Nose tackle Terrance Knighton joined the Washington Redskins in March after two seasons with the Denver Broncos and was part of the team’s overhaul of its defensive line. Knighton, 29, discusses what it’s been like to make it to the NFL and to join his third team.
What was the toughest part of the offseason?
A: This being my seventh year, and I feel like I’ve played a lot of great football. Everybody wants that big contract, and I didn’t get that. I humbled myself. Sometimes things are out of your control, and you try not to stress about it, but I’m just happy to have the opportunity to play in the NFL and am blessed to be still living the dream.
Do you have a chip on your shoulder?
A: Definitely. I feel like I am the best at what I do, being a run-stopping nose tackle. This being my third team, I definitely want to go out there and make people respect me a little bit more and show that I’m worth more than people think.
Have you had an eye-opening moment since arriving?
A: This is one of the closest groups I’ve ever been a part of. Last year, obviously, I wasn’t here, but they didn’t have the season they wanted to have. When I came in, guys were ready to put that behind them and focus on a new season. It’s something I definitely respected.
How do you define yourself as a leader?
A: Being myself, being honest. Just reiterating the message the head coach sends to his team. I always felt like with great ability requires great responsibility. You can’t be a great player in this league and be quiet and try to keep to yourself. It’s like a business. You have to bring everybody up, because it enhances the business.
Is playing with your best friend Chris Baker better than you thought?
A: Yeah, it is just because I know we’re going to be on the field together at times. We dreamed about that. We’re both hungry. Bake feels the same way I feel about establishing our name in this league and getting that big paycheck one day and having it all pay off. Me being a year older, and always being like a big brother to him, I’m just proud of him. I’m just happy to have the opportunity to play with him.
If “Pot Roast” wasn’t your nickname, what should it be?
A: I don’t know, man. I don’t really give myself nicknames. It just happened because of my size and my personality. I don’t think you can be a big guy in this league and not have a nickname. I probably wouldn’t have given it to myself. It probably would have been something different.
Q: What’s the best thing about being with the Redskins?
A: I think the fan base is just hungry to get this team back to the top. We have a lot of faithful fans. We obviously have like three states that is our fan base and everybody is excited about the season. Everybody really wants to see us win. I’m putting in the work to make sure we put a great product out for our fans.
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