Beth Gorr: It's hard to ask for more out of your rookie season. What was the whole experience like for you?
Mark Anderson: The Super Bowl was great. What an experience for rookie year. I couldn't believe it. The excitement was incredible, but the loss was hard. I think the best case is if that motivates us to go back there and do even better next year.
BG: You've never played so many games before in a single year. How are you feeling physically right now, and what's been keeping you busy in the offseason?
MA: I'm feeling really good right now. I had a nice offseason. I spent some of the time in Oklahoma catching up with friends and family but mostly relaxing. Then I went to Florida to hang out for a while.
BG: How is your conditioning program going? Are you doing anything differently than you may have done in college?
MA: I've spent a lot of time working out and keeping my conditioning right where I want it to be. In this business, you can't just show up for spring workouts and not be in shape. You wouldn't keep your job very long if you did.
BG: You won't be a rookie next season. What's your mental state like heading into your second year compared to your first year?
MA: I feel confident going into this year. I've learned so much. It's amazing to look back at the past year. I was naïve coming out of the draft. I didn't know what to expect. College football is intense but nothing compared to the pressures you can find in the NFL.
BG: You had a difficult transition coming out of college and then getting hurt in training camp. Are you feeling more prepared this time around?
MA: But it was a very positive transition for me. I'm glad I was able to make an impact. Really, the season was beyond my expectations. My goal now is to improve every day. I take nothing for granted. I'm going to be relying on my coaches and my teammates to help me improve.
| Beth Gorr has been covering the Chicago Bears for the last six years and is the Author of Bear Memories: The Chicago-Green Bay Rivalry. She is currently working on a second book about early Bears history. |
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