Defensive tackle Ra’Shede Hageman hasn’t played for coach Jerry Kill for two seasons, but he said his time with Kill at Minnesota impacts how he plays for the Falcons.
Hageman said Kill taught him to look beyond the football field, encouraging him significantly in his final season at Minnesota as he prepared for the NFL Draft.
“(He taught me how to) look beyond the game and just understand that it’s not a game anymore — it’s a job,” he said. “You have to be able to bring it and be consistent every day.”
Hageman, who was selected 37th overall by the Falcons in 2014, said Kill spoke with him about discovering a more profound meaning in his new job and alerted him early to the reality that “you’re not going to be in the league forever.”
Hageman heard from Kill that he should look at life and make himself into someone he could be proud of on and off the field. When Kill sensed stress or frustration in Hageman, he encouraged him by talking about the road ahead.
“You’re only as good as your body takes you. That’s pretty much what he told me, and it kind of stuck with me,” Hageman said. “(Kill said) the real world that I’m about to step in may not (be what I’m expecting), but he just kind of kept me sane and was just someone to talk to.”
Upon hearing news that Kill was retiring from his coaching position at Minnesota on Oct. 28 because of health reasons, Hageman said he was disappointed, but understood.
Hageman said he was disappointed to see a passionate and dedicated coach move on, but understood Kill putting his health and family above his love of the game. Living what he taught Hageman, Kill analyzed his life beyond the football field.
“He definitely loves the game of football,” Hageman said. “As long as he’s happy, then I’m fine.”
Entering his second season with the Falcons (6-3), Hageman said Kill’s encouragement to make football his job instead of a pastime has improved how he studies the game each week.
“(I’ve improved at) focusing on more X’s and O’s. Just the classroom part,” he said. “Everybody from a college standpoint probably doesn’t understand the whole classroom part and how to take that seriously and take that to the field.”
Hageman said Thursday he’s focused on breaking down the Colts’ offensive line.
“I’m dissecting each player and their weaknesses,” he said. “They have a great running back and a good wide-receiver crew. At the end of the day I’m trying to make the job as easy as I can and just learn and research about their offensive line.”
Watching Hageman’s progress this season, defensive coordinator Richard Smith said the defense is continuing to improve on the extra effort to finish on the field.
“(Hageman’s) big and physical inside,” Smith said. “Right now we’re still trying to work on him playing a little bit better pattern, a little bit quicker. Trying to be more of a force inside in terms of his size and length and trying to improve on him on a consistent basis each week.”
Quinn elaborated on the improvement Smith discussed on the entire defense. Quinn said players are “battling” to reach a “special effort” on the field that forces turnovers.
Quinn said Hageman catches his attention by standing out in the run game.
“The areas we’re hoping for him to improve upon is his ability to affect the quarterback,” Quinn said. “He certainly has length, and he’s got strength.”
Hageman said rather than learning how to be a professional like he did in his rookie season, he’s continuing to learn how to reach the “special effort” Quinn speaks of.
“That’s what we preach at the end of the day is just doing your job — and not just doing it well, but extraordinarily well,” he said. “You know just continuity at my position and getting as many reps as I can to where I can perfect my craft.”
