EXCLUSIVEINTERVIEW
ThomasHoward
He may not yet be a household name in some NFL circles, but in just three seasons Oakland Raiders LB Thomas
Howard has made a lasting impression on the opponents he's faced on game days. A third-year player out of
the University of Texas-El Paso, Howard is carrying on a long tradition of outstanding defenders to don the
Silver and Black. In this exclusive Q&A with Buccaneers Review, Howard discusses being a second-generation
NFL player, how his time as a safety has helped him as a linebacker and what it means to play for the Raiders.
What was the adjustment like from UTEP
to the NFL?
"My adjustment from UTEP to the pros was
just like that of any other rookie. It’s more
about adjusting to the game in the NFL with
the best of the best, going out there and getting
over the fact that you are playing
against players you’ve watched on television
for so long. For me, it was being on the same
team with several Pro Bowl players. Getting
used to being their teammate was interesting
because you are so used to watching
them and now you play side-by-side with
them or against them in practice. That was a
big shift. It’s also about learning the game as
a rookie. You have to be a sponge and learn
as much as you can as quickly as you can."
You were a safety early in your playing
days before eventually converting to linebacker.
How did that experience at safety
help you become a better linebacker?
"Playing safety helps a lot with your coverage
ability and your ball skills – being able to
catch the ball and not being afraid to catch
it, but also growing comfortable with the
ball in the air. One of the major things is
being comfortable with the football when it
is in the air."
Last season you led the team with six
interceptions and returned two for touchdowns.
To what do you credit such bigplay
ability?
"I credit my teammates. When you have the
defensive line getting after the passer and
great corners on the outside, they have to
throw the ball quickly and I can make some
plays. So I credit the team."
The Raiders are one of the league’s most
storied franchises. What is it like playing
for the Silver and Black?
"Playing for the Raiders means a lot to me.
First of all, I am able to play the game that I
love. It is a blessing to be able to play this
game, period. Not many people get to do
what we do as NFL players and that means
a lot. Being able to wear Silver and Black on
Sunday means not just wearing the colors,
but also representing guys like Rod Martin
who wore the same jersey I am wearing. It
is a privilege."
Much is made of high school football in
Texas. In your mind, what makes it such a
special experience?
"Texas football is the crème-de-la-crème. You
have states like Florida, Georgia and
California who can make that same argument
but with me being from Texas…I like to
think we’re the top. From Texas to the NFL is
a big difference, not so much Oakland itself,
but a bigger difference from Texas football
to the National Football League. I’ve learned
a lot and had the opportunity to play with
talented guys."
Do you have any game-day superstitions
or rituals?
"One thing I always do is go to the end zone
and say a little prayer before each game. I
also get my stretch in 20 minutes before I
go out and warm up. Those are two things I
always do, no matter what."
Who is the most influential person in
your life?
"All of my family has been influential; my
mom, dad, and brother. They all have been
different sources of motivation. My daughter
is another source of motivation. My mom
always believed in me and my dad always
told me the truth and supported me. They all
supported me no matter what."
Are there any players in the NFL of which
you consider yourself a fan?
"Of course. I would love to be able to have a
career like Derrick Brooks'. As a linebacker,
he’s a guy that I like to sit back and watch to
this day. There are a lot of players I like to
watch. I’m a fan of the game – college football,
pro football, I just love football."
What are your impressions of the
Buccaneers offense?
"They’re incredibly efficient and simply know
how to get the job done week-in and weekout."
Your father played in the NFL. Did that
help you pursue your own NFL dream as
you were growing up?
"It helped me a lot through college, with him
just teaching me how to read different
things, how to take on different blocks, and
how to use my hands. We just share stories
with each other now. He’s already been
through some of the things that I’m going
through, and he shares with me how he
dealt with things and talks to me about how
I can get better. It’s different when you talk
to a guy who’s been there before. He’s
already walked in my shoes."
today’s
opposition
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Oakland Raiders