Joe Gaiter: What does football mean to you?
Amani Bledsoe: It means the world to me. I love this game and have been playing organized football since I was 5 years old.
Joe Gaiter: When did you know that football was something you wanted to do for the rest of your life?
Amani Bledsoe: I started playing in middle school and high school, which is where my passion for the game grew a lot.
Joe Gaiter: What will you miss most about playing at Oklahoma?
Amani Bledsoe: The brotherhood, friends, memories made, playing in front of sooner nation.
Joe Gaiter: What is one lesson that you have learned from your coaching staff this year?
You have to be comfortable being uncomfortable. Do not be afraid to strain in practice, that’s where you grow the most.
Joe Gaiter: What are keys in playing Defensive End?
Amani Bledsoe: Being a disciplined and explosive player off the edge that knows how to set an edge and get home on 3rd down.
Joe Gaiter: What are some of your fondest memories about playing for Oklahoma?
Amani Bledsoe: Getting my first sack and winning three Big 12 Championships.
Joe Gaiter: Where are you training to stay in-shape during your draft season?
Amani Bledsoe: Before Pro Day, I worked out at Traction Sports Performance in Baton Rouge, LA. where I was also able to work with Former Defensive Line coach Pete Jenkins. Currently I am working out at the University of Oklahoma.
Joe Gaiter: Who is your agent and why did you choose them?
Amani Bledsoe: I am being represented by JR Rickert, with JR Sports Enterprises. He is a great guy and knows his stuff. I am also working with his colleague, client specialist, Preston James IV, who has been highly resourceful in many roles, especially marketing. Grateful for both of them.
Joe Gaiter: What is your untold story?
Amani Bledsoe: I come from a big family with five brothers. We were raised by a single mother. We have lots of stories!
Joe Gaiter: What is your motivation on the field?
Amani Bledsoe: I’m pretty self-driven, but I do this for everybody who helped me get where I am today. Most importantly, I do it for God as he is responsible for blessing me with my talent. My goal is to use my platform to give back according to God’s will.
Joe Gaiter: Why should any NFL pick you to be a part of their team?
Amani Bledsoe: I am a very explosive and dependable defensive linemen on and off the field. I’m great with striking and using my arms to keep offensive linemen off of me. I am a great student of the game that thrives on watching film and making needed corrections. Most of all, I am an extremely versatile player, able to play anywhere on the defensive line.
Joe Gaiter: You have done some amazing and bold things on and off the field this season. What gave you the courage to do it?
Amani Bledsoe: I owe it all to God, to be able to play this game is such a blessing. I believe it is very important to give him all the glory in whatever I do.
Joe Gaiter: Do you have any regrets?
Amani Bledsoe: No
Was it all worth it?
Amani Bledsoe: Most definitely! This was in the plans from the day I was born.
What do you want your legacy to be?
Amani Bledsoe: I want to be known to be the most explosive and disruptive defensive lineman to play the game.
Joe Gaiter: Shoutouts?
Amani Bledsoe: I want to thank God, my family, trainers, and coaches for helping me get to where I am today.
Joe Gaiter: Social Media
Instagram: homeboymoose
Twitter: amani_bledsoe
