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I've always felt fortunate to be given the opportunity to talk football on the radio. In addition to being every sports fan's dream, it's allowed me to talk to athletes and coaches and get the real story of what professional football is like. I can honestly say that I've met very few players that have been as helpful and patient as Marcus Coleman. The eleven year veteran cornerback recently took the time to answer some questions relating to the draft, his career, and what he's doing now.

1. Where were you in 1996 for your draft?

I was at home with my parents and my girlfriend in Dallas, TX during the draft. 

2. Was it as hectic as it looks? Did you spend the weekend pacing or were you relaxed?

I was a little nervous - I would go outside and play basketball, or played video games to relax.

3. You were selected in the fifth round by the New York Jets. Many people, myself included, were surprised that you lasted that long. Were you disappointed or just happy the whole ordeal was over?

In the beginning I was disappointed, but ultimately to get drafted was exciting and was a chance to show my abilities.

4. In what round did you or your agent start getting phone calls from teams?

I was getting calls as early as the second round, there were teams that I had visited that expressed if certain players weren't there they would draft me.

5. When did you hear from New York?

I heard from New York in the fourth round.

6. Many people think the draft process (all star games, the combine, pro days) is overblown. Having gone through it all, and seeing the coverage that it gets now, what are your feelings?

I think in a way its overblown. Numbers at the combine can be skewed and anyone can train for certain drills. The all-star games are good because it's the best of the best playing against each other and the plays being run are the same calls you get from whoever that NFL coach is. They get to see if you can learn the playbook and how fast you pick it up. Some teams get hyped up over numbers but that doesn't mean the guy is a football player.

7. A couple of players in this year's draft, Eric Berry and Earl Thomas, played safety in college, but are described as having the skill sets to play cornerback in the NFL. Having played both positions yourself, how difficult of a transition would that be?

I was fortunate because I played both positions in college. The transition for some guys could be tough. You're learning football from a different angle. The way you view the field is different, play calls are different, and the angles are different. You also have to be quick enough to cover, especially if you're playing inside in nickel packages. As opposed to safety you see the entire field, tackling angles are different, and the coverage schemes change also.

8. Would you advise a team to select a player on that potential or only take them if they expect them to play safety?

I would advise a team to still take them. Worst scenario is they would move back to their natural position.

9. The Texans need a corner and a playmaking free safety. If two players were graded the same, one played corner and the other safety, which one would you take?

If they are graded the same, I would take a corner. Good corners are much more valuable and a lot harder to find. 

10. You enjoyed a very successful, eleven year career in the league. What advice would you give players coming into the league now?

My advice would be this: study, do everything they ask you to do, take care of your body, and don't get caught up in the hype. You need to establish yourself within the organization and also for future contracts with other teams possibly. Also, having ability is only 10 percent of it, knowing what to do is 90. And if you're always hurt then you never get to show what kind of player you are, so taking care of your body is crucial. I always took care of my body every way I possibly could. Researching what worked for me and trained accordingly. It's amazing how guys go out and hire personal trainers, which in the beginning could be good, but what works for someone else may not work for you. Everyone's body is different. 

11. Have you ever thought about coaching or are you going to continue focusing on broadcasting?

I've thought about coaching. I just know I put in some long hours studying as a player to get ready for a game so I can imagine the hours they put in. I'm pretty focused on broadcasting and I'm also going to start brokering power soon.

12. Who was the most difficult wide receiver you covered in your career?

That's always a tough question because I covered some great receivers - Jerry Rice, Tim Brown, Andre Reed, Jimmy Smith, Marvin Harrison, and the list goes on. So I'm not sure there is one that was really tough.

13. Who are some of the defensive backs you like to watch today?

I still watch Champ Bailey, and I like Darrelle Revis and Nnamdi Asomugha. I like guys that understand the game and are technicians, not trying to be flashy.

14. Do any of them remind you of you?

The guy that is similar to me that I have watched is Sean Smith of Miami. He has the same build, ability, and some of the same techniques.

15. You played most of your career with the number 42, which isn't an overly popular number for a cornerback. Was there any significance to that number - Jackie Robinson, Ronnie Lott - or was it just a number that you liked?

Well the story behind that is when I got to New York and we were selecting our numbers, they told me what was available and the equipment guy said 42 is available, but the guy who wore this number is a great player and a legend. Of course it was Ronnie Lott. I said ok, give me the damn number I'll be the next great 42. So that was how I got it. I love the number, though.