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A Conversation with Titans linebacker Gilbert Gardner

A Conversation with Titans linebacker Gilbert Gardner

By Ian Allen

This week I spoke to Tennesee Titans line backer Gilbert Gardner about last year's Super Bowl Championship experience, then to free agency, and current life as a Ram.

Before we talk Super Bowl, lets start with Gilbert's background.

Gilbert came to Purdue as a safety, and Coach Tiller moved him to LB because of his height and speed. Thanks to a high level of maturity he quickly became respected in the locker room (nor easy for a rookie).

Some even called him "Pastor Gardner".

Although undersized at the time, he also made an immediate impact on the field.

He went from Purdue to being a 3rd round pick in 2004, and when asked about that he responded by saying "it was one of my best accomplishments in my life."

He also spoke about his experience at school, and who served as a major catalyst to his developement and career.

"Believe or not, the person who helped me the most was Coach Spack (the defensive co-ordinator at Purdue University)," said Gardner. "He taught me so much about the position and defense and was real patient when it came to me learning. I attribute a lot to Coach Spack."

As a former Boilermaker myself, I have nothing but good things to say about Coach Tiller and that coaching staff.

Yes it was a very challenging and tough environment, but you knew they cared about you, and my Oline coach Danny Hope (Head coach at Eastern Kentucky now), really took the time to make men out of us as well.

Switching gears... On to Super Bowl excitement. Super Bowl is a surreal event to be apart of. Last year Gardner helped the Colts defeat the Chicago Bears, and now proudly wears a Super Bowl ring.

"It was an unbelievable experience and it took a while for it to set in that we were the champs, but it was a blessing," said Gardner.

Despite helping the team to a champsionship, Gardner found himself in free agency during the offseason.

Transitioning from Super Bowl to free agency can be frustrating.

Consider players like Lance Briggs last season with the Bears, or Trent Dilfer in 2000 with the Baltimore Ravens, both of whom were shown the door after playing significant roles in leading their teams to the title game.

Yet Gardner puts it into perspective.

"It really wasn't to complicated for me because as soon as free agency began, I got multiple calls from teams and I already knew what I was looking for, and financially it was fun and a blessing."

This season Gardner has served as more of a special teams ace and reserve role, sitting behind the highly regarded Keith Bullock on the linebacking depth chart.

"I have great respect for Keith, the way he plays the game at a high level, and the way he prepares still helps me in my game, and makes me a better player," said Gardner of his teammate. "Sure I want to play more, but you know your role and make sure you are the best you can be at your role, then just wait your turn."

The league is about maximizing your opportunities when you get them."

Thats all for now, until next time.

Ian Allen played offensive line in the NFL for six seasons, primarily with the New York Giants. He now hosts an NFL radio program on www.colourfulradio.com, Mondays, 3:00 p.m. EST