Defensive end Jamaal Anderson, the Falcons’ first-round draft pick (No. 8 overall) in 2007, is now playing for the Colts. He signed with the team three days after his release by the Falcons on July 29, the first day of training camp. Anderson played 60 games in four seasons with the Falcons and recorded only 3.5 sacks.
In an interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Anderson talks about why he chose the Colts and reflects on his time in Atlanta, which included a position change from end to tackle last season.
Q: How are things going so far with the Colts?
A: Things are going pretty well. This is my first week back on the practice field. I had an injury [groin] I sustained my first week up here, so that was a little frustrating. But I'm happy to be back on the field and practicing and getting the opportunity to show these guys why they brought me here.
Q: What went into your decision to sign with the Colts?
A: They were actually the third team that I heard from. One of the things that appealed to me was that they were an established veteran team. Obviously, they have a great quarterback in Peyton Manning. As well, they have two great defensive ends in [Dwight] Freeney and [Robert] Mathis. I already had a relationship with Freeney. Also, there was the reputation of John Teerlinck, their defensive line coach. If you research it, he has a great track record. I felt it was a defensive-friendly scheme. I think this is the best opportunity for me to come in and get wins.
Q: What kind of role do you expect to have? Will you be an end again?
A: Right now, mostly at end. I lost about 20 pounds since last season. Obviously, I put the weight on to play tackle some last year. With the addition of Tommie Harris and the guys they have in Antonio Johnson and Eric Foster, I think they are pretty established [at tackle].
Q: How many teams did you talk to before choosing the Colts?
A: I talked to four different teams.
Q: Were you surprised when you were released by the Falcons?
A: I know there was a lot of hype about my departure, wondering when it was going to be. I can't say that I was surprised that it happened. I think I was more surprised that it happened [on] day one of training camp. That was more of a surprise. But you have to expect all and anything in this league. As soon as it happened, my agent called me. We talked, and we were already on the hunt for the next team.
Q: Have you reflected at all about your time in Atlanta and how it was for you?
A: Obviously, it didn't pan out like I wanted it to. But collectively, as a unit, I think we went through some of the worst of times — my rookie year being with the Michael Vick situation and Bobby Petrino — to being a 13-3 team last year. I got to experience both sides, being at the bottom of the barrel to being the top dog in this league. It's a great experience. That first year honed me a lot and taught me a lot about valuing this game because it is hard to win games in this league. ... When Smitty [coach Mike Smith] and [general manager] Thomas Dimitroff came in, it was almost like a culture change. The guys that didn't come in with Mike Smith had to adapt to that, and luckily I can say I was part of that group that was able to adapt and adjust to the culture change.
Q: You did a lot of work with the deaf community here in Atlanta: Will you continue that work here? Move it to Indianapolis? Or work in both cities?
A: Obviously, I still want to work with the Atlanta Area School for the Deaf. That is just a great group that I've been able to work with, and I wouldn't want to just abandon the school. But at the same time, I've already tried to establish myself with the Indiana School for the Deaf here. Wherever I am, I want to be a role model in kids' lives.
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