Ask Maurice Jones-Drew
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM ETMaurice Jones-Drew
38 comments
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew joined NFL Nation for a live chat on Wednesday, July 1, dishing on Fred Taylor, his touchdown celebrations next season the outlook for the Jaguars in '09.
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Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
Hey everyone. Glad to be here chatting with you today. I'm amped for these questions. Let's get to it!
You can also keep up with me this offseason on myspace and on my personal site. Oh yeah, plus you'll see me on Twitter, too ... @jones_drew32 -
john, oakland ca
3:05 PM ET
how do you feel about fred taylor leaving?
Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
For me, it was tough, but it wasn't in my control. I had to go with the organization and move with the team. A lot of people don't know I'm training with Fred this summmer. He understood it was a business decision by the owner and the GM, so it had nothing to do with me. -
John S., Rumford, RI
3:06 PM ET
Maurice, I'm considering drafting number one on my fantasy team over AP. Help me make this a no-brainer.
Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
Look at my track record ... three years back-to-back! The one time I didn't have myself, I lost my championship game! If I would have had me, I think we would have won. -
Joshua, Wisconsin
3:07 PM ET
Running backs take alot of punishment. Which defensive player do you least like getting hit by?
Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
To tell you the truth, they don't hit that hard. It's really hitting the ground that hurts. I'll have to choose every field in the league as the hardest hitters in the NFL! -
Jamey, Chicago
3:08 PM ET
Are you preparing differently in the off-season this year to be the premier back for Jags?
Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
No, not really. One thing i was told by Fred adn a bunch of other guys is that you want to stay with your routine. Once you switch it up, that's when you tend to get injured. I might be more aggressive, but I'm going to stick with what I have so far. -
Marcus, Aurora
3:09 PM ET
Being a smaller guy in the NFL does that make you want to prove yourself even more?
Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
Not really. Being small has nothing to do with it. It's just about everyoen doubting you. People think just because I'm short, then I'm small. But I weigh more than about 70 percent of RBs anyways. You think a lot about all the teams that passed you up. I just kind of keep that going. -
Frazer H, UK
3:11 PM ET
Are you still gonna do the shopping cart celebration after you score a touchdown next season like you promised Rich on Total Access?
Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
Oh yeah! Me and Rich go way back to my college days. I told him I would do it, and I wanted to do it on the Thursday Night game on the NFL Network so he could be there, but it's in Week 15 and I don't want to wait that long to score. So, the first time I score, I'll pull it out for him. -
Ken M, 904 Duval
3:13 PM ET
It's really early but how's Rashad Jennings lookin
Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
Oh Rashad is gonig to be a great RB. He's a bigger back, he's 6-1, 235, but he's very explosive. His 40-time didn't show how fast he is. He's going to be a great addition to the team. -
Mike, Cincinnati
3:14 PM ET
Being a MJD fan, I have to ask my favorite player, When You hit Shawne Merriman and knocked him on his butt, what did he say to you after the game or after that play. thanks
Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
He didn't say too much to me until two or three ways later. He was cool about it. He said it was a good hit. That was pretty fun. -
Hamui, Mexico city
3:15 PM ET
How do you feel about your new OL?
Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
I'm feeling gerat. We have a bunch of guys who were hurt coming back stronger than every. The rookies bring a lot of depth. Then, with Tre Thomas, we have more experience. We've def upgraded the offensive line, and it's going to help me, the other RBs and David. -
Tim, Las Vegas
3:16 PM ET
Would you consider doing an endzone celebration to honor the great michael Jackson
Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
Yeah, I'll def have to practice, though. I don't want to dishonor The King of Pop. I'll try to educate the masses when I dance ... so many people are dancing illiterate! -
Cole W, Jacksonville, FL
3:18 PM ET
How do you like the new uniforms? I know you were a big supporter of the black jerseys.
Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
Oh def! The black is really special to everyone. Has a spot in my heart. But the owner didn't want to go with the black ... he wants to go with the teal and the white. They went high-tech with these jerseys, they're designed to keep you cool when it's hot and keep you warm when it's cool. So I'd rather have that than the black ones, if it will help us out in the long run. -
Dan, New Jersey
3:20 PM ET
Is it possible to moonwalk in cleats?
Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
Donovan McNabb has done it. So I guess it's possible? I might have to practice that. I'll have something for you guys. Something related to Michael Jackson. But def the shopping cart celebration. -
Chris , New Jersey
3:21 PM ET
Do you pay attention to what fantasy experts say about how many yards you will run for this season?
Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
No, not really. They really don't know what's going on with the players. But I talk to them, and I have the inside scoop. That's why I always win my league -- I have the inside scoop. This year, I might give some inside scoops on my site about who's really going to do what. But, I'm not sure I want to give that away just yet -- I want to win my league a couple of more years. But check out my site, I might just do that. We'll see. -
Jeremy , Denver
3:22 PM ET
Maurice, I've heard on NFL Radio that you will challenge anyone to a game of Call of Duty on XBOX live. What's your player tag? I want to take that challenge... Good luck in 09' I really enjoy watching you truck guys that are way taller than you!
Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
Well, that's the only game I should be put in jail for ... I'm a serial killer on that game. My player tag is "QIN CLAY".
If you want to get some, you're more than welcome to. But it's at your own risk! -
Daniel, Jacksonville
3:25 PM ET
Do the players actually notice the game day music at the stadium? Some of us are trying to get the playlist changed. DO you have any requests
Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
Yeah, we notice! Last year ,there were too many slow songs. We def try to get that changed to some faster-paced songs, or more recent songs. The slow songs are NOT good.
I just like anything that's good now. Some hip-hop like Little Wayne, or some Mac Dre wouldn't hurt anyone. -
Clayton, South Florida
3:27 PM ET
Maurice, I'm sitting here with your biggest youngest fan, My 7 year old Cory, He can't believe your talking to everyone, Can you say hello to him? Thanks.
Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
Shout out Cory! My biggest, youngest fan. Thank you! -
Miguel Angel Jimenez , Mexico City
3:27 PM ET
Maurice, what is the biggest challenge for the 09' Jags?
Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
I think the first game, and then every game after that. In the NFL, every game is a challenge. If you take one lightly, you'll lose. Every game is a big challenge, starting on the road Week 1 in Indy.
I think we need to be more consistent in the running game, and make big plays in the passing game. On defense, I know coaches are talking about being more aggresssive in tackling. -
Patrick, Jax, DUVAL
3:29 PM ET
Hey man! What are your thoughts of the team going into this season? I know playoffs and Super Bowl are goals, but what is your feeling of where the team is right now heading into training camp!
Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
I'm very optimistic, very excited. But it's only OTAs, there's no pads. It's very hard to tell. We look good right now, but you're supposed to look good in shorts. We'll know a lot more once the pads are put on. -
Max, Rochester, NY
3:31 PM ET
Who would win in a fight - Greg Jones, or Godzillla?
Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
I'm going to go with Greg Jones, Max. He's a monster. -
Zach, Duval
3:31 PM ET
I have heard that in some OTA's the team has bein running the wildcat is it just for the defence for when we play miami or can we see it from us???
Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
Zach, I really don't know to tell you the truth. We practice it. And I play QB, since I have a cannon of an arm. And David can catch it. But I can't really say too much, it's classified. I've probably said too much already. -
chris, canada
3:32 PM ET
who do you think is the better rb emmitt smith or barry sanders
Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
Barry Sanders. -
Brandon, Toronto Canada
3:33 PM ET
Do you think Tory Holt will open up more in the passing game and the deep ball in your Offense? Also what are you guys learning from him?
Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
First of all Holt is a great all-around player. People will learn a lot from him. He's going to help the running game and the passing game. He's already helping our younger receivers, and these guys are blessed and fortunate to have someone like him to learn from. -
Roger , Louisville
3:34 PM ET
You picked Greg over Godzilla. It that because he blocks for you and you don't want a little reminder during the game...lol
Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
No, not really. It's Greg I don't want to get to me! -
Chris, PA
3:35 PM ET
Who did you admire growing up?
Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
I really didn't watch football too much until high school and collge. And then, I really just watched the guys who were my size ... Bob Sanders ... Barry Sanders ... Darren Sproles. -
Miguel, Mexico
3:38 PM ET
Will you miss Mike Peterson on gameday Sundays?
Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
Definitely. He brough a high energy to the game. That's one thing I will miss. We have guys who have picked up the slack on the field, we have to be ready to do that as players. -
Chris Lancaster, Pittsburgh, PA
3:39 PM ET
What's up Maurice? Training with and starting behind one of the greatest running backs of the NFL (in my opinion) Fred Taylor, how much of a factor did it play in your immediate impact in the NFL?
Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
Learning from one of the greatest to play the game was a big help to me. I didn't have to force or press anything in my game. If I had a bad game, he would take me back to the film so we could watch. He was always very positive, and wanted us to be the best group of backs. He did a great job. -
Dino, Jacksonville, Florida
3:42 PM ET
Who hits harder when they tackle? Troy Polamalu or Bob Sanders?
Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
Hmmmm ... I think Bob has hit me more since we play them more. Both are hard hitters. What I like about them is they can both cover, too. They're not just hard hitters -- they all-around good players. -
Christina, St. Augustine, FL
3:43 PM ET
Do you have a favorite team to compete against? One you get really pumped up about?
Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
Not really. I treat every team the same. If I have a friend on the other team, there might be a bit more there. But really, I like competing against everyone. -
Mendel Tenenbaum, Jacksonville, FL
3:44 PM ET
Who do you think is the most underrated player in the league right now
Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
That's a tough question. There are a bunch. It's tough for everyone to get recognized because it's such a tough league. The guys who get noticed -- Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Randy Moss, etc, -- go above and beyond, those guys don't stop playing football at all, they go year-round, something I don't think people realize. -
Nick Shank, North Bay, Canada
3:45 PM ET
MJD! What should your Speed Rating be on Madden 2010 man?
Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
I think it should be 100. You know? -
Chris, Colorado Springs, CO
3:46 PM ET
I really like what the NFL does to help the boys and girls club and different charities..are you involved in that sorta thing often?
Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
Yeah I am. I've been involved in NFL Play 60 and I have my own foundation which I use as well, which focuses on bridging the gap between inner city kids and kids from the suburbs. -
salo , mexico city
3:47 PM ET
how is richard collier doing?
Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
He's doing well. He's upbeat, and he's talking in a lot of places about his situation. He's going to change some kids lives. It's a negative, but he's using it as a positive to educate people about what happened to him. -
Nathan, Ireland
3:48 PM ET
Who is your favourite running back in the league at the moment?
Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
Well, that's Fred. If I can't chose him, I'll go with Marshawn Lynch. -
Robert, Pensacola, FL
3:49 PM ET
Being a Jags fan, I don't like New England that much. The playoff loss in 07 made me like them even less. Can you do me a favor and put the beat down on them this year?
Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
LOL Robert. We'll do our best. -
Mark Eckblad, Madison WI
3:50 PM ET
Good luck in '09, Maurice. Do you like "old-fashioned" football out in the mud and snow, or do you prefer an environment where the elements can't influence the outcome?
Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
I like the mud and the snow. That's what we used to play in when we were little kids in the front yard. -
ryan king, california
3:51 PM ET
ok maurice what are your feelings on the whole michael vick situation?
Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
I def think he served his time, more than what he probably should have gotten. But he served it, and I think they should let him play. I don't understand the whole thing about whether he should be allowed back in or not. He served two years for a vicious crime, but still served longer than other people who have done worse things. He's a good person, and he made a mistake. And that cost him a lot. I'd like to see him get a second chance. This country is built on second chances, so I'd like to see it. -
Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
Hey everyone, I have to go now. It was great to chat with you and catch up during the offseason. Thanks to all the fans and Jaguars fans out there.
Best,
Maurice.
