DENNIS DIXON

Quarterback - University of Oregon

5^th Round – 156^th Overall

Dennis Dixon:

How is the knee?

The knee is good and I am ahead of schedule, which is great. I’m dedicated on that end and I am in my treatment center right here at the University of Oregon this morning and afternoon so it is going well.

How soon can you play or practice?

Well as far as my doctors have told me, they are going to try to release me within a month. That is good for me because that means that I am truly ahead of schedule. I am happy for that.

Where do you think that you might have gone if you had not had the injury?

The sky is the limit. If I could perform to the best of my abilities on the field then it is up to the next level. If you fit that particular scheme then you go. I really have no control over that, I just try to do the best that I can on the field.

How do you feel getting drafted behind a guy who is 26 and just signed a long-term deal?

I just want to be like a sponge and soak everything in. “Big Ben” Roethlisberger is a great quarterback and I want to learn the ins and outs of playing the quarterback position as well.

It would appear that the door is shut here ever being the starter with him here:

Well the sky is the limit and I am just going to come in and do the best that I can. I am truly honored to have the opportunity to come and play at the next level.

Talk about your baseball career:

It is done. Football is my passion.

Tell me a little about baseball? What team? What position?

I got drafted in high school to the Cincinnati Reds, but I decided not to go. On top of that, I got drafted my junior year of college to the Atlanta Braves in the 5^th round. I played right field.

Did this draft end your baseball career?

I ended it before that.

So you played last summer?

Last summer that was it.

So you are kind of like Akilli Smith in more ways than one, right?

Something like that.

Dennis did they tell you that they would like to use you exclusively at quarterback?

Yes, Coach Tomlin likes me as a quarterback. He likes what I can bring. I can throw the ball at different levels with strength. I know I have a lot to work on, and I’m willing and ready with open arms.

Would you be open to doing something else while you are learning quarterback?

Yeah, I just want an opportunity to play at the next level. If Coach Tomlin sees me as something else I’m happy with that.