10 Questions for "Big Gus"

1) There were two weeks of "football camp" before principal photography.
What was this about?

It was showing us the difference in Stance, footwork, formations and plays. But most of all it was a time where we could get to know eachother.

2) In relation to how you learned to play your position in college and NFL;
how can you relate that to learning plays that were comedic and athletic?  

It was different. The stances were a bit different. Also, there were no hash marks so plays were run from the sideline. The passing game wasn't very developed so it was smashmouth. As far as comedy, I lined up in the backfield. That speaks for itself.

3A) Did you ever imagine you would be in a football movie?

Yes,the remake of the Longest Yard. Not as an 18 year old running back in the 1920s

3B) When you were cast for Leatherheads, did you think you would finally be
able to run, throw or catch the ball instead of being a linemen?

I wasn't sure what he was going to do. The only thing I knew for sure is that I was a kicker.

4) What were some of the subtleties of the game during that era of football
that was new to you, regardless whether it was acted out or not?

No hash marks stands out the most. If you went out of bounds the center was next to the sideline and everyone was on one side of him. Also, the lack of a true passing game. But those boys back then were tough.

5) Back to some PR reading:  It says you guys lived together in hotel rooms,
much like college and NFL camps before filming. Please explain what that was
like compared to what you knew about camps. Did you pull any pranks on the
"rookies"?

No. Not all of the players stayed in our hotel, only the principal actors. There were times our floor could have been confused with a frat house. When we didn't have work, we would enjoy some barley sodas and play Guitar Hero.

6) I understand that you guys hung out together, went to movies, etc. That's
a side of sports filmmaking that isn't scene /public knowledge by many of us
theatre goers. It seemed to have been important in the making of this movie.
Can you enlighten us on who decided to do it this way and did it help?

Well I would have to assume it was George and Grant who brought us out early and put us all together. We were real good about calling everyone before we did something. In the movie I think the guys on the team were like one character. Our closeness off set allowed us the security of trying anything with our character and know that the boys would be supportive , but also let you know if the idea sucked. ;)

7) Plays had to be learned for Leatherheads. Can you explain if they were
half plays, plays similar to what you have known or were they like sandlot
plays drawn in the dirt?

We had a real good coach and we ran the plays of that era.

8) I read that you had to "unlearn" a lot of what you knew playing a modern
game. Can you help describe what that was like?  Did you ever "react" and
catch a teammate by surprise with your instinctive moves?

It was just reminding myself not to think like a modern day football player.

9) John Krasinski was the last to report to camp. Knowing what you (NFL)
players would do to late reporters in summer camp... Was there any razzing,
singing, carrying equipment, etc., you had John doing?

No. We felt like we needed him to get comfortable with us as quick as he could and we didn't have much time. Although I do remember sneaking in his trailer a few times because he had a bigger bathroom.

10) Did you ever think you would be on a football field, playing a game,
albeit in the movies, and have to wear makeup?

I didn't wear make-up!