The first punter selected by the Packers as early as the third round since Ray Stachowicz in 1981 (62nd overall), B.J. Sander is one step closer to fulfilling his lifelong dream of playing professional football.
But football isn't the only goal Sander has set for himself.
Winner of the 2003 Ray Guy Award -- given to the nation's top collegiate punter -- Sander majored in turf and grass science at Ohio State and has plans to one day own a landscaping business in his home town of Cincinnati, Ohio.
Recently, Packers.com put Sander on the hot seat to discuss this and a few other topics in our latest round of Random Questions.
Packers.com: When did you realize you wanted to play professional football?
B.J. Sander: "It was always a dream of mine, even while I was playing pee-wee football. You're always in your backyard talking about your favorite players and everything, so I'd probably say back when I was in grade school."
Are there any players you tried to emulate growing up?
"Deion Sanders was always a big one. And I liked Boomer Esiason when he was playing for the Bengals."
Why did you choose your major?
"I majored in turf and grass science at Ohio State. The reason I chose that was because I've always liked working outside and working with my hands, so that was one of the best fits for me."
Is that something you hope to pursue once you're done playing football?
"Well, actually I'm hoping to set up a business account and start my own landscaping business while I'm still playing. Both of my brothers are in Cincinnati and they're starting to get into it so I'll probably start up a business there."
Who would you say is your favorite musician?
"I would have to say Tim McGraw or Garth Brooks."
What is the best college football game you've seen?
"The National Championship game when we played Miami. I guess it was 2002. The entire game was just unbelievable."
What would you say is your worst fear?
"Failing. Failing to reach some of the goals that I've set for myself."
PB& J or Grilled Cheese?
"Grilled Cheese."
What are your three favorite DVDs that you own?
"Van Wilder, Top Gun and probably American Wedding."
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
"I've been to Hawaii, so I wouldn't mind going down to see Australia. In my major, my advisor always talked about going down there and just how beautiful it was."
Besides punting for the Green Bay Packers, what is the best job you've had?
"Probably landscaping because that's the one I've gotten the most enjoyment out of."
Who has had the most influence on your life?
"My parents. My dad. He's just always been there to help me and whenever I've had questions, he's always had the answers. And when I needed something, he's always been there for me."
If you could play any other sport professionally, what would it be?
"Baseball or golf."
If you could play golf with any foursome, who would be the other three members?
"Tiger Woods for obvious reasons. President Bush, just to experience a day in his life. The fourth person I would have to think about for a while."
Who was your favorite sports team growing up?
"The Cincinnati Reds."
Before arriving, what did you know about Green Bay and the Packers?
"I knew it was cold up here. I knew a little bit about the team just because of how much exposure they get everywhere, so I had definitely heard of them. I knew of several of the players. This place is just so rich in tradition, a lot like Ohio State, so I was just excited to be able to come here and have an opportunity to make this team."
Describe what you expect your first experience playing in Lambeau Field to be like?
"Hopefully good. I'm looking forward to it. I've heard great stories about playing here and I'm just anxious to get in there and experience my first game."
What is your favorite holiday tradition?
"That would probably be spending Christmas with my family. Until this year, we've always gotten together on Christmas Eve and celebrated Christmas as a family with all my brothers and sisters and nieces and nephews. This year we won't be able to do that because we have a game in Minnesota."
What are you most looking forward to in the upcoming season?
"Just the experience. Just being able to play in the NFL. It's been a lifelong dream of mine and to actually be able to do it is going to be great."
What kind of interests or hobbies do you have off the field?
"I like to go golfing, but I'm a work in progress. One day I'll go out and shoot 81 and the next day I'll go out and shoot 95. It just depends on the day.
"And I like to spend a lot of time with my family."
Do you watch reality TV at all? If so, what shows?
"I watch The Bachelor and American Idol. My wife loves those shows so we watch them quite a bit."
What is your favorite food?
"Lasagna."
What was your favorite toy as a child?
"A remote control car."
Can you cook? If so, what's your specialty?
"I can cook frozen dinners like a champ. Every once in a while I'll cook, but my wife, Beth, does most of the cooking."
