By Matt Flynn Welcomes Competition in Oakland, says Seattle Experience “Lit a Fire” Under Him
April 3, 2013 – 8:30 am by Brad Gagnon
Only one year ago, Matt Flynn was considered to be a nice consolation prize at the quarterback position on the free-agent market. He had performed so well in Green Bay that the expectations were high in Seattle, but Flynn ended up getting beaten out by rookie Russell Wilson in training camp.
Now Flynn’s in Oakland, but he says he’s inspired to win this year’s quarterback battle.
Matt Flynn joined The Wheelhouse on 95.7 The Game in San Francisco to discuss his move from the Seahawks to the Raiders, his background, style and influences, his mentality and his lack of starting experience. He also touched on competing again for a starting job and reuniting with Reggie McKenzie.
On his background and style as a quarterback, Aaron Rodgers’ influence and his winning mentality:
“I took a lot from him and I’ve learned how to play smart — I’d like to think — and play disciplined. Take what the defense gives you, know when to push and pull the envelope a little bit. … I’m one of those guys that doesn’t take to losing very well, no matter what game it is. I’ve been around winning teams, I’ve been around championship teams, and I know what it takes from the inside out. I’ve been there, I’ve watched it, I’ve seen it happen, so hopefully I can bring a little bit of that attitude here to Oakland.”
On how tough it is to take over when he’s only started one season of college football and a pair of games in the NFL:
“I don’t look at it that way. I have found a way to develop myself as a player by watching and making the most of every rep that I’ve gotten, whether it’s in practice or whether it’s in the game. Definitely there’s an experience level that comes with it that you can’t gain by being in practice and stuff, but I don’t look at it as saying, ‘Wow, this is gonna be a tough job.’ … I look at it as an exciting opportunity that I have to come in here and compete. I get to come in here and compete to be the starter, and what an opportunity that is.”
On having to compete for a starting job again:
“I want everything that I get to be earned. I don’t wanna be given anything. I love competition; I love doing that whole deal. I really do. I feel like I thrive on it and play better with it.”
On being further inspired by what happened to him in Seattle:
“I want that more now. It’s lit a hotter fire under my tail, so it’s something that I’m gonna give it 100 percent.”
On his relationship with Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie, who played a hand in drafting him in Green Bay:
“I have a good relationship with Reggie. Obviously he was part of the group and the team that drafted me out of college. We had a good relationship there. I always respected Reggie and knew that he had a good head on his shoulders, that he had good vision. I know that Reggie is a big-picture kind of guy. And when this trade thing started happening, after talking to him, I couldn’t wait to get it done, because he has a great vision for where he wants to take this program.”
Listen to Matt Flynn on 95.7 The Game here
Tags: Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers, Matt Flynn, NFL, Oakland Raiders, Reggie McKenzie, Seattle Seahawks, Terrelle Pryor
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