My Interview Questions For Arizona Cardinals Strong Safety Adrian Wilson

Cardinals Strong Safety Adrian Wilson is the longest tenured player on the team, having been with the franchise for his entire career.

Drafted in the 3rd round of the 2001 draft, Wilson has experienced all the glories and the shames that come with Arizona Cardinals football, from the team’s days at Sun Devil Stadium, where they routinely played games in half-empty stadiums and oftentimes there were more people rooting for the opposing team than the Cardinals, to last seasons run to the Super Bowl.

He has played for three head coaches and has built a reputation within the NFL as one of the most intimidating, hardest-hitting safeties in the NFL.

This unique set of circumstances would make Wilson a very interesting person to interview.

Through my experience, I have learned that while conducting interviews, it is equally important to let the subjects answers dictate the direction of the conversation as it is to have a strong list of questions prepared beforehand.

If I had a chance to interview Adrian Wilson, here are some of the questions I would ask:

1. As the longest-tenured member of the team, you are one of the few who have seen the team at its worst and at its best. Now that the team seems to have turned a corner, is it rewarding to be able to say that you have remained loyal to a franchise when so many others in your position would have jumped at the opportunity to leave?

2. What was it like as a Cardinals player during the Sun Devil Stadium years? On the road, you played in front of nearly sold out crowds, then you came home and played in a half empty stadium. What did the players do to stay motivated?

3. Now that the Cardinals are playing in a state-of-the-art stadium and drawing large crowds, can you talk about the drastic change of environment and the effect it has had on the team's psyche?

4. You were a teammate of Pat Tillman during your rookie year. Obviously, his story put the game of football in a proper perspective. But the values he represents, such as selflessness and loyalty, are applicable across all walks of life. What do you remember most about him, both as a teammate and a man?

5. You’ve played for three head coaches during your career. Have you been able to learn something from each one?

6. I’ve read that sometimes even your teammates have been intimidated by you, and that, earlier in your career you were not a very vocal mentor for young players. Is it that you try to lead by example? As you’ve transitioned into the role of a veteran, have you made a conscious effort to be more of a mentor to the younger players?

7. Now entering your ninth NFL season, what kinds of things do you focus on to keep yourself physically and mentally fit for the brutal nature of an NFL season? How has your approach towards offseason training changed over the course of your career?

8. Coming off the success of last season, many players are reported to be unhappy for one reason or another, but the core from last year is largely intact. What do you see as the biggest obstacles that could stand in the way of this team being successful? What will you do to overcome them?

9. Since up until last season the Cardinals were largely ignored by most football people, fans and media alike, you’ve spent much of your career in the shadows despite two Pro Bowl appearances and two All-Pro selections. Do you think last season’s success has finally gotten you proper recognition for your accomplishments? Do you even care about something like that?

10. Growing up, who were your biggest role models, both athletically and in your personal life?

11. You once cut short an off-season trip with your wife because you felt you weren’t training hard enough. How have you made up for that? Were you sleeping on the couch for awhile afterwards? Did you have to make promises about vacations when you retire?