Duquesne’s Andy Struttmann NFL Interview with Joe Gaiter

Joe Gaiter: What does football mean to you?

Andy Struttmann: Football is one of the most important things in my life, it has taught me so many important life lessons. To excel at the game, it takes many different attributes such as discipline, hard work, dedication, loyalty, honor, and most importantly it gives you an unbreakable bond with your teammates. There is something about going through those grueling off-season workouts, two-a-day practices, close 4^th quarter games with your teammates that creates an element of family that cannot be found anywhere else. It is the greatest sport on the planet, the excitement, adrenaline, competition, wins, losses, ups, downs, I wouldn’t trade what this sport has done for me for anything.

Joe Gaiter: Tell us about your season this year?

Andy Struttmann: This past season I was fortunate enough to be appointed team captain by my teammates, and ended up receiving 1^st team all NEC honors. Unfortunately, we as a team fell short of our goal of winning an outright conference championship.

Joe Gaiter: What makes you ready for the NFL?

Andy Struttmann: My work ethic and football IQ are two of the main reasons why I am ready to play at the next level. Everyone is extremely talented at this point, and this is where my work ethic will set me apart.

Joe Gaiter: Who would you compare your football skill to that currently plays in the NFL?

Andy Struttmann: James Develin for the Patriots, and Roosevelt Nix for the Steelers. I love watching those guys play, and both being defensive standouts in college I relate closely to both players.

Joe Gaiter: Who is your agent and why did you choose them?

Andy Struttmann: Eli Phillips is my agent, I choose him due to the fact he is in my hometown Columbus OH, he was extremely open and honest with me, he has a fantastic work ethic, and has great connections.

Joe Gaiter: Do you have any regrets over your college career?

Andy Struttmann: No, if you have regrets over your college career you weren’t doing something right.

Joe Gaiter: Describe yourself in 3 words.

Andy Struttmann: Tenacious, Leader, Observant

Joe Gaiter: What inspires you?

Andy Struttmann: Financial stability. You must fall in love with the grind to achieve your ultimate goals, this goal of being financially stability is at upmost importance to me. The lifestyle of living pay check to pay check is also a major motivator that drives me towards becoming stable with finances and wealth.

Joe Gaiter: Tell us about the bond you have with your teammates?

Andy Struttmann: My teammates are my best friends, I would do anything for any of those guys. From current teammates, to past I keep a close relationship with many of them from all across the country. We were fortunate to have a team with a very tight knit locker-room, which I believe led to on the field success.

Joe Gaiter: If you could go back to your freshman year, what would you do differently?

Andy Struttmann: I would go back to tell myself to not be so stubborn, it’s crazy how much you grow both mentally and physically over your college career.

Joe Gaiter: How important is community service to you once you make the team?

Andy Struttmann: It is very important, athletics gives you a platform to be able to help grow and strengthen the community you are in. If all communities are stronger, this in turn means we are stronger together as a country, and that is very important to myself.

Joe Gaiter: What separates you from other athletes that play your same position?

Andy Struttmann: My physicality, my motor, and my ability to recognize plays as they unfold.

Joe Gaiter: What has your biggest accomplishment?

Andy Struttmann: Come May it will be being a college graduate from Duquesne University, however I believe being a team captain this past season is right up there. I am not one to harp on individual accolades and statistics rather focused upon team success, and I believe being appointed by your peers to have you lead the team is a major accomplishment, and testament to your character as a person.

Joe Gaiter: Do you have a backup plan if you don’t make it to the NFL?

Andy Struttmann: Yes, for the past 3 years through college I have owned and operated a construction/landscape company in Columbus OH, (Struttmann Landscape LLC) that I plan to continue with after football is over. With the average NFL career being less than four years, it is essential to have a plan that is life long.

Joe Gaiter: When is your proday?

Andy Struttmann: March 21^st is the date as of now.

Joe Gaiter: Where and how often are you training?

Andy Struttmann: I will be training at West Side Barbell, as well as Duquesne University for a combined six days a week.

Joe Gaiter: What do you want your legacy to be?

Andy Struttmann: I want my legacy to be known as someone who was a great leader that worked for everything they have. I am a huge advocate of preparation and hard work, and to pass that on to future generations coming from where I am from would mean a lot to me.

Joe Gaiter: Final Words?

Andy Struttmann: I just want to say whichever team gives me a shot they will not be disappointed, I am ready to work! I want to give a shout out to Tom Barry, Westside Barbell, John Quint, Mike Davies, Eni Kinikini, Anthony Longo, Jay Sofin, Eli Phillips, and the entire Duquesne coaching staff for helping me get ready for the next level!

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