The New York Times was able to catch up with Tugg Speedman regarding the season thus far and his individual performance. We are at the halfway point of the season and the Silverbacks are currently tied for first place in the American Simulation Football Conference with the Arizona Outlaws at 7-3. For Tugg, he’s on pace to shatter his personal best record for receptions in a season and may break 1,000 yards for the first time in his career. Let’s get to our interview with Speedman.
Interviewer: “Hey Tugg, thanks for taking the time to answer my questions.”
Tugg: “No problem, happy to talk with you!”
Interviewer: “So we’ll get right into it, how are you feeling so far at this point in the season, in regards to the team?”
Tugg: “I’m feeling great! We’re tied with Arizona right now in the conference and have been playing really good football as a team. It was tough to drop one to San Jose, especially since you always want to beat your former team but it was a good game and we learned a lot from that one. It was good to see some of my old teammates!”
Interviewer: “You had a nice win streak going there for sure, some say it was a trap game against a San Jose team that is outperforming their expectations. What’s your take on that?”
Tugg: “Yeah, we've really been hitting on all cylinders up until today. I won’t take anything away from San Jose, they beat us straight up. Sure, they probably are outplaying the expectations the media set for them, but I know the guys in that locker room, and this goes for any locker room - these teams want to win and never underestimate a team that you dictate as an underdog. The minute you do that, is the minute they catch you flat-footed and off guard.”
Interviewer: “A wise and insightful analysis. Moving onto you - how are you feeling so far this season about how you fit into the offense, especially with half a season under your belt coming into this season.”
Tugg: “I’m feeling great about the team and my place within the offense. We were certainly more of a run heavy team to start the season so the passing game kind of suffered but we were winning so there’s not much you can say. However, we’ve really upped the passing efforts and things are really clicking for Howitzer and the receiving room. Coming into this season, I was sliding over into the #2 wide receiver spot and my increase in receptions so far is certainly reflective of that. I haven’t been too lucky when it comes to touchdowns this season and I certainly miss getting into the endzone but I’m happy for my guys Jax and Snyder.”
Interviewer: “A real team-first approach. In the past you’ve mentioned wanting to prioritize personal stats over winning, has that changed?”
Tugg: “Hmm, I’m not sure. I think I'm still selfishly more concerned with my own stats but at the same time you learn to love the guys you play around and also want them to succeed as well. Winning comes with our own personal successes most of the time so I know eventually I’m going to be THE guy here and right now I'm sharing that spotlight which is okay with me.”
Interviewer: “I see, so what you’re saying is you want to be in New York for a while?”
Tugg: “Absolutely! I signed a contract last season with mutual options to help me get paid what I’m worth. Technically I am taking a pay cut this season so after this season I will probably get the chance to make that right. But yes I intend on staying here in New York City for the foreseeable future. I love the city and seeing fans everywhere saying hi and buying me drinks.”
Interviewer: “Well I know a lot of people will be happy to hear that. It sounds like you've fallen in love with the city and the Silverbacks locker room.”
Tugg: “Absolutely, and since I’ve joined New York, the locker room has been such an awesome place. We’ve got such a great group of people who are supportive and funny. I’ve definitely been lucky and this goes back to San Jose for allowing me to leave. I’m very grateful to both teams and front offices.”
Interviewer: “How do you see the rest of the season going, both for you and for the team?”
Tugg: “I think New York is taking the conference and we’re winning the Ultimus. I believe just like I did last year and even though we fell short, I have not wavered in my belief of this team. It’s going to happen, you're just going to have to wait and see. In regards to my own performance, I really want to break 1,000 yards this season. If I could also reach 80 receptions, I would love to hit on that. It would be such a huge step towards 100 receptions. At this point in the season, I won’t get close to 10 touchdowns but if I can hit 5 I wouldn’t be mad.”
Interviewer: "All great goals to have and try to achieve on a yearly basis. Is that what you're ultimately working towards? The Hall of Fame?"
Tugg: "Absolutely! That's why I play and work as hard as I do. I want to be remembered for being the greatest receiver in league history, team history, whatever you want to label it as. I want my kids, my kids kids, and their kids to remember that Tugg Speedman was a force and someone you wanted to see play every chance you got. I want that to be my legacy."
Interviewer: “Well all of us are rooting for you and for the Silverbacks down this stretch. Good luck the rest of this season Tugg and thank you again for giving me the opportunity to talk.”
Tugg: “You got it! Happy to talk as always! Go Silverback!”
Interviewer: “Hey Tugg, thanks for taking the time to answer my questions.”
Tugg: “No problem, happy to talk with you!”
Interviewer: “So we’ll get right into it, how are you feeling so far at this point in the season, in regards to the team?”
Tugg: “I’m feeling great! We’re tied with Arizona right now in the conference and have been playing really good football as a team. It was tough to drop one to San Jose, especially since you always want to beat your former team but it was a good game and we learned a lot from that one. It was good to see some of my old teammates!”
Interviewer: “You had a nice win streak going there for sure, some say it was a trap game against a San Jose team that is outperforming their expectations. What’s your take on that?”
Tugg: “Yeah, we've really been hitting on all cylinders up until today. I won’t take anything away from San Jose, they beat us straight up. Sure, they probably are outplaying the expectations the media set for them, but I know the guys in that locker room, and this goes for any locker room - these teams want to win and never underestimate a team that you dictate as an underdog. The minute you do that, is the minute they catch you flat-footed and off guard.”
Interviewer: “A wise and insightful analysis. Moving onto you - how are you feeling so far this season about how you fit into the offense, especially with half a season under your belt coming into this season.”
Tugg: “I’m feeling great about the team and my place within the offense. We were certainly more of a run heavy team to start the season so the passing game kind of suffered but we were winning so there’s not much you can say. However, we’ve really upped the passing efforts and things are really clicking for Howitzer and the receiving room. Coming into this season, I was sliding over into the #2 wide receiver spot and my increase in receptions so far is certainly reflective of that. I haven’t been too lucky when it comes to touchdowns this season and I certainly miss getting into the endzone but I’m happy for my guys Jax and Snyder.”
Interviewer: “A real team-first approach. In the past you’ve mentioned wanting to prioritize personal stats over winning, has that changed?”
Tugg: “Hmm, I’m not sure. I think I'm still selfishly more concerned with my own stats but at the same time you learn to love the guys you play around and also want them to succeed as well. Winning comes with our own personal successes most of the time so I know eventually I’m going to be THE guy here and right now I'm sharing that spotlight which is okay with me.”
Interviewer: “I see, so what you’re saying is you want to be in New York for a while?”
Tugg: “Absolutely! I signed a contract last season with mutual options to help me get paid what I’m worth. Technically I am taking a pay cut this season so after this season I will probably get the chance to make that right. But yes I intend on staying here in New York City for the foreseeable future. I love the city and seeing fans everywhere saying hi and buying me drinks.”
Interviewer: “Well I know a lot of people will be happy to hear that. It sounds like you've fallen in love with the city and the Silverbacks locker room.”
Tugg: “Absolutely, and since I’ve joined New York, the locker room has been such an awesome place. We’ve got such a great group of people who are supportive and funny. I’ve definitely been lucky and this goes back to San Jose for allowing me to leave. I’m very grateful to both teams and front offices.”
Interviewer: “How do you see the rest of the season going, both for you and for the team?”
Tugg: “I think New York is taking the conference and we’re winning the Ultimus. I believe just like I did last year and even though we fell short, I have not wavered in my belief of this team. It’s going to happen, you're just going to have to wait and see. In regards to my own performance, I really want to break 1,000 yards this season. If I could also reach 80 receptions, I would love to hit on that. It would be such a huge step towards 100 receptions. At this point in the season, I won’t get close to 10 touchdowns but if I can hit 5 I wouldn’t be mad.”
Interviewer: "All great goals to have and try to achieve on a yearly basis. Is that what you're ultimately working towards? The Hall of Fame?"
Tugg: "Absolutely! That's why I play and work as hard as I do. I want to be remembered for being the greatest receiver in league history, team history, whatever you want to label it as. I want my kids, my kids kids, and their kids to remember that Tugg Speedman was a force and someone you wanted to see play every chance you got. I want that to be my legacy."
Interviewer: “Well all of us are rooting for you and for the Silverbacks down this stretch. Good luck the rest of this season Tugg and thank you again for giving me the opportunity to talk.”
Tugg: “You got it! Happy to talk as always! Go Silverback!”
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