Q & A with Georgia's Dan Curran
Published on April 2, 2003 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release
Last season's second-best rusher, Georgia's FB/LB DAN CURRAN, has already made the 2003 season one to remember â on both sides of the ball. In the midst of a career year, Curran has become a powerful "Force" in Georgia's backfield.
Curran began his AFL career in Nashville before the team made the move to Georgia and became the Georgia Force. He has proven to be a big part of Georgia's physical approach to the game of Arena Football. Curran has rushed for 110 yards on 31 carries and eight and has made a total of 11.5 tackles and two sacks. He is among the League leaders in rushing yards, rushing attempts and rushing touchdowns, helping Georgia to a 6-3 record and a tie for second in the Southern Division.
Q: What type of influence has Head Coach MARTY LOWE had on you and your game?
A: "With Coach Lowe, the biggest thing is focusing on one play at a time. Whether you slip one play you have to focus on the next. That's the biggest thing â that play could be the difference between winning and losing. It could be the game-breaker. You just have to take it one play at a time and realize that every play is important. Marty really stresses that. Like at the Orlando game, everyone thought we'd lose and DARRYL HAMMOND came up with a big defensive play to get the ball and we won the game.
Q: What key factors do you think will help you and your team get to the ArenaBowl?
A: "Right now we have to take it one game at a time. Obviously, the ultimate team goal is to get there, but as long as this team stays focused and keeps playing every game like a big game â no matter who it is, Carolina or San Jose â we will make it there. Just take it one step at a time. It's only half-way through the season. We are making strides.
Q: To date, what is the most memorable moment in your AFL career?
A: "The Grand Rapids home game because I had family and friends there. I had success running the ball. Being a running back in this League, your happy to get four or five carries and some screens thrown to you. In that game, we got out there and got after it and the linemen and running backs did a really good job.
Q: Which do you feel is the toughest AFL arena to play in?
A: "Orlando is one of them because of the atmosphere â its crazy. They stepped up their game, especially since it was a NBC game. They are the type of team to step up to the occasion. Grand Rapids is another tough place to play. It's a small environment â similar to here at the Arena at Gwinnett Center â and the place is packed with a lot of support. When you' re on offense, it is hard to hear the plays called.
Q: What team and player is the toughest you have faced in your AFL career? Why?
A: "R-KAL TRULUCK, who is from Detroit and is now with the Kansas City Chiefs. He led the league in sacks and was "Lineman of the Year". He was phenomenal as far as the lineman I've faced. As far as a running back, I have to say CHAD DUKES, former Ironman of the Year, is a pretty good ball player.
Q: Growing up, which football player did you pretend to be?
A: "WALTER PAYTON â the way he approached the game and played the game is how I was brought up to play the game. You never run out of bounds. Always initiate the contact and lowering the boom. You're not hitting the dirt like you see some guys now, just taking it the easy way out. He took the approach that every play was his last and he was only 205 pounds running into 250 to 300-pound guys. That's the kind of approach I take in this League. We're matched up as running backs in this League blocking guys 60 pounds heavier than me, so you have to take the same approach.
Q: If there were one moment in history that you could witness, what would it be?
A: "I would like to witness the first time the Irish immigrants came to Staten Island or to Boston. I'm a second generation from Ireland. All four of my grandparents are from there. I think it would be pretty cool to see when they first came over. That would be the most memorable.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 2, 2003
- The Deuce Scoop - AFL I
- Force, Storm Fight For Divisional Supremacy - AFL I
- Week 10 AFL Injury Report - AFL I
- Rush Promotes Griffin - Chicago Rush
- Destroyers Carey Place on IR; Sign Bond - Buffalo Destroyers
- Los Angeles Avengers Game Notes - Los Angeles Avengers
- Q & A with Georgia's Dan Curran - AFL I
- Snake Charmers Show Support For Charities - Carolina Cobras
- Cobras Sign Two North Carolina Products - Carolina Cobras
- Carolina Cobras Game Notes - Carolina Cobras
- Grand Rapids Hits the Road Again - Grand Rapids Rampage
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