The OSC Interview: Orlando Predators QB Shane Stafford
by Fran Stuchbury
Published on January 24, 2007 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Orlando Predators
OSC contributor Fran Stuchbury recently completed an interview with Orlando Predators quarterback Shane Stafford. Stafford is entering his first season with the Orlando Predators after playing his previous five seasons with the Tampa Bay Storm. The passer started his career playing for the af2 Tallahassee Thunder and was also in two NFL training camps with the New England Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He even played in NFL Europe with the Scottish Claymores in 2003.
Fran Stuchbury: What interested you in joining the Orlando Predators this season? Was Orlando the most hostile arena in which you played when you were a starter for the Tampa Bay Storm?
Shane Stafford: Yes, Orlando was the most "hostile" arena that I played in when I was with the Storm. Maybe it had to do with it being one of the best rivalries in all of sport, the war on I-4. What an environment to play in and be a part of...with that being said I was intrigued in many ways about Orlando once the free agent period approached. At the time I heard nothing but great things about Orlando, as a franchise, the players as well as great things about Head Coach Jay Gruden. Here is a guy that played the position and won championships, is now a coach and has won championships...That's what I want to be a part of, CHAMPIONSHIPS! I think in Orlando WE can get it done and I thank Jay for giving me an opportunity.
FS: How familiar are you with Predators coach Jay Gruden? Did you spend time with him when you were in Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp?
SS: That's been brought up a lot, me spending time with Jay while in training camp with the Bucs. We did not spend a lot of time together, lunch, some meetings that's about it...he did offer to help me out if need be in my free time but that just never really happened. What I know about Jay is strictly through what he has accomplished during his ARENA career, as a player and coach. Championships speak for themselves and players wanting to play for him also says a lot. I have spent some time with Jay recently during this off-season and I think things will work out well.
FS: How much of an adjustment is it playing in Orlando with curved end zones?
SS: It won't be too much of an adjustment. When I was in "the deuce," af2; we had rounded end zones as well. Not to mention I have played in Orlando a few times in my career so far.
FS: What's your take on unlimited substitution? Do you feel it will benefit the offenses or the defenses?
SS: This is something that will play itself out. There will be a few kinks that will have to be figured out but I don't see it as a big deal...what it does allow though is for the best eight players to be on the field at once for each team. It will be interesting. I hope the fans give it a chance because in the long run it will be a good thing...it's still football on a 50-yard field, still high scoring and will be fast-paced action that the Arena game has always offered the fans! As a QB I am excited, now I have pure offensive linemen in front of me and pure receivers at each position.
FS: How was your experience playing in NFL Europe for the Scottish Claymores in 2003? Was it tough being away from family and friends?
SS: It was tough being away from family and friends, especially when my grandfather passed away while I was in NFLE. That was the toughest part about being in another country. However, the people in Scotland were great, and the country is absolutely beautiful! I had a chance to play football in Europe and see things that I only dreamed of seeing, met some great people and developed friendships with guys that I still talk to. All in all it was a great experience.
FS: How was the experience in being an extra in the movie "We Are Marshall"?
SS: The experience in "We Are Marshall" was a lot of fun and something that I would like to do again. To think that I have experienced these things, Europe and the movie, just because of throwing around a leather ball. It was fun to see how the directors and crew made everything happen and then seeing it on the big screen, as a finished product was amazing. I went to see it with my family, which was a lot of fun. I will say this: most of the hits that you see in the football movies are real hits.
FS: Are you happy your college football team Connecticut is part of the Big East and has been a competitive team? Do you still keep in touch with your former head coach Skip Holtz who is now at East Carolina?
SS: Heck yeah, I am all about my Huskies! Give us some time we will be competing for championships. The athletic department up there is second to none. They just built a beautiful, state-of-the-art practice facility that is going to only help the program. You will not find a facility in the country that is nicer!
I do keep in touch with Coach Holtz, but not as much as I should. He is a good man and a great coach. He is still an inspiration in my football and everyday life. He taught me things that a young man needs to learn in order to help him become a better football player and man.
FS: After your AFL playing career is over any interest in getting involved in coaching?
SS: I would love to get into coaching, especially at the college level. To be able to help a senior in high school grow up and become a man once he leaves to enter "the real world" would be rewarding. I enjoy the X's and O's part of the game and scheming the opponent. So yes, I would be very interested in coaching. I also would like to do something with sports broadcasting as well...basically anything that involves being around the game would be for me. I love it!
If you have any questions or comments about this interview, feel free to drop me an email at arenazone@yahoo.com and I will be more than happy to get back to you.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from January 24, 2007
- Storm Final Open Tryout Recap - Tampa Bay Storm
- Preds help Pop Warner team, urge fans to join efforts - Orlando Predators
- The OSC Interview: Orlando Predators QB Shane Stafford - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
