Al Louis Jean: Football means everything to me. It’s a source of fun, a place I can empty out my competitive nature. A game that gave me a path out of the inner city. It’s brought me numerous relationships with people I won’t forget and it also has taught me so much relative towards life, in terms of how you handle any and everything.
Joe Gaiter: Take us back to your Brockton Highschool days. What do you miss about those years.
Al Louis Jean: Brockton Highschool was an unbelievable time of life. 5000 kids (co-ed) in a school, big time football program, as well as basketball and track. It’s almost indescribable, you had to be apart of it to understand how fun and crazy it was but it also taught me a lot and exposed me to several things that propelled me to the future. But to say the least, I would love to re-live those years, especially because there’s nothing like Friday night lights and high school football.
Joe Gaiter: How did Boston College change your life?
Al Louis Jean: Boston College was also an experience that changed my life. It exposed me to a whole different side of life, playing with and going to class with people that come from a different walk of life than me, from different states, etc. It introduced me to doing things professionally on and off the field. Boston College, as tough as it was, it taught me things I needed to carry going forward.
Joe Gaiter: Your NFL journey has had its challenges, but you are still standing. We always talk about the physical strength of players. Please tell us about how mentally strong you have to be to handle the business side of the game.
Al Louis Jean: My journey to and through the NFL has been a rollercoaster. Your mental side of things has to be stronger than an elephant and sharper than a tac. Numerous things are thrown at you in that highly competitive environment. In that business, production is #1 so that’s also one part that adds to the mental side since that’s on high demand. Every day is a new day and provides its different challenges and you’re always on the line. Mentally you have to almost be immovable and have a focus like a laser, tunnel vision. Only focusing on what you can control doing it in a fearless way. It can be tough and it’s not for everyone but that’s what your past experiences shape you for.
Joe Gaiter: What are your strengths on the field?
Al Louis Jean: My strengths on the field is that I’m instinctive and afraid of nothing. Everyone in the NFL has some type of ability and tools they can use to their advantage so specific attributes that are my strength aren’t to mention.
Joe Gaiter: You currently are playing in The Spring League. Tell us how you that came about.
Al Louis Jean: My agent told me about The Spring League and told me it’s a good opportunity to showcase myself and perhaps get back in the NFL. The Spring League has given me a great opportunity to see what I can do better in terms of preparation day in and day out, whether mentally or physically. And off the field just weaving out what doesn’t need to be, only focusing on what adds to my success on the field.
Joe Gaiter: How is the Spring League helping you on and off the field?
Al Louis Jean: As a player I want my legacy to be that guy who you’ll LOVE to go to war with on the field. You want him on your team, one who his love for the game shows, one who demonstrates his work ethic without telling it. Football players spend a lot of time off the field together so I want to be a brother to my teammates in that sense.
Joe Gaiter: What do you want your legacy to be as a player?
Al Louis Jean: One who you can run anything by and receive great insight on it, whether football or life, one they find peace in.
Joe Gaiter: What advice do you have for the new NFL 2018 draftees?
Al Louis Jean: To the new draftees coming in, I would tell them learn from a mistake but have a short memory forget about it. It’s in the past and it doesn’t matter anymore. I would also advise them to just have fun with it all, keep that fun and love for the game at the front and don’t let the extra things you have to deal with stain the game you love on a personal standpoint.
Joe Gaiter: Besides football, what other things that you enjoy doing?
Al Louis Jean: Besides football, I love being with my family. I also like to help people in whatever capacity I can. I enjoy using myself as an example to others. I also love dogs. I love listening to different types of music, and also making music just for fun, as a getaway and a release.
Joe Gaiter: Where do you see yourself this time next year?
Al Louis Jean: This time next year, I see myself heading into OTA’s with an NFL team getting ready to prepare with my teammates for the season.
Joe Gaiter: Final Words/Shoutouts?
Al Louis Jean: Finally, I would like to thank God for life this far. And tell anyone and everyone work hard for what you want and to be kind to yourself. Have confidence in yourself and don’t be afraid to share your scars with others.
INSTAGRAM : @iam_alj
NFL Free Agent Al Louis Jean Jr interview with Joe Gaiter was last modified: April 11th, 2018 by Joseph Gaiter
