New Falcons cornerback Dunta Robinson, 27, sharply dressed in a gray three-piece suit, greenish paisley tie and white pocket square, was introduced to the local media Monday.
After holding a press conference and posing for several photos, Robinson spent a few minutes to discuss his signing with the Falcons, plans for his $57-million deal and about how he's the best cornerback in the NFL.
Q: You're an Athens native. Why didn't you go to the University of Georgia?
A: Georgia really didn't recruit me. They recruited me hard my junior year and sent me a few letters my senior year. ... . So that's something that I'd like to ask (head coach) Jim Donnan and (assistant) coach (Kevin) Ramsey because they were there at the time. If anybody gets that answer from them, please let me know.
Q: Are you more comfortable on the right or left side?
A: I prefer to play the right side because that's the side that I always played. But I don't mind moving around. I've played all over the field. I've played inside and outside on both sides of the field. I love playing right, but wherever these coaches need me, that's where I'm willing to go.
Q: How much did your contract situation affect your play last year in Houston?
A: I don't think it affected my play. What I will say about that whole situation is that I came right off the street, with no training camp, no mini-camp and started in a new defense. I got the playbook that Monday and I was starting by Sunday. ... I started kind of slow, but as the season progressed I was doing better. Toward the end of the season I felt like my old self.
Q: Do you regret getting fined for painting "Pay Me Rick" on you spikes? (Robinson made a salary appeal to Houston general manager Rick Smith on his shoes in the 2009 opener.)
A: Actually, I don't regret it. I didn't appeal it because they allowed me to give the $25,000 to a charitable organization of my choice. I took the fine and donated it to the YMCAs in Houston. It kind of all worked out for the best.
Q: With your new contract, any purchase or investments you are itching to make?
A: You know what? Right now I'm pretty set. My main focus right now is on becoming a businessman. The first thing that I'll do with my money is to buy something that is going to allow me to make money.
When I first came into the NFL, I brought some cars and the house for myself and my parents. I've got everything that I need so ... making money off the field, so that I don't have to spend any of NFL salary, is important. I'm trying to get set up for my future, for life after football.
Q: Are you a better cornerback than former Falcon DeAngelo Hall?
A: I respect DeAngelo Hall, but if you don't think you're better than any corner in the NFL, then you don't stand a chance. I don't know a quarterback who doesn't think he's the best quarterback in the league. Not only do I think I'm the best cornerback in the National Football League, but if you don't go out there and play with that confidence and that swagger, your career won't last long.
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