Nose Guard Chad Ruffin joined the Tulsa Talons for the 2006 season as a rookie from Southern Mississippi University. While attending Southern Miss., he was named one of the strongest players on the team. He earned the team’s Most Improved Defensive Player honors in the spring of 2002 and 2004, and was named Second-Team All-Conference USA as a Golden Eagle, serving as a captain during his senior year. In 2005 Ruffin spent time with the New Orleans Saints at Rookie Camp. (He graduated from Edna Karr Magnet High School in New Orleans, where he participated not only in football but also track and field.) And in 2007 Ruffin played with the Arena Cup Champions—the Tulsa Talons—of the AF2, recording 17.5 tackles, 8.0 TFLs, 5 sacks, 1 PBU, 4 QBHs, and 2 FF over 13 games.
Famous for his bull rushing skills, Chad has punished every quarterback he’s ever faced. After meeting this mild-mannered giant, I was taken aback as we spoke of his passion for football and of his determination to be the best at his position.
When we sat down to talk, he was adamant about the substance of this piece. So here goes.
What was his experience playing in the 2007 Arena Cup Championship?
The entire 2007 season was one he will remember for a long time. He said that the entire team came together for a common good…winning.
Has he ever tried yoga?
Chad takes yoga twice a week.
Which movies has he seen lately?
He just saw Alvin and the Chipmunks with his daughter before he left for camp.
Who does he most admire?
Chad says he is a big fan of his mother and his wife.
Who is in his entourage?
Mike Shack (Tulsa Talons/Grand Rapids Rampage), Terrence Ford (So. Miss.), Jamar Ransom (Tulsa Talons/Chicago Rush), Terrell Browden (So. Miss./Grand Rapids Rampage), Roderick Green (Tulsa Talons), and Donavan Morgan (Tulsa Talons/Chicago Rush).
If he were alone on an island for 30 days with no food, what three things would he need in order to survive?
A football, a grassy field, and an opponent.
What is his hometown?
New Orleans.
What is his favorite hang out at home?
Chuck E. Cheese, with daughter.
NFL Network or ESPN?
ESPN.
Who is his biggest fan?
His daughter, Samya.
Who would he most like to play against in the AFL?
He would love to play against the Grand Rapid Rampage—his best friends Browden and Shack are on that team. And most of all, he would love to silence the league’s biggest trash talker (Shack).
Which coach made the biggest impression on him while growing up?
High school coach Frank Wilson.
What is his favorite quote?
"We must learn to live as brothers or perish together as fools."
What is his pet peeve?
Loud-mouth offensive linemen.
What is his favorite AF2 moment?
A Tackle For Loss on a third down, where it stops the clock with seconds to go, and then being able to come up with a win. (By the way, he did that, the Tackle For Loss. And his team did come up with a win.)
What NFL player does he admire most?
Warren Sap.
What is his favorite vacation spot?
Mexico.
What is his favorite number?
No. 99, that’s his jersey number.
What CD has he recently loaded on his MP3?
Watch My Shoes by Trill Sam.
Chad Ruffin, who is currently in camp with the Chicago Rush, is looking forward to play in a city near you.
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