By Vince Agnew, Player Engagement Insider
One-third of the way through his eleventh season in the NFL, Cincinnati Bengals left tackle Andrew Whitworth says he is experiencing some of the best health he has had in his career. The Monroe, Louisiana native was drafted by the Bengals in 2006 and has spent every season with the club, racking up Pro Bowl and First Team All-Pro honors two times each. At 34-years-old, the leader of the offensive line took pieces of his style from offensive tackle Willie Anderson, center Rich Braham, offensive tackle Levi Jones, quarterback Carson Palmer and wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh in the way that they competed and led on a daily basis. He incorporated these things in his life and it has evolved into him being able to play this game for over a decade.
Enjoying every moment, he embraces the leadership role when a new crop of players comes into the locker room ten years younger. Regardless of the difference in experience and age, many of the men bonded in orange and black will be experiencing something for the first time together this week.
The Bengals and their protector of quarterback Andy Dalton’s blindside prepared to take duty in London, England yesterdat where they battled the Washington Redskins. Whitworth, took a moment to talk about the trip and all that went into it.
VINCE AGNEW: YOU ARE TRAVELING TO LONDON, ENGLAND TO TAKE ON THE REDSKINS, WHAT WILL THIS OPPORTUNITY BE LIKE?
Andrew Whitworth: I’ve never been, this is my first time. I’m excited about this opportunity and for the trip. I’m sure it’s quite an adjustment. Especially going over on Thursday like we are, you know it’ll be an adjustment body-wise. I think it’s a great experience. What a neat thing to be able to say you’ve done. I’ve only been out of the country one time and that was just for my honeymoon when I got married. I remember in the summer we had everybody come in and get passports. You know, this is such a unique experience for a lot of guys on our team.
VA: WHAT KINDS OF PREPARATIONS DO YOU HAVE TO MAKE FOR A TRIP OF THIS NATURE?
AW: Really the passport situations and I think we go to a lot of cities where we might know where the stadium is, but we are going to a whole new country. I will have no idea where we are as pertains to downtown London or any kind of landmarks. Getting an idea of where we are there and what is around us. Where we are staying and where the stadium is compared to that, touristy things around there—it’s a learning experience for everyone. I’m sure a lot of guys have read up on what they want to do when they get there. But I’m a hotel-body, so most of the time, when we get to the hotel I just kind of sit still and chill.
VA: WHAT ARE YOUR TOP-THREE, MUST PACK ITEMS?
AW: I like to chill in the hotel, so I need to have my iPad or computer to do my Netflix and binge out on some TV—that’s a guarantee. Outside of that, you know, it’s about comfort. So, I have to bring a good pair of sweatpants, and some good comfortable shoes—probably some Jordan’s—maybe a Nike t-shirt just to stay comfortable. I like to lay low and chill, so comfortable clothes, J’s and a laptop and I’m good to go.
VA: ONCE YOU GET THERE, ARE THERE ANY OFFENSIVE LINE GROUP PLANS TO GO OUT AND DO SOMETHING?
AW: Right now, the team has an event we are all going to. That’s one thing. I’m sure Saturday during the day when we go free, all of us will go eat somewhere for brunch, find a little spot to go and get some good European food.
VA: WHAT WILL BE THE BIGGEST ADJUSTMENT?
AW: I think the biggest adjustment will be leaving Thursday afternoon and we land at six in the morning in England. Sleeping on a plane for the night and not getting much sleep is definitely going to be a big adjustment. I think really that Friday for us getting adjusted to time and getting some sleep on Friday night and Saturday will be big. That first day will be rough, but by the time you get to the game, you’re adjusted to where you are time-wise.
VA: SOCCER REIGNS SUPREME IN EUROPE BUT THE NFL IS BUILDING A POSITIVE BRAND AROUND A DIFFERENT KIND OF FOOTBALL. TALK ABOUT THE BIG PICTURE OF GETTING TO ENGAGE A NEW CROP OF FANS.
AW: It’s important going over there and realizing that you’re appeasing a whole new crowd – a group that has been big into soccer and is trying to learn more and more about football. I think that will be fun. With the excitement for the game, it’s almost like a brand-new toy. A lot of those people show true, genuine excitement trying to understand the game and how much different it is than their kind of football. I think a lot of the league’s players have really embraced that because it’s a new energy that you get from the people over there.