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Dilfer discusses lessons learned Wednesday, Jan 24, 2001 By Roxanne Robbins |
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On Sunday, January 28, the NFC champion New York Giants will face the AFC champion Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens are in the Super Bowl for the first time in their five-year history. They enter the Super Bowl with an NFL best 15-4 record that includes 10 straight victories. The Giants are not far behind with a 14-4 mark and seven consecutive wins. Friendly Rivals In this competitive world of professional sports, an unlikely friendship exists between two NFL team owners. The Ravens/Giants' matchup features a pair of owners who talk to each other on the phone nearly every day. Art Modell (Ravens) and Wellington Mara (Giants) are the best of friends. Head coaches Brian Billick (Ravens) and Jim Fassel (Giants) are also close. "I've called Jim for advice and counsel for any career decisions I've made since the late '80s, including taking the Raven's job," Billick says. Wouldn't you enjoy listening to their phone conversations after this Sunday's game? Either Modell or Mara will be turning to the other for condolences while offering simultaneous congratulations. Exclusive Interview with Baltimore Ravens Quaterback Trent Dilfer During the playoffs I sat down with Baltimore Ravens quarterback Trent Dilfer. During our one-on-one conversation I asked him about the Raven's successful season. We discussed lessons Dilfer has learned through football and the adversity he has overcome. Following are exerts from the exclusive interview that I hope give you insight into the life of one of the most visible players you will see during the game the Super Bowl this Sunday. Q & A With Baltimore Ravens Quarterback Trent Dilfer: RR: When you signed with Baltimore this season you knew you would be backing up quarterback Tony Banks. During the pre-season and the five games you sat on the bench how did you maintain focus and drive? Dilfer: I believe more than anything else, you're called to develop the talents God's given you no matter what you circumstances are. I looked at it as an opportunity to develop what I have, to get better, to get sharper, to learn more about the game, to learn more about relationship and teammates and coaches and all that. Because of that, I think I probably worked harder as a backup than I ever did as a starter and I had worked very hard as a starter. RR: Early in the season the Ravens went five consecutive games without a touchdown. As a result, head coach Brian Billick, moved you into the start position in place of Banks. How did you respond? Dilfer: When I came to Baltimore I learned the process is as important as the game. I really learned to enjoy Monday through Saturday and not just game day. I found a new love for the game. It's easy to say you love football when you're getting to play it on Sundays but when you're not, and your whole week is about work and preparation, do you really love it? I found out that I did. When I got the opportunity to play, I think that it once again showed me that this game is a game. It's about having fun. It's about doing it as well as you can but there are certain things you just can't control. RR: Reporters, teammates and coaches have commented on the growth of your maturity after seven years in the NFL. What has contributed to your composure, confidence, competence and peace on and off the field? Dilfer: It took a lot of heartache, a lot of adversity for God to get through to me and build those characteristics in my life. I'm a big time work in progress. I spend a lot of time on my knees in prayer asking God to change me. Anytime you ask Jesus Christ to change you, He will answer you. It's been very difficult for me at times but the reward has been well worth the struggle. As I see Him change me, as I see Him start to mold me into somebody He can use, the hard times just seem like a quick snap of the finger. They don't seem like they really happened because the fruit is so much more powerful than the process. Television audience Last year's game was the 5th most watched program in television history. Super Bowl XXXIV was watched by an average of 43,618,000 home which ranks 3rd among all Super Bowls. Who Makes the Super Bowl Vince Lombardy Trophy? Tiffany & Co. of New York. It costs $12,000. --30--
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