Former Saints Kyle Turley: Muses On NFL Playoffs, His Band, Career

Used with permission from "The Sports Piece " presented by Global Data Finder

Kyle Turley, the former All-Pro offensive lineman for the New Orleans Saints, St. Louis Rams, and the Kansas City Chiefs was gracious enough to talk about the NFL Division Championship Games.

Now retired, his new band is touring and making their way to the Super Bowl.

Here's some summarized highlights from an interview full of great insight and information:

The Saints's season this year and their improvement:

They have a stellar offense even without Jeremy Shockey at the beginning of the season. They made some key pickups in the defense.

Turley's career and accolades:

I felt like I was just a regular player. I wanted to be a great teammate.

Turley's experience playing in the NFL for nine years:

It's tough to play that long in the NFL. As a lineman, the key is to stay healthy. I started to have some key injuries later in my career.

The possibility of the Jets playing against the Saints in the Super Bowl:

I feel it's destiny that these two teams will meet up.

Turley's band raises money for charity, the Gridiron Greats:

I learned about this charity from Mike Ditka. We talked about it and how it helps former football players with disabilities.

I started a fundraiser in my last year in the league and now I raise money with my band. I'm trying to raise awareness about the organization and our band is on tour beginning Jan. 23 in Austin, then we're heading to Houston, New Orleans, Orlando, and Miami.

Check out www.gridirongreats.org for more information.

The upcoming Saints vs. Vikings game:

I think it's a great match-up. The great irony is that in 2000 we beat the Rams to win the first playoff game in history, but then lost to the Minnesota. Brett Favre is returning home.

I think it will be one of the greatest games in NFL history.

How an offensive lineman prepares to go against the Vikings' tough defensive line:

I would prepare for battle because you may not be able to walk for a few days after a battle against those guys. I'm looking forward to seeing Jared Allen play. I think the Saints offensive line plays their asses off and will keep up.

Thoughts about Darren Sharper:

He is one of those key pieces that was picked up and makes the Saints one of—if not the most—balanced team. I played against Sharper and he's a very good player.

The Vikings secondary's ability to step up against Drew Brees:

They better be! The only way they'll beat the Saints is if they can reduce the bleeding that will inevitably occur.

Tell us about the Jets:

I like the team. Their coach needs to get on a treadmill though!

As a head coach, Ryan has helped the team stay the course. I feel it's destiny that they'll beat the Colts and fan should put money on them!

If the Colts get behind, I think the crowd will revolt because it will be too tough to come back against that tough Jets' defense.

I'm impressed with Ryan and I don't think there is a better defensive coach in the league.

How to follow Kyle Turley online:

www.gridirongreats.org (charity organization)

www.gridironrecords.com (his record label)

www.myspace.com/turleyband

www.twitter.com/kyleturley

Fun Quote from the podcast:

In Texas football is not, football is GOD!

Thanks to Kyle for coming on the show and good luck to him and his band and their charity efforts.

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