After rushing for 421 yards and two touchdowns for the Packers in 2006, RB Vernand Morency wasted no time this offseason. His conditioning for 2007 began a week-and-a-half after the season finale vs. the Bears.
Besides staying in tip-top shape, Morency participated in many activities during his time away from Titletown by interning for Flintco Constructive Solutions and lending a helping hand when ABC's Extreme Home Makeover visited Lawton, Oklahoma.
A former Minor League Baseball player, Morency is now looking forward for the opportunity to carry the load for the Packers next season.
Packers.com recently sat down with the tailback to see if he could out run some of our random questions.
Packers.com: What have you been doing to stay busy this offseason?
Morency: I went to Oklahoma State, in Stillwater, Okla., for the offseason. I had the opportunity to intern with Flintco Constructive Solutions and see them work on Boone Pickett Stadium at OSU. I also helped out with ABC's Extreme Home Makeover and helped a family in need during my time down there. We put up the house and I had a great time meeting people. I was able to pick a lot of former NFL players' brains such as Barry Sanders and Thurman Thomas, who were also helping out with the event. It was a fun offseason.
How did you get involved in this project?
All I had to do was make one phone call and set everything up. I'm big about giving back to the community and putting smiles on people's faces, so that's why I was very intrigued when I heard that Extreme Home Makeover was coming to Lawton, Oklahoma. I knew I had to go down there and help out.
When did you start training for the upcoming season?
Honestly, I started about a week-and-a-half after the season was over. I'm originally from Miami but I went back to Stillwater to train. My plan was to go down and work out with the guys at OSU. I wanted to be there from the first day and start that grind with them. I can't be around football too long. This is a dream of mine and I love it too much to put it down for a long period of time.
Take us through a typical training day for you in the off-season.
My workouts consisted of waking up around 6:30 A.M., eating a meal and then I would head over to the facilities and meet Rob Glass, who is one of the best strength coaches I've ever been around. When you have a resume of training Fred Taylor, Barry Sanders and Thurman Thomas, you have my respect. So I would stay at the facility all day and work out with him.
Did you hear they are putting a new turf in Lambeau?
I heard that and I'm excited! I think it will be much better due to the fact that we practice on that kind of grass every day and it gives us more of an advantage on gameday, so it will be fun to play on that.
Do you prefer to play games in a dome or outside?
It doesn't matter! Football is football. We could play football in the backyard, we could play football on a hard concrete street with glass bottles on it, it doesn't matter! That's how we used to do it back home, so I can play wherever.
Outside of Lambeau Field, where do you enjoy playing the most?
I enjoy playing anywhere. This is my dream. Having the opportunity to travel, playing in different facilities and knowing that some of the greats have played on that field is just awesome.
It seems as if you're really hungry for the 2007 season. Is that true?
I'm always hungry. You can't be content in life, period. I'm excited about this upcoming season, especially after the way we finished last year. We're looking forward to accomplishing our goals in 2007, and that's winning it all!
Off the field, are there any embarrasing moments you care to share with us?
Oh yeah! When I was acting up in school, trying to be the class clown my teacher left the classroom and called my Dad. I was still trying to be a class clown after that...until my Dad showed up at school and spanked the living crap out of me! It was in front of everybody and it definitely stopped me from being the class clown!
When and if you have children, will you take that same approach?
Most definitely, because it made me the man I am today and I'm thankful he took that approach with me.
What's your favorite sports movie of all time?
I've got to say The Last Boy Scout. I'm a movie fanatic, so I like all kinds of movies.
If you were in a movie, what role would you want to play?
I'm probably more of a lover or romance kind of guy. I don't want to sound like a punk or anything but I love some Lifetime TV.
What profession would you want to work in if you were not in the NFL?
Player Development, along the lines of what George Koonce does. I have a passion for it. Kind of like when you're growing up as a little kid and you're a raw person and to grow up the right way and mature to become an adult, it is really something beautiful and I would love to be a mentor in that process.
What advice would you give to the next crop of Green Bay Packers rookies?
It's a grind but it's good because we have great players here that will mold them and help them get over that hump. So when you come to an organization like this, you really have to take advantage of the veteran leadership we have on this team and have fun.
What makes your teammates and the atmosphere of this locker room so special?
Ever since I got here, from day one, I could sense a difference. I could sense somewhat of a direction, a foundation and I guess it comes from the rich tradition that the Green Bay Packers have. As soon as I got traded here everyone opened their arms to me. Don't get me wrong, Houston was a great place and I learned a lot in Houston, from the coaching staff to the rest of the organization, but I'm very happy to be here.
What is the best vacation you have ever taken?
I don't really take too many vacations, although I should. I took one to Montego Bay. Myself, Thomas Jones and Adewale Ogunleye went my rookie year and it was a great time.
**If you were trapped on a deserted island and you could only bring three things, what would they be?
NFL Access, my Packers jersey and I would say a beautiful woman....yeah a beautiful woman! **
