In the latest episode of The Dallas Express Podcast, host Sarah Zubiate Bennett interviewed Tennessee Titans placekicker Nick Folk.
Folk played college football at the University of Arizona before signing with the Dallas Cowboys, where he made a notable impact.
Over his career, he has played for several teams, including the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Known for his accuracy and reliability, Folk has achieved multiple Pro Bowl selections and has become one of the more consistent kickers in the NFL.
In the wide-ranging interview, Zubiate Bennett and Folk discuss football, family, and the city of Dallas.
“Like right now coming up these last two weeks are probably the hardest weeks because you’re getting ready for training camp, which … is kind of a grind in of itself. And then I have to leave [my wife] Jay and the kids,” Folk said.
“Jay’s a rock star. Once I kind of leave, she gets a routine down and it’s very regimented, which I love because I’m very routine in my job, but be my life in general. And the kids fall in line. The kids understand it. They kind of roll with the punches,” he added.
He went on to discuss how he got involved in playing football after focusing on soccer as a kid. Folk also explained why it is that his own children do not play tackle football.
“My mom is still very in my kids’ lives. … She sees a lot of the data on it, being a pediatrician, and a lot of the concussions that would happen from it,” he said.
“Now, growing up, I headed the ball all the time. Now kids aren’t allowed to head the ball in soccer until you get to be 11, to a full-size field. So there’s a little bit more emphasis, understanding about concussions,” he added.
Folk went on to note how at the school-age level, there is limited playing time for each child, which can set up situations where they can get hurt.
“I know for a fact that some of these kids hit the ground, they get up, they’re woozy, definitely concussed. Coach [says,] ‘Get back in there.’ Because they only have four minutes on the field. They’re trying to get as many plays, everyone touch the ball, everyone get a run around, make a tackle. So that’s probably the biggest reason,” he said.
To check out the whole interview, please click here.