Chicago Rush 17 62 1,381 22.3 2 55
2003 Chicago Rush 7 30 726 24.2 2 58
Career Totals 21 92 1053.5 23.25 2 56.5
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from March 19, 2003
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- Antonio Chatman Q & A - AFL I
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