Joe Gaiter: What does football mean to you?
Jean Cyriaque: Football has always been one of the main focal points of my life. My parents constantly remind me that I was born during the 1997 NFC Championship Game between the Sam Mills led Panthers and the Brett Favre led Packers. As a kid I was more of a fan & not a player, yet football always grasped my attention more than any other game. Once I finally got my chance to play, at C.E. Jordan High School, I’ve vowed to give this game my best shot and it’s paid off immensely.
Joe Gaiter: What are your fondest memories about C.E. Jordan High School?
Jean Cyriaque: My fondest memories about high school were all in the weight room and on the field. We weren’t the best team, but the development process taught me, “hard work always pays off”. My numbers went up every Max day, leading me towards the top of the weight room boards. I never earned an All-Conference award in High School, but I did receive the Jordan Falcon’s IRON Man Award. This was given to the hardest working person on the team, and motivated me not give up my dream of playing on the next level.
Joe Gaiter: Why did you choose Morehouse College?
Jean Cyriaque: I chose Morehouse due to the prestige of the school as well as the promise of the football program. The package they offered me allowed me to come in as an Oprah Winfrey scholar, an Honors Program member, as well as a chance to compete as a freshman (as a member of the “Travel Squad”). Also being on the same campus as the prestigious schools Spelman College & Clark Atlanta University brought many networking opportunities to mind, solidifying my decision.
Joe Gaiter: What were your stats this season?
Jean Cyriaque: Unfortunately, no one at Morehouse monitored Offensive line statistics, but based on film I didn’t give up any sacks and consistently pancaked competitors in the run game. Fortunately I did good enough to receive some recognition at the end of the season.
Joe Gaiter: Morehouse was 4-6. What went wrong?
Jean Cyriaque: Honestly, it was simply a matter of focus and consistency. When we came to play we always looked like the best team in the SIAC, but small mistakes led to our downfall in the games we lost.
Joe Gaiter: What are the keys in playing Offensive Line?
Jean Cyriaque: The keys to playing offensive line are technique, assignment knowledge, footwork, hand placement, flexibility and agility.
Joe Gaiter: What will you miss most about game day at Morehouse?
Jean Cyriaque: The Game Day environment at Morehouse was always very electrifying. The home crowd always shows a lot of love, and I’ll miss that more than anything
Joe Gaiter: How coachable are you?
Jean Cyriaque: I’ve always been willing to listen and adjust my game based on the knowledge of Coaches, Veterans, as well as Teammates. Working with great coaches such as Coach Christopher Browne (Southern University Legend & TE Coach), Coach Thomas Hearn (NC A&T Legend/Wilson High School Run Game coordinator), Coach Don Nelson (Morehouse College Run Game coordinator), as well as my mentor Marques Ogden (NFL VET/Howard University Legend) molded me into a “technique savy”/pulling guard, that can play any position on the OL. Being extremely critical of my play has always been key to progression in my game.
Joe Gaiter: What are some of your biggest accomplishments?
Jean Cyriaque:
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Player of the year award Watch list, Black College Football Hall of Fame
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Oprah Winfrey Scholarship Recipient ($ 18,000 per year offer)
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2x All American, Boxtorow
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4x Morehouse College Deans List
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2x Don Hansen NCAA Division II, All Region team
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2X SIAC First Team All-Conference
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Morehouse College Offensive Lineman of the Year
Joe Gaiter: Do you feel like your skills have been underrated?
Jean Cyriaque: Honestly, I’m grateful for any recognition that’s come my way. I’m very Blessed, and trust the evaluations I’ve received so far.
Joe Gaiter: How was your pro day? (Stats, Numbers, grade your performance)
Jean Cyriaque: Unfortunately, Mercer University, the location of my pro day, never shared the official results with the Morehouse coaching staff. I feel like I could’ve done better than I did though and was really looking forward to the NFL HBCU COMBINE in Miami (that got canceled) to prove my true worth.
Joe Gaiter: Who is your agent and why did you choose them?
Mr. James D. Butch Williams, of JDW Sports group. Mr. Williams is well known in my hometown for being a great agent, and reached out to me per recommendation of a close family friend (Mr. Ballen). It’s been a great experience so far, and I’m very happy I was able to sign with him.
Joe Gaiter: What is your untold story?
Jean Cyriaque: My Football Career/Life were almost cut short during my first semester of college due to extremely high blood pressure/anxiety. Ever since then I’ve been working hard to better myself as a player and in life. So far I’ve done a pretty good job, but I’m excited to see what the future holds, based on my progression.
Joe Gaiter: Why should any NFL/CFL team pick you?
Jean Cyriaque: I love this game more than anything and I’ll do anything to keep playing. Football’s been the greatest part of my life. I haven’t played my best football yet, and am willing to do whatever it takes to get better.
Joe Gaiter: What do you want your legacy to be?
Jean Cyriaque: I want to see C.E. Jordan and Morehouse College to go down as some of the most Prestigious football programs in history. They’ll always have my support and be in my Prayers.
Joe Gaiter: Who are some athletes we need to look out for?
Jean Cyriaque: I’d say The Whole Morehouse College football program, as well as my little cousins Josiah and Shalomon Trotman from Athens High School, in Athens, Alabama.
Joe Gaiter: Shoutouts?
Jean Cyriaque: Pierre & Marilie Cyriaque (grand parents)
Marion & Rena-Mae Webster (grandparents)
Mom (Jennifer Webster-Cyriaque) Pops (Jean-Felix Cyriaque)
Brother (Justyn Cyriaque), Janice Webster (2nd mom)
and the rest of my Family.
All of my Coaches.
Also my family friends:
The Ballen Family
The Richardson Family
The Palmer Family
Mr. Kurt Garret
Stephon Miller, Nahnsan Guseh, Trey Wilson, Lee Humphrey, Henry White, Jared Ballen, Aaron Rhames, Lynd Parish, David Smith, Tyler (TDUB), Sim Jamison, Imani, Simone, & Monte (Spelman sisters), Chris Smith, Chino, AB, Gavin Grewal, Elijah Toney, Q smalls, Carzell, Tasker, & Jackie (Jay) Johnson
IG @longlivepapi
Twitter @J_Cyriaque
Facebook JJ Cyriaque
