Quotes from Austin Seferian-Jenkins

I'm not trying to get in good graces of anybody. I just want to be myself and be the guy that helps out in the community, because that's who I am.

I've played this game since I was in second grade, and there's nothing more important to me than playing football.

I want to be a dominant pass rusher. I think I can do that with my body type and my work ethic.

I'm me: I'm a fun, easy-going guy that likes to work hard, who's very driven and determined.

Being able to play basketball at a high level, adjusting to the ball in the air, quick feet, quick hands and all that stuff definitely translates to playing tight end in the National Football League.

You have setbacks in your life, and adversity. You can be discouraged about it or have courage to get through it and be better.

Foot work, hand-eye coordination. There's a lot of things. If you just watch basketball, you can tell where it would help someone who's receiving the ball.

The idea that I can provide for my mother and play at the highest level in the world for football and compete against the best guys in the world - it's a very exciting idea.

I fail every once in a while, but failing is your first attempt at learning. I'm not worried about it.

I'm Austin Seferian-Jenkins. He's Tony Gonzalez. He's the best tight end to ever play the game. So that's a real strong comparison. I'm just going to do my job and leave the comparisons up to the coaches and the media.

I think guys that play basketball really understand how to go up and get a ball. Because in a rebound situation, you've got to go up and fight for a ball. Just boxing out. There are a lot of things that transfer.

Every single day since Day 1, to Day 2, to Day 3, to Day 4, to Day 5, to Day 6, to Day 7 to Day 8, whatever day it is now, I've gotten better.

I think I just need more time to refine my skills, and I can be a dominant pass rusher.

I had to go to jail, which was probably the most humbling thing I've ever had to deal with in my life.

Playing on Saturdays, seeing 75,000 people yell your name, 88, ASJ, and all of that stuff is great.

I played basketball my whole life. It definitely helps. It translates to going up for rebounds and going up for balls in the end zone. Quick feet. It helps with getting in and out of your cuts. It definitely all translates to football.

I don't care what the depth chart is. I don't care what I'm on. I'm going to enjoy it, and I'm going to seize every opportunity that I get, because that's the most important thing.

I've split out, played receiver, I've been a fullback, I've been in-line.

I love donating my time and serving other people. Just seeing the faces of people in need light up when they see you... There is no way I can put it into words. You feel like you did something right.

If you don't do it the way coaches ask you to do something, and someone else does it the way it's supposed to be done, that's just natural life.

I hold myself to a very high standard. But you're going to make mistakes. You've got to erase it and move forward.

Preparation starts after the game before.

I'm a normal person. You say something about me, I'm going to say something back, funny or not. I'm just going to be me. It's nothing against them. I'm just doing what you do to me.

Granted, everybody is different, but I think it's real important to know all the people that you are around, and how they operate their history, and things like that. You know where they are coming from a little bit, and you don't insult them, or take something for granted.