The Detroit Lions visit the Philadelphia Eagles on “Sunday Night Football” in a battle between two of the best teams in the NFC. Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone grew up about 45 minutes outside Philadelphia, in Reading, Pennsylvania. He has been a key part of a Lions defense that ranks seventh in yards allowed and eighth against the run.
Anzalone joined the Detroit Free Press for this week’s Five Questions. Some questions and answers have been edited for clarity and brevity.
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### CATS AND BIRDS: Detroit Lions’ Collision Course with Philadelphia Eagles Finally Comes to a Head
**You grew up outside of Philadelphia. What was your favorite Eagles moment as a kid?**
When they went to the Super Bowl—I forget the exact year, maybe 2005. They lost, and I cried. It was a rough season.
**How often did you go to Eagles games?**
I feel like everyone in that area of Pennsylvania is into football, similar to here. The fans are passionate, but I think ours are a bit more tame. I went to a decent number of games growing up because one of my best friends had season tickets, and I’d get invited often.
**What advice would you give Lions fans going to Philadelphia this week?**
Wear neutral colors. I’m sure it’s not as intense as it used to be, but it never hurts to be cautious.
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**You helped your wife coach your son’s soccer team this spring. What advice would you give to youth sports parents?**
As my son gets older, I think I’ll have a harder time dealing with certain types of parents. Sports are supposed to be fun. You can encourage your kids to play hard, but it’s just for fun—not everyone is going pro.
That’s the main thing I emphasize as a coach: it’s for fun. There’s a time to be serious, but until high school, it’s not the be-all and end-all.
**Is your son about 3?**
He’s going to be 5.
**Are you already running into parents who think their kid will be the next Lionel Messi?**
You hear people talk. Not directly at games, but you can tell which parents might be prone to that based on how they talk. Like, “My son’s really coming along this year; it’s going to be great.” At this age, we’re more worried about orange slices at halftime!
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**How many sports did you play in high school?**
I played basketball my freshman year, then lacrosse and football.
**How do you feel about kids playing a variety of sports?**
It’s important. Playing multiple sports develops your athleticism and prevents burnout. You train different muscles and skills that way. Even if football is your sport, other sports can help you improve. Those high school sports memories stick with you for life. I wish I could play another lacrosse game now as a 31-year-old NFL player.
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**You face Saquon Barkley this week. He jumped backwards over a defender last year. What’s the most freakish thing you’ve seen on an athletic field?**
One that stands out is when Kenneth Walker III, the Seahawks running back, flipped over me last year. I’d never seen anything like that before. Playing in the NFL long enough, you see some crazy athleticism.
**How about you? What’s the most freakish thing you’ve ever done athletically?**
I don’t know. Maybe covering receivers. I wouldn’t say I’m the most athletic guy, not jumping super high. But I did have a one-handed jumping pick in the preseason once.
**Were you dunking in ninth grade?**
Yeah, I was dunking by ninth grade. Not everyone can say that.
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**The Mega Millions jackpot is $1 billion right now. Will you buy a ticket?**
No, I’m not. I probably should, but I don’t even have time.
**What would you buy if you won a billion dollars? How would you spend it?**
I’d probably get a Wheels Up account—you could get your own plane with that money. I’d start knocking on doors of houses not for sale that I want. And I’d definitely give back.
**If you won a billion dollars, would you still play football?**
No, I’d be done.
**Would you have still played eight or nine years ago?**
Yeah, maybe because I didn’t know any better back then. Now I know better. I’d probably go back to being a coach and a parent.
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**Are you going to let your kids play football?**
Yeah, they’ll probably play flag football first, but for tackle, I’d say it’s going to be when my son is going through puberty and maturing a bit.
**You’re in a tough spot—you’ll want him to play, but knowing what you know…**
I’ll have to hold him back. It’ll be hard and interesting. We’ll see how it goes.
**Is your dad a doctor?**
Yes, he’s a pediatrician.
**Did he have any reservations about you playing football?**
No, he had me playing football as early as first or second grade.
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**Do you do jersey swaps with opposing players?**
I don’t do it a lot. For close friends, I do. For example, when Pat O’Connor was in Tampa, I swapped with him. Also Trey Hendrickson—we were drafted together, so I did it with him. But generally, not too often. A lot of times it’s like, ‘I’ll send you a jersey later,’ which counts.
**What’s the most meaningful jersey you have?**
From teammates, I have one from Drew Brees. I was teammates with Manti Te’o, which was also special. I recently put Derrick Barnes’ jersey up in my office after we finally swapped last year.
**Even if it’s not a jersey, what’s your most coveted piece of sports memorabilia?**
I’d say my collection of game balls from various games throughout my career. It’s cool to look back and remember those moments. My office is full of them, and it’s pretty special.
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*Dave Birkett covers the Lions for the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.*
https://sports.yahoo.com/article/alex-anzalone-advice-detroit-lions-100755035.html
