SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2008
Conference Call – 6th-Round Pick C John Sullivan
Q: Could you talk a little about your senior year, a season that probably didn’t go as well as you had hoped?
A: Yeah, the 2007 season at Notre Dame was a struggle but at the same time I like to look at it as a learning experience and try to find the positives with that. I was forced to learn how to fight through adversity and lead, especially with a younger team, through tough times. I think ultimately it will end up being a positive influence on my NFL career.
Q: Are you concerned at all that the team’s season caused your stock to drop?
A: At this point I’m with a team that I’m incredibly happy to be with. I couldn’t be happier with the result of how the draft went. Looking at draft stock, up or down, it doesn’t matter to me at this point. I am on a great team and I am happy with my situation.
Q: How comfortable would you be if they wanted you to play some guard?
A: I’d be very comfortable. I’m going to come in and I’m a team-first guy. That’s the way it was at Notre Dame and I expect that’s how it will be with the Vikings. Whatever the coaching staff feels is the best for the team and will help the team win, I’m willing to do that and give anything my all.
Q: Did you have much contact with the Vikings since the end of the season?
A: I had spoken with members of the Vikings staff at the Senior Bowl. I don’t think I did at the combine. There was contact there, not large amounts, but I think that’s just the way it plays out in the draft sometimes.
Q: Coach (Brad) Childress said he talked to Charlie Weis today and said he gave you a very good report. How does that make you feel?
A: That makes me feel great. Coach Weis is an incredible football coach, an incredible football mind, and to have him think highly of me means a lot. I’m very happy that he spoke to Coach Childress and I know they are friends. I think it’s a great situation.
Q: How much do you think it can help you to come in and learn behind Matt Birk?
A: I think that’s as great a situation as a young player can have. Matt Birk is an incredible player. He’s someone that I have looked up to for a long time. When it comes to centers in the NFL he is second to none. I am looking forward to coming in here and competing and learning from the best. I’m just going to try to make the best of that situation.