Falcons Q&A: Svitek's family escaped Communism

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

FLOWERY BRANCH -- Falcons left tackle Will Svitek, a native of Prague, Czech Republic, has battled shoulder injuries to stay in the NFL.

But that was nothing compared with his parents' escape, along with the 2-year-old future football player and his siblings, from communist Czechoslovakia in 1984.

In a conversation with the local media, Svitek, who could see extensive action at left tackle Sunday for the injured Sam Baker, discusses his return to the NFL and the day hike over the Alps to freedom.

Q: Tell us about your battle with your shoulder surgeries?

A: It happened the beginning of my third season. I tore my labrum. I played with it the whole season. Then I got surgery after the season, then rehabbed for six months and came back probably too early for training camp.

My fourth year, I re-tore it again and I had a repeat surgery. When I tore it again, I got released with an injury settlement and went back to [Los Angeles].

I rehabbed it [left shoulder]. I was rehabbing all last season. That's why it's so good to be back because I was coming off two shoulder surgeries.

I came out here three months after my second surgery. ... I got cleared right before mini-camp, and I was able to play.

Q: Did you have any connections with the staff?

A: I was familiar with the organization and just with some things they did.

Q: When did you come here from the [now] Czech Republic?

A: I was two years old. I've been here my whole life. I grew up in California my whole life. I went to Stanford.

Q: Can you speak Czech?

A: I can understand it, but it's all relatively new to me.

Q: How did your family move here? How did that come about?

A: It's a long story, but it was basically because of communism. My parents wanted to flee. Basically, they wanted their four children to grow up in freedom and achieve the American Dream. They kind of sacrificed everything and risked everything so that we could come here to the U.S. in 1984.

Q: How did they get out?

A: We told them we were going on a day hike over the mountains. Over the Alps with the whole family. It sounded like a typical story. We went on a day hike and ended up in Austria. We were in a refugee camp for about eight months and then we got legalized to come to the U.S.

Q: What all did you all take?

A: We left with the clothes on our backs, and we couldn't say anything because the government was always watching you. It was literally Big Brother watching. My parents had the final straw. They wanted their four children to live in freedom.

Q: How old were you and your siblings?

A: I was 2, the oldest one was 22, 16 and 7 or 8.

Q: When did you start playing football when you got over here?

A: I was doing track and basketball. My dad was a track athlete. In the seventh grade I started playing football because my friends were playing. Once I got to high school I realized it was going to be my best opportunity for a college scholarship and maybe beyond.

Q:  Do you remember when communism failed?

A: I remember, but I was pretty young. It was a good feeling for my parents to see people being liberated and democracy winning. My parents are happy that they are here. I think you'd appreciate America a lot more when you grow up for years under the government's watch. They love it here. They are the most patriotic people you ever want to meet.

Q: Have you been back to Prague?

A: Once for a vacation, and I played in NFL Europe after my second season. We had about two days off, so I went over there for two days.

Q: Is your given name William?

A: Is Vilem. It's William translated.