Garett Oden: Football means the world to me. The game has opened my life up to new opportunities, people, and experiences I would never have had without it. I was able to receive two degrees virtually for free during my college experience. I have also made lifelong friends that I first met either on the field or sidelines. There is no greater sport and I am truly thankful for how it has impacted my life.
Joe Gaiter: Tell us about your season this year?
Garett Oden: This season was rough for me going through consecutive losses, the firing of my head coach, and a drastic reduction of playing time in comparison to my junior campaign. Although things were far from ideal I would not trade the experience because I feel like it molded me to be both a better player and man. This year also forced me to develop an even deeper love for the game. I did not come this far in my playing career to conclude with defeat so now as I look to further my career I am even hungrier as a player for success. In the second half of our season under our new head coach, we finished 5 -1 which is a lifelong lesson that if you keep enduring and pushing for change hard times never last.
Joe Gaiter: What makes you ready for the NFL?
Garett Oden: I have an extremely high motor for any level whether it be in college competition or the professional league. That has been the difference for me and it will continue to further my success as I make my transition into the NFL. I am a student of the game when it comes to my position. I really love learning techniques and applying them to my game. Nothing feels better than applying and refining new moves and watching yourself execute them successfully on the opponent.
Joe Gaiter: Who would you compare your football skill to that currently plays in the NFL?
Garett Oden: I emulate many guys and try to apply their specialties to my game to make myself a more rounded defensive lineman. Where I am now though I would compare myself to the Seahawk’s Michael Bennet because he is very versatile. I come from a background of playing all across the defensive line, whether it be standup, 5 tech, or even interior. The goal at the end of the day is still the same, line up and do your job first and then make the available play. I also love to stunt and play through my hands which he does very well.
Joe Gaiter: What is your motivation for playing the game?
Garett Oden: My motivation for playing the game is to mold a better life for both myself and my family. So far I have been able to do so by being the first in my family to obtain a bachelor’s degree. I also am motivated to succeed greatly and win a championship. In high school, I was apart of a powerhouse football team and we hardly ever lost. Even then I did not ever come away with a championship and I still have not gotten a ring ever since. You can only take so much so I keep pushing for greatness every day.
Joe Gaiter: Who is your agent and why did you chose them?
Garett Oden: I am currently deciding between two agents. They both seem promising but I would like to get to know each of them more before signing to one just yet. I understand that a good or bad agent can be essential to your success when it comes to getting you connected with teams and in the right places at the right times so this decision is very important to me.
Joe Gaiter: Do you have any regrets over your college career?
Garett Oden: I have no regrets. Every bad move was just a lesson. You can never be a loser if you have the mindset that a win is a win and a loss is just a lesson to learn from.
Joe Gaiter: How has football changed your life?
Garett Oden: Football has changed my life in every way I could imagine. I am an athletic, health conscious individual. These are attributes that I have picked up that I was not exposed to before football. I met two out of my four best friends in life through football. I also have traveled far and wide and have been to parts of America that probably no one else in my family has gone to all through doors football has opened to me.
Joe Gaiter: Tell us about the bond you have with your teammates?
Garett Oden: I have a great bond with my teammates. I am very serious when it comes to practice and games but off the field, I tend to be far more carefree and goofy. My teammates seem to really appreciate that. I would like to think that any one of my teammates I have had in the past wouldn’t be afraid to reach out to me for anything I can help them with no matter what it is.
Joe Gaiter: If you could go back to your freshman year, what would you do differently?
Garett Oden: The only thing that I could think of that I would love to see had I had done it differently is immediately going to junior college my freshman year. I signed D2 and played a year and was not satisfied with the level of competition so I transferred to Juco my sophomore year to make the transition into D1 football. God has a plan for everything and had I had immediately gone Juco, I would not have met anyone I know now. The journey was long but I would not change a thing about it. I prefer to live in the present and shape my future the best I can in the here and now.
Joe Gaiter: What separates you from other athletes that play your same position?
Garett Oden: One thing that separates me for sure from other athletes that play my position, in particular, is that I love to run. I always have, ever since a little kid. So in the past when coaches would punish us with more running I never took it as a negative thing. It is just something that I do, really well. I also believe this translates into my play always running that extra 5 to 10 yards to be able to maybe be apart of a big play. As a defensive lineman, we tend to be borderline heavier guys so over the years I have seen many that do not have this love and absolutely do not share the same mindset.
Joe Gaiter: What has your biggest accomplishment?
Garett Oden: My biggest accomplishment is making my mother cry tears of joy during graduation. My mom is a strong woman but I have seen her down and crying in sadness before on rare occasions. It just feels good to actually see those tears in a positive light on my behalf. I love her to death. Had I had not been playing football I probably would not have seen the need to graduate again after my associates so for football I am thankful.
Joe Gaiter: Do you have a backup plan if you don’t make it to the NFL?
Garett Oden: My back up plan has always been to play football. If the NFL does not work out I would take my talents to the CFL where I could hopefully transition into my nations league after some time. If that does not work out I have learned many skills attaining my degree that would be useful. I can make music, record and edit video, and even man a station in any studio as a sound technician. I could even put my degree to use and continue working in public relations in the corporate world. I like to keep it versatile just like my style of play.
Joe Gaiter: When is your proday?
Garett Oden: My pro day’s exact date has not been finalized yet, but I am for sure that it is mid-March. Come check us out at Alabama State. We have some great individual talent that will most likely end up on a few NFL rosters in the fall.
Joe Gaiter: Where and how often are you training?
Garett Oden: Since graduation, I moved from my mother’s house in Humboldt, Tennessee to Tampa, Florida where I am training 6 times a week at V.A.S.T. fitness. The work is very hard, detailed, and intimate which will all end up paying off when pro day comes along.
Joe Gaiter: Final Words
Garett Oden: I would like to shoutout each and every person I’ve ever played with. You have helped me in some way get to where I am now. I do not just play for just myself. Especially when it comes to my hometown, many peoples dream to play in the NFL lives on through me and I would love nothing more than to honor that one day. Through hard work and dedication, I feel as if I can bring this into fruition. Thank you for any support and watching every step of the way.
You can find me on social media:
Instagram @ ODENforever
Twitter @ Odenstrong
Facebook @ Garett Oden
NFL Draft Preview: Alabama State’s Garett Oden Interview with Joe Gaiter was last modified: January 25th, 2018 by Joseph Gaiter
