JaMarcus Russell Feature Interview: Questions for the Quarterback

The mammoth quarterback has faced tremendous scrutiny from media outlets since his arrival in Oakland. From the lengthy holdout at the beginning of his pro career to false rumors of his weight rocketing up to 300 pounds, the media never seems to get tired of bashing the NFL’s youngest starting quarterback.

Here is a set of questions that would give Raider Nation a look inside the brain of the man behind the center in Oakland as he gets his chance to set the record straight.

Q. JaMarcus, thanks for setting time aside for this interview. How has the offseason gone for you so far? When did you first arrive at the team facility to start working for this season?

Q. Are you glad that Tom Cable was named as the permanent head coach? What does that stability do for the team?

Q. Nearly the entire coaching staff is new. How is your fresh relationship with quarterbacks coach Paul Hackett? What does he offer in terms of fundamentals?

Q. What is Hackett’s focus for your development?

Q. What do you think about the scheme being implemented by passing game coordinator Ted Tollner?

Q. How did you react when you first heard that the Raiders signed Jeff Garcia?

Q. What do you think Garcia’s role is on this team?

Q. How do you feel about Garcia’s recent comments in the media? Do you think his agenda is to be the starter in Oakland?

Q. What is your opinion of Lane Kiffin?

Q. How did you react to reports that Kiffin did not want to draft you?

Q. What did you think when people were reporting that you were tipping the scales at 300 pounds last offseason?

Q. What do you have to say about pictures recently released in which you appear inebriated? Would you consider yourself the Ken Stabler type?

Q. What do you want to say to the people who question your work ethic?

Q. What is your philosophy on leadership?

Q. Could you give an example of something you might say in the huddle to fire up your teammates?

Q. Do you think Tom Cable and the ownership did enough to fix the offensive line this offseason? Are we going to see more games like the Ravens game last season?

Q. What is Darrius Heyward-Bey going to bring to the offense? How do you feel about this year’s group of receivers?

Q. How are you doing in terms of learning the new offense? What changes can we expect to see?

Q. Some people have reported that you have had some accuracy issues during OTAs thus far. What would you attribute these issues to and what can you do to overcome them?

Q. What will be the key to the Raiders success in 2009?

Q. This interview is the highlight of my journalist career, what has been the highlight moment of your football career?

Q. What game has been your favorite victory so far in your pro career with the Raiders?

Q. Who have been your major influences in your life?

Q. Who is your favorite quarterback of all time? In the league today?

Q. Who is your favorite Raider player of all time?

Q. What is the farthest distance you’ve thrown a football?

Q. You don’t currently have a nickname commonly known around the media or by fans. Do your teammates call you by any nicknames? If you had to give yourself a nickname what would it be?

Q. What do you do to give back to the community?

Q. What message would you like to give to all the young boys and girls who idolize you?

Q. When it’s all said and done, what are people going to say about JaMarcus Russell?

Thanks so much for your time (insert whatever nickname Russell picked for himself).