Charger Chat Transcript: Lorenzo Neal

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Tuesday, May 15, 2007 , Chargers.com

After finishing his workout Wednesday morning, Chargers All-Pro fullback Lorenzo Neal took questions from Chargers fans. He talked about his passion for boxing, his love for contact on the football field and his appreciation for LaDainian Tomlinson.

Lorenzo Neal: Hey everybody, I’m glad to be here. I’ll start taking some questions when you’re ready.

TheCharge: What's in your CD player/Ipod right now? Anything that would surprise most Charger fans?

Lorenzo: Kirk Franklin's "Stomp" and a little Kenny Rogers. “On a warm summer evening on a train bound for nowhere..."

RYFLE: Hey Lorenzo, What was your thought process when you decided to turn around and chuck yourself at Haloti Ngata in the Baltimore game.

Lorenzo: I'm not used to running that far. I've got a 4 second clock in my head. If I don't hit somebody in 4 seconds I'm not doing my job. If I could go back, I should have gotten a couple more yards out of it.

Wolf_Bolts_Fan: That run is one of my favorites from last season. Like you were gonna run him into the ground whether you would get into the end zone or not.

bigpio12619: What team are you excited about playing this year?

Lorenzo: I'm excited about our whole schedule. It starts off with Chicago and New England. We've got Indy and Baltimore later. You know that second game in Foxboro, it's gonna get c-razzzy!

TheCharge: Who or what was your biggest inspiration to you when you were down?

Lorenzo: Just God and family. In tough times it's about God, family and friends. Tough times don't last but tough people do. My dad always said, "If the wind will move you, I'd hate to see you in a storm."

Aussie: What does it mean to you when your opposing players hold you in such high regard?

Lorenzo: It makes me want to work harder when my peers in this league respect me or give me a confident. That respect is mutual.

Jamesb: I read that you had influence with Dielman's decision to stay. How happy are you that the starting 5 linemen are back for the next couple or seasons?

Lorenzo: I'm just happy that everyone is back. There's cohesiveness. They're jelling. They're very good and only going to get better.

TheCharge: What’s your favorite movie?

Lorenzo: "Old Yeller" and "Unusual Suspects"

GSLTJM: How is the team chemistry now that Marty, Cam and Wade are gone and Norv Turner is the new head coach?

Lorenzo: It's surprisingly better than what I anticipated. It's still the same players who love playing together and love being together. Guys are willing and committed to Norv and the plan of the Chargers' management.

glh619: Do you still train with Chuck Liddell and if so, who packs a meaner punch?

Lorenzo: I haven't trained with him for this fight against Rampage. Chuck is a great guy. I talked to him last week and said he's ready and feels great. I'm going to the fight.

SuperMatt: Lo! It's been such a pleasure rooting for you the past several years! How have you managed to stay healthy so consistently at a position where you take (okay, you deliver more than take, I'll admit!) such a physical beating?

Lorenzo: I've been very blessed and I've worked very hard every offseason. I'll double that "blessed" part. And thanks for your support!

bigpio12619: Do you ever go out into public to watch any other sports at a bar or restaurant?

Lorenzo:(A) I love going to Seau's and McGregor’s to watch baseball and basketball. I like Gringo's in PB, too.

SabBoy: Good morning Lorenzo. How's it different leading for LT as opposed to guys like Eddie George, Corey Dillon, Warrick Dunn, Adrian Murrell and Mario Bates?

Lorenzo: They're all different. They've all been blessed with God-given ability. They're all good friends of mine and I have a respect for every single one of them. It's an honor to block for all of them, but stats don't lie. LT is very, very special. It's rewarding for me to say that I've played with possibly the best back of all time.

Aussie: Lo, describe Philip Rivers in one sentence!

Lorenzo:(A) Philip is a lot more passionate and has a greater sense of humor than people might think. One sentence, “funny.”

GSLTJM: What do you do in the offseason? hobbies?

Lorenzo: The usual, working out, getting ready, but I'm also very business minded. I've started my own liquid supplement company called Power Nutrition. They're all in liquid forms, no pills. I will have my website up soon so be looking out for that.

SHAUN: What do you think of your fumbleroosky being called the best trick play of last year.

Lorenzo:(A) Was it even better than the Music City Miracle? I appreciate it if people say that.

glh619: Who do have winning the fight between Chuck and Rampage Jackson?

Lorenzo: Chuck all the way!

ArkansasExSoCal: How are your investments in the Boise, Idaho market doing? I keep reading that is a solid residential market for the next several years.

Lorenzo: How do you know I'm in Boise? They're going well. I'm impressed that you remember that.

action83jackson: Hey Lo, just wanted to mention that the city of SD and Charger fans love you. I’m curious, what are your plans for the future after football?

Lorenzo: I'd love to get into broadcasting. I'm doing a lot with ESPN for Cold Pizza and I really enjoy that. I've also got a lot of different business ventures going with real estate and my supplement company.

Wolf_Bolts_Fan: Which of the new draftees are you most excited to see on the field?

Lorenzo: It's too early to really know. We'll see when we put on the pads.

Lucid: Lo - First off congrats on resigning with the Bolts! I was wondering how long you anticipate being the NFL's official battering ram? It’s amazing you have been doing it for so long and have yet to lose a step.

Lorenzo: Thanks! I'm blessed and fortunate to have played this long. I have no idea how long I'll keep at it. As long as I'm feeling well and still enjoying it, I'm going to keep playing.

PadreBruce: Did you grow up boxing, or were you introduced to it later in life for training purposes?

Lorenzo: I grew up watching it. I loved Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard. I've just always been a boxing fan. My grandfather and my father are big fans, too.

glh619: Do you have any game day rituals or superstitions?

Lorenzo: I always like to run 4 laps around the field. Between each lap I do 25 push ups and 25 sit ups. Then I'll do a certain amount of drills. I always go in and take a shower. I like to go in the game like I'm fresh at work.

Nychargerfan: Hi Lorenzo. Just wondering about Legedu Naanee. There is some talk that he might be a good fit at halfback? Thoughts?

Lorenzo: He's going to be a good player. He's too tall to play fullback but he runs good routes and he’s really strong. He'll play more of a tight end position. We'll see what he can do.

Justinkingsley: Will you ever try your hand at coaching?

Lorenzo: No, it takes up too much time. It's great but I see the hours they put in and I just don't think it's something I'd want to invest in. They're here hours after the players leave.

Boltsfaneddy: How much do you train per day?

Lorenzo:(A) In June and July I go about 5 hours per day.

Perryao: Have you been approached by "Dancing with The Stars"? With your personality you seem to me to be perfect for that show!

Lorenzo: Make some calls for me. Get me on it. I'm ready. You're my agent. I've got some skills.

SuperMatt: What did you think of the Mayweather v De La Hoya fight? Worth the hype?

Lorenzo:(A) Not at all worth the hype. I was disappointed. One of them was scared and the other was glad of it. It wasn't what I expected.

bk_in_lv: I hear a lot that Coach Turner is coming up with creative ways for Antonio Gates. Are there any schemes being developed for "TNT" now that Michael Turner is staying?

Lorenzo: Always, but it's a secret. TNT just explodes. You've got to wait to see it revealed.

SuperMatt: Outside of the Q, which stadium is your favorite venue?

Lorenzo:(A) I like Invesco at Denver. The Coliseum in Nashville used to be rocking, too.

Crazeone: Who is the toughest defensive player you ever had to block?

Lorenzo: Al Wilson, Ray Lewis and Jesse Tuggle...all very good linebackers.

cap808: Lorenzo, how do you like catching balls in the flat? What's the first thing you think when you catch the ball?

Lorenzo: Hitting somebody!

Jaydogg: How big a role does religious faith play in the interactions between you guys? I've seen pictures of you and LT praying, so I was curious...

Lorenzo: A lot. It's important to believe in something. My faith is extremely important to me.

mondo_bolts_son: HI LO'NEAL. I’m wondering how you feel having Turner back another season can impact the bolts success. We need to see you break off some more long runs, too. Lol!

Lorenzo: It's great. He's exciting and a big part of our run game. He's unique and a very special guy. I'm happy to have him back.

cap808: Do you anticipate staying in San Diego after your football career?

Lorenzo: I don't know. It depends exactly what paths I pursue. I do love it here. It's a great place. If I'm not playing football, I don't know if I could afford to live here, haha.

seat42-1-1: I sit in the front seats and watch you warm up. Will you be adding new steps to your boot scoot?

Lorenzo: No! I'm already tired after my current routine. Do you have any new steps for me?

Lorenzo: Alright guys, I've got to run. Thanks for joining me. Let's do it again real soon!

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