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Mountain Lions Daunte Culpepper Questions and Answers

December 16, 2010 - United Football League (UFL 1)
Sacramento Mountain Lions News Release


Quarterback DAUNTE CULPEPPER started all eight games this season for the United Football League's Sacramento Mountain Lions. He led the UFL in completions (183), attempts (300), passing yards (1,944) and completion percentage (61 percent) while tying for the lead in touchdown passes (10). Culpepper, 6-foot-4 and 260 pounds, also rushed for two touchdowns this season.

Culpepper and the Mountain Lions went 4-4, winning their final two games of the season, narrowly missing out on a berth in the 2010 UFL Championship Game. Culpepper and his Sacramento teammates beat Jeff Garcia and the Omaha Nighthawks 41-3 in the Mountain Lions' regular season finale on November 13 in Sacramento. The UFL season came to a close on November 27 when Las Vegas beat Florida in the title game.

Culpepper was a three-time pro-bowler in the NFL, having his best seasons with the Minnesota Vikings (1999-2005). He also played for the Miami Dolphins (2006), Oakland Raiders (2007) and Detroit Lions (2008-09). His best statistical season came in 2004 with the Vikings when Culpepper threw for 4,717 yards and 39 touchdowns with a passer rating of 110.9.

Q and A with Daunte Culpepper:

Question: What surprised you about the United Football League?

Answer: "The level of passion for the game in the players was a pleasant surprise."

Q: What are your thoughts on the fans in Sacramento?

A: "I can see why the UFL chose Sacramento as a place to have a team. They are a committed group! No fair weather fans in Sacramento!"

Q: You finished the season on a roll in Sacramento, how confident are you in your game right now?

A: "I have felt all along since my injury (serious knee injury in 2005 while with the Vikings) that I just needed a veteran coach like (Mountain Lions) coach (Dennis) Green who understands the game and who would give me the freedom to lead. I only wish the season was still going."

Q: Some of your former teammates in Sacramento have been picked up by NFL teams so far (including your backup Richard Bartel) - is this a goal of yours? Joining a team this season?

A: "I have committed to my family that I would take the rest of this year to be home with them. I also feel strongly that as a quarterback the best situations are where you can prepare to play rather than being thrown into playing, with little to no preparation, but with an expectation to be successful. Been there done that!"

Q: What are your thoughts on next season? What sort of situation are you looking for?

A: "I am really looking for the best place that will let me have the opportunity to play football. I am not ready to hold a clipboard, especially at my age of 33 and finally being all the way healthy!"

Q: Would you be open to returning to the Mountain Lions next season?

A: "I loved playing for Sacramento this year. I expect that if I choose not to sign with a NFL team in this coming off-season then I will be more than happy to re-sign with Sacramento. I love playing the game and I have a lot of football left in me!"

Q: What was the highlight of this past season for you?

A: "Being able to be reunited with coach (Dennis) Green and my old college offensive coordinator coach Kruz (Mountain Lions offensive coordinator Mike Kruczek)."

Q: What has the off-season been like for you so far?

A: "Relaxing and getting ready for a new addition to the Culpepper crew!"

Q: What does being selected as one of the top 50 Minnesota Vikings of all time mean to you? Any other thoughts on this upcoming celebration in Minnesota?

A: "I am really honored to be selected. It will tough to be on the sidelines watching instead of playing. "

Note: Daunte Culpepper will be honored as one of the 50 greatest players in Minnesota Vikings history when the Chicago Bears visit Minnesota for Monday Night Football on December 20. The Vikings will release the complete list of the 50 players on Sunday, December 19, but the team has already announced Culpepper's inclusion.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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