Punter Matt Turk said he has been asked to monitor the way he punts the ball inside the Texans' indoor practice facility in order to prevent damage to its roof.
Punter Matt Turk, 41, is entering his 14th season in the NFL and third with the Texans. Turk set a franchise record with a 42.3-yard punting average last season.
1. Even though you are a part of the team, how does it feel to have to run your own drills during practice while everyone else is holding a practice that seems almost separate from yours?
"It's something I'm used to. I've been doing it for 16 years. I know what I need to work on, and that's my time. While they're working, I'm working. Yeah, you feel a little left out. But at the same time, that's what comes with the territory."
2. How much time do you spend stretching before you get out on the field to practice? Any unconventional workout regimens that you do outside of training camp?"I spend probably a good 45 minutes to and hour stretching before practice. Yeah, I've learned quite a few different yoga stretches
that have really helped me out my last couple of years of my career, helped with loosening up my lower back and hips just by going to yoga class."
3. What is the most memorable moment of your career?
"I think, really, I remember most of my punts when I was playing with the Redskins because my brother (Dan) was snapping to me, so that was a real blessing to be able to play with my brother for the first time at a professional level. Since he was snapping to me, I pretty much remember all of those punts."
4. Is there any truth to the rumor that you aren't allowed to punt inside the Methodist Training Center because the company that repairs the roof is afraid you're going to damage it?"They've asked not me to kick it as hard or as high because I have put some small dents and tears, I guess, in the top of the
Bubble."
{QUOTE}5. You showed some nice wheels at Green Bay last year when you ran for 18 yards. Are you lobbying Joe Marciano to draw up any more runs for you this season?"I'm always, yeah. Every game, every practice, I'm asking Joe if we can run one. He always tells me that it could happen so be ready, but we don't do it. But eventually, we will call one."
6. Coach Joe has been a coordinator in the league for a long time. What makes him such a successful special teams coach?"He's knowledgeable of the game, the nuances of the game. He knows how to scheme for each individual team week by week. The schemes change according to what team we're playing and what their weakness is. He's been doing it a long time and he's proved to be one of the best special team's coaches in the league."
7. You set a team record with a 42.3-yard punting average last season. What are you trying to improve on in 2009?"I think every year, I want to net 40 yards. I really just want to eliminate the opposing punt returner. So really, my goal is to shut down whatever punt returner we're going against."
8. What do you think about the progress of Joel Dreessen and James Casey at long snapper?"They both have come along real nicely. I mean, Joel has improved from last year and has become a sound long snapper. Casey is pretty good for his first time out doing it, and we have a good snapper in Clark (Harris). We have three really good long snappers."
9. As the holder, you see Kris Brown kick more often than anyone else. What kind of a season do you expect him to have this year?"I think more of the same. He's been one of the more consistent kickers in the league these last few years as well as one of the best kickers, and I don't see any reason why he won't continue to be one of the elite kickers in the league this year."
10. You've been in the NFL for 14 years. How much longer do you see yourself playing?
"I still enjoy it. I've learned a lot about what I need to do to stay in shape. As long as I still enjoy it and I continue my offseason training the way I train, God willing, I'll play. Gosh, I don't even want to say it. God only knows. I'd like to be able to break George Blanda's record of age for NFL players. That's my goal right now, but I don't know what God has in store for me."
