Boy, I'll tell you, when the Rams drafted me No. 1, it surprised me. I was walking on air for days.
Jack Youngblood

But this was my chance to go to the Super Bowl. Nothing was going to stop me.
Jack Youngblood

By that time I was thinking a little about pro ball and hopeful that someone would draft me.
Jack Youngblood

Deacon Jones has been the most inspirational person in my football career.
Jack Youngblood

Football has been my life for as long as I can remember.
Jack Youngblood

Good luck is a residue of preparation.
Jack Youngblood

He owned a service station, and I used to go there and piddle around - pump some gas, get in the way.
Jack Youngblood

He took me under his wing when I first came to the Rams and taught me everything - his technique in the pass rush, how to play off blockers, and how to make the big play.
Jack Youngblood

I don't talk much to offensive linemen in general.
Jack Youngblood

I think my numbers speak for themselves.
Jack Youngblood


I think we all want to be remembered for what we did.
Jack Youngblood

I visualize things in my mind before I have to do them. It's like having a mental workshop.
Jack Youngblood

It's unbelievable how many things I've learned from Merlin Olsen.
Jack Youngblood

Merlin really taught me how to concentrate, that you play each play as if it were the only play. And if you put all the plays together like that, then you'll come out on top.
Jack Youngblood

One day, though, I was asked if I'd like to go to the University of Florida and become a Gator.
Jack Youngblood

Sure enough, it wasn't long until I got a call, telling me I had a scholarship there. It was the only scholarship offer I had and, believe me, I jumped at it.
Jack Youngblood

The disappointment of losing is huge.
Jack Youngblood

The emotions of the game do not change.
Jack Youngblood

The joy of winning is not as dramatic as the losses were, because I expected us to win.
Jack Youngblood

There are no opportune times for a penalty, and this is not one of those times.
Jack Youngblood