My Interview with Detroit Lions Kicker Jason Hanson (Minus Jason Hanson)

What Jason might say:

"There's always hope. And I'm in the NFL, still, after all these years. Not many kickers can say they've played in the NFL for 18 seasons. All I can control is me and my performance. If a few game-winning kicks come along the way, and they help us achieve goals as a team, even better."

What Jason might say:

"I remember a kick in 1996 at home, in the Silverdome. It was against Seattle. I felt like I hooked it, but somehow the air streams in the Dome changed, and it drew right down the middle.

There haven't been any since the Matt Millen era that stand out. Mainly because there really haven't been any."

What Jason might say:

"You mean the distances or the accuracy?

The distances is an easy answer. We were rarely closer than the opponents' 33-yard line, don't forget.

As far as the accuracy, I guess it comes from hard work, tons of practice, and Barry Bonds and I share the same pharmacist."

What Jason might say:

"Well, for one, it meant that I wasn't going to have to kick eight field goals of 50 yards or more every year! (laughs)

Seriously, Barry was a great talent, obviously. Sometimes at the end of practice—and he and I were always the last two off the field—I'd kick off and he'd try to run it back on me.

Lots of those awesome moves you see on the highlight films and YouTube were because of our post-practice kickoff sessions. He'd practice them on me first.

It's also how I got to be known as one of the better tackling kickers in the NFL (winks)."

What Jason might say:

"It's funny. Before every game, I eat Chef Boyardee Mini Raviolis.

I don't know why. I just do.

Other than that, I sit quietly in front of my locker before every game, reflect, and wish that I played for the New England Patriots.

Other than that, no."

What Jason might say:

"I didn't get into football for personal accolades. All I wanted was to kick a football as far and as accurately as I could. Everything else is just gravy on the cake. Well, you know what I mean.

It's been an honor to play as long as I have. I truly feel blessed.

But now that you mention it, that's the least they could do for me, after almost two decades in Detroit!"

What Jason might say:

"Well, Barry of cour---.

Oh.

OTHER than Barry?

(Long pause)

Well, there's the kid receiver, Calvin Johnson. He's pretty good. And tall.

(Another long pause)

Can we come back to that?"

What Jason might say:

"Well, there are no backup kickers, per se, so I never have to listen to the fans chant the name of the second string guy. (Smiles)

But seriously, the fans in Detroit are awesome. I wish we could have given them more to cheer about over the years. They deserve a winner.

Speaking of which, how's Mr. Ford been feeling lately?

Just curious."

What Jason might say:

"Actually, it's a kick that one of our opponents made, to be honest.

Paul Edinger of the Bears beat us at the gun on the last day of the season in 2000. If we win that game, we make the playoffs.

And the team never hires Matt Millen.

Sorry, but you said I could pick any kick!"

What Jason might say:

"I keep myself in good shape, the team seems to be going in the right direction under the new management team. I'm pretty optimistic about the upcoming season.

When I got here as a rookie in 1992, I told the team that I'd like to play until I'm 50. That's all; I told them, 'You got me for 28 years, and that's it. After that I'm out of here.' Then I kidded with them and said, 'So let's win at least one championship, OK?'

So we still have 10 years left to accomplish that.

Like I said, I'm optimistic."

What Jason might say:

"That's OK; the pleasure is all yours!"