Fan Q&A: Brandon Short

Panthers.com

If you have a question for safety Colin Branch, please send it to bordenb@panthers.nfl.com.
BRANDON SHORT Q&A

Does it make the season more rewarding or disappointing to be one win away from the Super Bowl? Nance, Trinity, NC

BS:You can look at it either way. When you put it like that, one win away from the Super Bowl, it's disappointing. But a lot of teams wish they were in our position, playing for the NFC championship. We had a good season. We have a good core group of guys and a lot to build on from last year, so it was definitely a rewarding season. You'd rather make it that far than not make it that far.



What aspects of playing strongside linebacker do you find the most challenging/rewarding? Steve, Cary, NC

BS: The most challenging thing, at least for me, was the move from middle linebacker and getting used to playing over the tight end. Playing in close quarters and getting your hands on the tight end quickly. The most rewarding thing is simply playing linebacker and being able to make plays. Interceptions, sacks, tackles...no matter where the play goes you have the ability to make that play.

Do you believe in an NFC Championship hangover? Josh, Charlotte

BS: History may say that a lot of people who go far in the playoffs come back the next year and don't have such a good year, but that's for the weak minded. I don't believe in that at all. I believe it's a good thing that we made it as far as we did. It shows that we're a good football team and it means that we're only going to build on that and be better next year.

If you could tackle anyone in NFL history, who would it be? Mark, Jefferson, NC

BS: Walter Payton. Sweetness. In my mind, he embodied everything that a running back should be and everything that a football player should be.

Who is the toughest player you ever went up against? Jeff, Lexington, NC

BS: I've gone up against so many good players, it would almost be an injustice to pick just one. The hardest hit I ever had was on Monday Night Football when I was with the New York Giants. It was by James Thrash of the Philadelphia Eagles. It's a rivalry very similar to the Panthers and Falcons. There was some hitting going on, and he got me.

Is there anyone on the team you hang out with during the offseason? Anthony, Buffalo, NY

BS: The linebackers with the Panthers are like a cult. We're a tight knit group. I hang out with a bunch of the LBs during the offseason. I hang out with Vinny Ciurciu up in New Jersey when I go up to New York. We work out with the same trainer there. The Withermorgans (Will Witherspoon and Dan Morgan) go on their annual trip, and we'll all get together and hang out.

How did you feel personally about shutting out your old team in the playoffs? Markimus, NC

BS: It felt great. I could not have written a script with a better return to Giants Stadium than that.

What differences do you notice between the John Fox who was your defensive coordinator in New York and the John Fox who is your head coach now? Rich, Columbus, OH

BS: The guys are going to kill me for saying this, but (Coach Fox) is a lot more laid back as the head coach than he was as a defensive coordinator. He was much more in your face and instructive in New York. You have to be more laid back when you're in control of everything. When you're in charge of one aspect of the team, you can focus more intently on that aspect. On top of that I was a rookie and then a starter in my second year. John Fox expects a lot out of you.

Do you guys ever read the message boards on the internet to see what people are saying about you and the team? Scott, Indian Trail, NC

BS: Personally, I don't. I try to stay away from it because it's poison to the mind. Whenever they tell you you're doing well, it can make you weak. And whenever they tell you you're doing bad, it can bring you down. So I try to stay away from it.

What was the most amusing thing you have ever seen happen on the field or the sidelines? Mark, NC

BS: It's a Joe Paterno story. I think it was my junior year at Penn State, and the offensive line was having a hard time with cut blocks. They weren't cutting people properly. The offensive line coach was doing cut drills, and Joe got mad. He went over and yelled, "No! No! No! This is how you do it." Joe wanted to demonstrate how to do a cut block, so he had one of the offensive linemen hold up a bag. When you cut block, you're supposed to lead with your shoulder. But Joe led with his body. He emulated Superman as he cut blocked the dummy. He rolled on the ground and bounced around, and everything got quiet. No one knew if he was hurt. He got up and yelled, "Yeah! Baloney!" Everyone started busting out laughing because we saw that he was all right.

How much longer do you see Joe Paterno coaching? Loki, Springfield, MO
BS: As long as Joe wants to.

Tell us something that we as fans would be surprised to learn about NFL players or the NFL. Fireball, Cleveland, OH

BS: How much work and dedication it takes just to be an NFL player. Most people think that what you see on Sunday is all an NFL player has to do. They don't understand that it's a full-time job just like anyone else's, only a lot more stressful physically. Our off-season conditioning program starts in mid to late March, just a month and a half after the last season ended for us.

After a strong season for the defense that finished third overall what areas do you think can be improved for next season? Steven B, Brisbane, Australia

BS: We finished number three. We should be number one.

What was the biggest moment in your football career? John, Hershey, PA

BS: There have been a bunch of them, but probably playing in the Super Bowl that first time for the New York Giants. I won state championships in high school and played in the Fiesta Bowl and Citrus Bowl in college, but being a part of the Super Bowl is what every little kid dreams of. It's what every person in this business aspires to do, and just being a part of that was awesome. Winning it is a dream come true, which we plan on doing next year here with the Panthers.