OFFICIAL CHARGERS RELEASE

This is the official San Diego Chargers Transcript from the Joey Bosa Video Conference call with the San Diego Media. Here is a link for those who want to watch the video instead of reading the transcript.

How much were the chargers on your radar in advance to tonight?
“I talked with them, had a meeting with them at the combine. I had a dinner with some of the coaches before pro day but other than that, honestly this is a huge surprise to me, an amazing surprise at that. A big shock but I’m very excited to get out there.”

Your reaction to Chargers calling you?
“Very happy. I was very anxious in that room waiting to get my name called or get that phone call and when it rang I can’t even really put into words that kind of emotions I was feeling and my family didn’t even believe it. Hugging and crying together was more than I could ever have dreamt it to be.”

Joey where did you think you were going to go? Did you have any idea?
“I really didn’t know. I really didn’t know. Could have been Dallas, could have been Jacksonville could have been anyone like San Diego but I’m happy where I ended up, my family is very happy. I heard only great things about the City of San Diego. I’m excited to get out there.”

Are you more linebacker or more defensive end?
“I think I could fit wherever they want me. I could play linebacker. 4-3, 3-4 they’re actually very similar. You’re in base 70 percent of the time. So it really doesn’t make much of a difference. My versatility I think is something this team liked. So they’re going to put people where they see fit and they’re going to find the best spot for me to help the team win.”

What has this day been like for you as far as nerves and emotions just everything leading up to this?
“Crazy. Honestly I’ve been staying very calm the last few days but waking up today was a different feeling. Very busy the last few months flying all over the country visiting with teams but it’s all worth it when you get that call. It’s an unbelievable feeling.”

At the combine you were asked about being laid back, if you were too laid back. How would you describe your personality and does it bug you when people ask you if you’re too laid back?
“No I think I am laid back. I think it’s something that helps me and now I get to go out to San Diego, probably the most laid back place in the country. So, no I’m a chill guy and I think I play better when I’m relaxed and out there having fun. There’s no switch I have to turn on or I don’t have to become this person I’m not when I’m out on the field. I’m a football player. That’s who I am and I go out there every day and I play football. So it’s not a kind of switch I have to turn on. I think the calmer; the more relaxed I stay during a course of the game the better I actually play.”

How would you describe your game?
“Not laid back. I mean, I just try to be the best possible player I can be and I see myself freshman, sophomore, junior year, the difference between each of those years is so significant and I just can’t wait to get to the next level and continue to get better every single year, every single day because I know if I can keep the same work ethic that got me to be a San Diego Charger that got me to this point in the first place, I know the sky is the limit. I can’t wait to help the Chargers win.”

What kind of attention did you receive from opposing blockers this past season, your junior year?
“When you go into the game, you know they’re going to have a game plan against you. A lot of runs away, a lot of double teams but it’s something you got to deal with and it’s not really going to change at the next level. You’re going to get those double teams, you’re going get those trips, it’s just something you got to adapt to and get better at. Obviously when you’re playing on an NFL team, you’ve got another NFL player on the other side of you so you maybe get a little less attention but it’s something you got to adapt to.”

What do you know about San Diego and what do you know about the San Diego Chargers?
“I’ve never been there. I’ve been to San Francisco a couple times, that’s the only time I’ve ever been to California but everybody says it’s the best weather in the country. It’s an amazing place and I’m excited to get with Coach Giff Smith and get to know the players, get to know the coaches really well and get to know San Diego.”

What role did Urban Meyer play in making you a complete player?
“A lot. The day you walk in on campus at Ohio State he expects you to have that goal to one day play at the next level and play in the NFL. That’s what he strives to help you do. Him and everybody on that staff, he brings in only but the best who want to see you succeed and who really care about you and care about your success. In the beginning you got to earn his trust, you got to learn to trust him. But once you got that good connection, there’s nothing he wouldn’t do to help you.”

Correct me if I’m wrong, but is that a bolo tie?
“It is. Someone threw it on me and said welcome to San Diego so I haven’t taken it off. I think it’s a decent look, kind of funky with the red tie under it but it’s alright.”

Do you have any idea why you have it on? Why it’s a San Diego thing?
“Not going to lie and tell you I do.”

Philip Rivers usually, that’s his look
“Philip, Philip Rivers? Okay, alright. Well, classy look.”

Have you heard from Rivers? Did he make a call to you?
“No, but I was out to dinner with Coach Smith and some other guys and they were texting about me and they couldn’t say enough good things about him. Said he’s the hardest worker, that he just wants to win. That’s what I want to bring to the team I want to get with guys like that, veterans, that want to win that have won before, and have that taste in their mouth and have that hunger to win. I’ve come from St. Thomas Aquinas High School where I’ve won two state championships and won the National Championship when I went to Ohio State. I’ve been in winning programs and that’s what I want to do. I’ve had that taste in my mouth of winning the championship and not very many people have that. I think that’s something unique that I bring to this team and I’m going to try and bring these wins with me.”

What do you think of continuing your family’s tradition of being drafted in round 1?
“I think it’s amazing. I get to experience that with my dad today and in a few years, you’ll be talking to my brother. Maybe not you guys, but…

What was the influence behind the Ryan Reynolds haircut for today?
“That spread fast. I got some texts. I was trying to pick out a nice haircut. I mean, you can’t go wrong with Ryan Reynolds.”

You talked about Tom Holley being an influence for you, can you talk a little about how you try to do some of the things that he does?
“Yes, he’s my coach, Coach Larry Johnson, he coached him at Penn State so I see a lot of similarities in our game. The way he uses his hands are better than almost anybody in the NFL, so violent, so fast. When you see him he just emulates what Coach Johnson teaches and that’s what I try to do personally.”

How much of a football junkie are you and why was it important for you to move out, live alone, and kind of isolate yourself from roommates and all that?
“I love football. It’s something that’s been in my life ever since I was a little kid. I played football since I was 8-years-old. It’s what I love to do. I don’t have very many passions. Pretty much only one and that’s football. That’s the only thing on my mind right now. There’s a lot of distractions out in the world and I thought it was important just to focus in on what’s really important right now and that’s football and my family and my friends that really want to see me succeed and want to see me be successful in the future. I think surrounding myself with the right people is really important. Just kind of closing my circle off and surrounding myself with people that want to see me succeed. Everything right now in my life is football and that’s how it’s going to be for next, hopefully, many years.”

What do you do when you’re not doing football, or football related activities?
“I’m pretty pumped to be going to San Diego so I can continue going to the beach, get to be in the beautiful weather. Maybe get a boat, get to continue going out on the boat. I just like spending time with my brother and my friends and going to the beach. When I’m inside I’m probably playing Xbox.”

Media: Football on Xbox? Madden probably.
“FIFA and Call of Duty.”

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