By:
Gene “Norseman” Ramsay/football.com & purplepride.org
(2002)
Being a Backup is Where He Wants To Be
Most of us saw Todd Bouman step
up into the starting role last year when Daunte went out with an injury.
Most thought he would be mediocre at best and that the Vikings were done
for the year. Everyone forgot to
tell Todd. He came in and threw the
ball like a vet and even broke some team records until he was sidelined with an
injury as well. He set a team
record as the only Viking QB to have 60+ yards in 3 straight games and records
in passing yards, passing TDs, completion percentage, and quarterback rating
(131.5) for Vikings QBs in their first starts.
To understand Todd Bouman,
you have to understand that he has been a Vikings backup, in some capacity, for
5 (going on 6) years. He seems
content in that position and is looking forward to a great 2002 as the
undisputed #2 quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings.
I caught up with Todd at
the first day of training camp and had the chance to ask him some questions.
GR:
Todd, you set a bunch of
Vikings records last year and you seemed to truly ignite the offense when you
started. Does having that kind of
success make you really itch to be a starting quarterback?
TB:
You always want to do well
and starting is all part of doing well. However,
I am happy where I am and the place I hold with the Vikings.
I need to be ready at any given moment to go in and do my job. That’s pretty tense.
GR:
Amazingly, you’ve stayed
with the Vikings for 5 seasons. In
a world where free agency is rampant and your experience on the field in the NFL
and in NFL Europe just makes you a better quarterback…you still stay a Viking.
What does being a Viking mean to you?
TB:
It means a great deal to be
a Viking. I grew up here, went to
school here and my family is here. I
love being a Viking.
GR:
Tell me about the injury you
sustained last year. What a
happened on that play?
TB:
I popped it on a helmet.
GR:
Ah, the old Brett Favre, Kurt
Warner trick.
TB:
Yea, something like that.
GR:
How long did it take to heal
and are you 100%?
TB:
It took about a month and a
half to heal. It was in the Detroit
game when it happened and it just got worse in Jacksonville.
It’s back in good shape and so am I.
GR:
What role will you have this
year that will be any different from last year?
TB:
Not much at all.
I just come in and do what they tell me to and help the team win games.
If that means I help with plays or let Daunte know what I see out there
or if that means I play, I’ll do what it takes to help the team win.
GR:
You really seemed to exploit
the “Randy ratio” before it was popular.
Did you just know that he was the guy to go to or what?
TB:
I told him at the start of
the Tennessee game that I was going to be looking his way almost every play and
to be ready for the ball and that I would be getting it to him.
80 yards later I had gotten him the ball.
GR:
What player did you play
growing up in the back yard?
TB:
Roger Staubach.
GR: What
would be your most memorable moment so far?
TB:
Well, last year is sure top
on the list. Getting to start was
great and doing so well was nice too. The
entire 1998 season was pretty memorable too.
GR:
Give me the breakdown of Tice
versus Green.
TB:
It’s a little more laid
back. I think that’s because he
played. Coach Tice is also more up
front with you about things. He
lets you know where you are and what he expects for you to get better.
GR:
What is your workout schedule
like?
TB:
Well, I started back in
February. I get some passing
in…weights and all the usual.
GR:
What is your motivation?
TB:
Everything is my
motivation. You just want to get
better and I let that be my motivation.
GR:
If you could play another
position, what would it be?
TB:
Wide
receiver.
GR:
You
want to make the big plays, huh?
TB:
Yea,
that would be great.
GR:
You’ve
seen many a player come and go as a Viking.
Who did you hate to see go the most?
TB:
Probably
Randall Cunningham. He taught me
the most when he was here and was great help to me.
GR:
Do
you still stay in touch with him?
TB:
Every
so often.
GR:
Looks
like he’ll retire this year as an Eagle.
Do you think he’s happy about that?
TB:
I
don’t know.
GR:
If
you had the number one pick in fantasy football, who would be your pick?
TB:
Randy
Moss.
GR:
Now,
I asked Lance Johnstone the same thing and he said Moss.
When I told him that I would not tell Daunte, he said he wanted to
switch.
TB:
Either
one would be great, but I’ll stick with Randy.
GR:
Who
is the toughest guy on the team?
TB:
Chris
Hovan.
GR:
What
would you like to say to all the Vikings fans this year?
TB:
You
guys are the best fans. You are the
loudest fans. It is an honor and a
treat to play in Minnesota. Thank
you.
GR:
Todd,
it sure was nice to get some time with you today.
Stay healthy and well and we hope to see you on the field…not that we
wish anything bad happens to Daunte, but…you know what I mean.
TB:
Yea,
I know… and thanks.