JJ Birden Interview

In step with former Chiefs Wide Receiver JJ Birden

JJ Birden chats with me on everything from running track at the University Of Oregon, catching passes from Joe Montana and everything on his new book due this July.

MB: Firstly, allow me to thank you kindly for agreeing to speak to me this afternoon. I primarily share Chiefs news updates here at Arrowheads Abroad.

MB: Which sports did you play growing up?

JB: I did gymnastics for 2 years, which many people do not know. I played baseball. I played football from my sophomore year of high school through college and nine seasons in the NFL.

MB: Wow, I would not have guessed gymnastics; however, I know many athletes often play more than one sport growing up. What lessons do you feel sports taught you?

JB: I learned how to focus, setting up time management, teamwork, as it is not all about you. In addition, once I reached my goal I knew I had to repeat the whole process.

MB: At the University of Oregon you were an All American in Track And Field. Which events did you do?

JB: I ran the 4X100 meter relay, the 110 hurdles and the long jump.

MB: That sounds like fun; however, very busy.

JB: It was and I enjoyed it.

MB: You said you walked on the football team your second year at Oregon?

JB: Yes, I would have my first season; however, it was not possible at the time.

MB: The Cleveland Browns drafted you in the eighth round, That had to be exciting! During my research for our interview learned you only had two practices in Cleveland then you sustained the torn anterior cruciate ligament tear. You were preparing for the Olympic trials.

JB: Well, it ended my track career immediately. Later, I thought to myself; NFL, you injured me and now you are stuck with me!

MB: I am sorry that you had that happen. I am very glad you were able to focus and prepare yourself because not everyone would have been able to that. I have much respect for that way you dealt with that.

JB: Thank You.

MB: What do you think of the Chiefs now?

JB:I think they have a good team. They have a good QB in Alex Smith; good rushing game with Jamaal, excellent defense and a great special teams. I was happy to see them sign Jeremy Maclin. I believe they need to continue to add playmakers on both sides of the ball. I look forward to the draft. Out of the four organizations I played for, the Chiefs is my favorite team.

MB: Do you see any similarity to yourself and DeAnthony Thomas?

JB: I would say there are a little bit. He has that speed and is great at making people miss. I believe you will see him improve much more. He has a second season in the system and that will help him.

MB: Do you stay in touch with your teammates?

JB: Yes! Social Media has brought about so many opportunities. It is a great thing and helps us to be better at staying connected. It used to be much more difficult.

MB: In today’s NFL there are so many things happening. Do you feel that an owner can be overly involved in the running of their team? I mention Dan Snyder, owner of the Washington Redskins as an example. Moreover, how do some compare or contrast to Lamar Hunt.

JB: I think so. Lamar was great that way. He did not stand in the way. Carl could do his job. Marty had freedom to coach. Players could play. Lamar believed in hiring great people and then he allowed them to do their job. Some owners get too involved and it affects their team.

MB: Speaking of the team, how did it feel in that huddle the miracle win at Mile High? What was that huddle like?

JB: It was surreal. Joe was great in the huddle. His calm in the huddle carried over to the rest of the team. You knew he could march down the field and score. We knew it and went about our jobs. It was great to win because there had been four games I had been part of and we had lost them. Elway had the same sort of gift for winning like Joe. I was happy to win that game.

The Chiefs play the Lions next season in the UK. What do you think of playing overseas? In addition, do you think a team will be set up there in the next few years?

JB: I think it is great. We played a few games overseas; I played in London with the Browns, Japan and Germany with the Chiefs.

MB: Since you retired what have you been up to. I know you are working on a book; tell me about it.

JB: I work with Isagenix in the Health & Wellness industry. We focus on four solutions. First: Weight Loss. Second: Energy &Performance. Third: Healthy Aging. Fourth: I do some motivational speaking in reference to my nine seasons in the NFL.

MB: I think that is great! I think that is rather unselfish of you, JJ. I really do. You are helping others recognize the signs. I also want to acknowledge that you are giving me an opportunity to seek my dreams too.

JB: I am working to complete my book, When Opportunity Knocks 8 Surefire Ways to Take Advantage. My book should be available in June.

MB: Why do you feel we miss taking advantage of opportunities in our own lives?

JB: That is a good question. Well, I think sometimes we do not know. We are scared. We need to find our passion. Hard work is necessary. We allow others to silence us.

MB: I see, finding our passions, planning and then focusing to accomplish those opportunities. I am looking forward to the release of your new book! I know you have a big family; how do you stay close?

JB: We have dinner every Sunday Evening. We do not restrict other activities the kids do; only to have a special dinner every Sunday because we know we will not always have that opportunity.

MB: Clearly, you take advantage of every opportunity you have. I admire that. JJ, thanks for taking the time to speak with me today.