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Q: It seems like you’ve had your eye on the Saints for a couple weeks, what ultimately led to your decision?

A: “From management, to coaching on down, it seems like a great group of people with a great track record of success. It’s the type of program I want to be in where there is the opportunity to win consistently and compete for a championship.”

Q: You are the third linebacker to sign here in recent weeks, along with Curtis Lofton and Chris Chamberlain. What are your thoughts about coming in with the new guys and playing alongside the guys that have been here for a few seasons?

A: “I think myself and the other newcomers are looking forward to having the opportunity to coming into a program and with a group that has experienced so much success.”

Q: You earned the nickname “Heater” due to the way you play the game. Who gave you the nickname and how did it come about?

A: “I’ve had a nickname at every level I’ve been at. When I came to Seattle, I was an undrafted free agent who had to work hard both on defense and special teams and bring it every day. After I made some hard hits, I came to the sidelines and Lofa Tatupu gave it to me.”

Q: You made the NFL and the Seahawks as an undrafted rookie free agent and have gone on to be a starter the past two-and-half seasons. Talk a little bit about the challenges you faced as a free agent and how you view special teams because of the nature of a position like linebacker that calls for guys to contribute in a lot of different areas.

A: “I didn’t come in the most traditional way or the way people dream. I took the hard road. Coming from where I came from, I know you have to put your head down and go to work. All I was asking for was an opportunity to go out there and show people what I can bring to a team and a unit. In camp, guys like Lofa, Julian Peterson and Leroy Hill really took me under their wing and showed what they do and told me to keep it up. I had a lot of encouragement. I played football the way I wanted to play football. I didn’t want to have regrets about my play and everything would take care of itself.”

Q: When you visited the Saints you spent some time with Sean Payton, Steve Spagnuolo and Joe Vitt. What was your impression and what they’re trying to do defensively?

A: “They have a lot going for them. With the team they have one thing in mind in my talks with Coach Vitt and Coach Spagnuolo. They really let me know they wanted me to be a part of what they were doing. We talked mostly about football and got to know each other better as people. We kept the line of communication open between the sides and that’s why we are where we’re at today.”

Full article.
Q&A with New Saints LB David Hawthorne

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Everyone is entitled to be stupid, but some abuse the privilege.

All little common sense goes a long way.