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Chat Reel: Mike McMahon
Former Rutgers QB would be OK with Steelers pick
Posted: Wednesday April 11, 2001 6:29 PM
Updated: Wednesday April 11, 2001 6:29 PM
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Mike McMahon threw for 2,157 yards and 18 TDs in 2000. Ezra O. Shaw/Allsport |
Mike McMahon, the former Rutgers quarterback, is one of the hottest prospects in the upcoming NFL Draft. Scouting reports say the 6-foot-2, 215-pound McMahon has good size, speed (4.7 in the 40-yard dash) and very good arm strength. Reports say the Pittsburgh native has a quick release and is able to move around the pocket effectively. A transcript of his April 11 chat with CNNSI.com users follows:
CNNSI Host: Welcome to today's chat with former Rutgers QB Mike McMahon. Welcome Mike!
Mike McMahon: Thanks, I'm glad to be here
From John in Glen Rock, N.J.: As a Pittsburgh guy how great would it be to be a Steeler? And have they shown any interest in you?
Mike McMahon: It would be nice to go home and play for the Steelers. Growing up, I always cheered for the Steelers. But it would great to play for any NFL team. I haven't talked to the Steelers since the Senior Bowl. But it seems they are interested in me.
From Chrisitan Polard in Pittsburgh, Pa.: Mike, What was the hardest hit that you have ever taken during your football career besides the one that I put on you in high school?
Mike McMahon: I would have to say the one that jarred my shoulder a little bit from No. 49 from Texas. I can't really remember his name. The next hardest hit was from Barrett Green from West Virginia my sophomore year.
From Mark in Laguna Niguel, Calif.: What do think it is going to take to get the Rutgers football program to be a contender in the Big East? How can they get New Jersey kids to stay at home and play at Rutgers?
Mike McMahon: I don't know what the answer is to make Rutgers a D-1 contender in the Big East. Maybe one thing they can do is lighten up on the academics. They expect you to perform like you are at Harvard Monday through Friday and then play like Florida State on Saturday. I think to keep the players in state you will have to win a lot of games. I do know that coach Schiano is doing a great job and he is doing a great job recruiting.
From Marc Borai in Broomfield, Colo.: Mike, What do you see as the ideal situation for you? Where do you want to play?
Mike McMahon: Ideal situation for me? Wow! I haven't really thought about it too much. I would like to go to any team to show my skills. I would like to learn for a year under a veteran quarterback and get a chance to play and compete the following year.
From Enrique Garcia in League City, Texas: Would Dallas be a good place for you since Aikman's retirement and the Cowboys' need at that position? (Tony Banks is a temporary fix.)
Mike McMahon: I would love to go to Dallas. I've worked out in front of the head coach and offensive coordinator in March. Just Monday I received a call from Wade Wilson, the quarterbacks coach, that they wanted to meet later this week.
From whetzel: Who is the best center you have ever played behind and what made him great? Also how does this affect your job as a quarterback?
Mike McMahon: The best center I've ever played behind was Shaun O'Hara. He got the opportunity to play for the Browns this past season due to an injury to the starting center. He is my best friend and I know how much hard work he puts in. I can trust him with anything.
From McCarthy: Who is the most influential player you have played with in your career?
Mike McMahon: That would have to be Garrett Shea. He is coach Shea's son, he played at Rutgers. He came from Ohio State. Day in and day out, we challenged each other in the weight room. He pushed me to my limit. He had a neck injury about a year ago in which he was advised not to play again. But he fought through it and came back and played in the last two games of the season.
From cpete73 in Appleton, Wis.: What round do you see yourself going in, and also, would you rather go to a team that has an established QB to learn from, or a team in need of a starter?
Mike McMahon: The rumors I've heard so far are that I'm projected into the second or third round. I will go to any team that picks me and I will go there with a smile on my face and ready to work. It's just a dream come true for me to play in the NFL.
From Trent Plumlee in Mountain View, Mo.: Mr. McMahon, looking at the Kansas City Chiefs and their QB situation, what are your thoughts on reuniting with your coach and perhaps a starting job in the NFL?
Mike McMahon: I not too sure about the starting job at Kansas City. But I know coach Shea is a good coach. Going to Kansas City would be a good situation for me. They have a good coaching staff. It would be a great situation for me.
From MacDaddy in Wexford, Pa.: Who is the best quarterback you have ever had to compete with for a starting job?
Mike McMahon: In high school I was competing with John McCarthy and he was a good quarterback. He was a senior and I was junior and our coach believed the upperclassmen should play. But he earned the job. John is good friend for me now. When I go to Pittsburgh, he offers to run routes or whatever I need to help out.
From Ralph Wiggum in Arlington, Va.: Hey Mike. I was a big fan of yours at RU. Have you had a chance to meet Coach Schiano, if so, what are your impressions? Who do you think is the front runner for quarterback? Schwenck, Dap or Cubit?
Mike McMahon: I met coach Schiano. He's a very nice guy and a good coach. As far as who is the starting quarterback, that is coach Schiano's decision, not mine (laughs).
CNNSI Host: That's all the time we have today with Mike McMahon - thanks for joining us and good luck in the draft.
Mike McMahon: Alright, thank you.
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