Starting right guard Willie Colon decided to stay with the New York Jets earlier this year. He talked to the Gospel Herald about the upcoming NFL season, his personal life, and his Christian faith.
In a video interview conducted by Darrel Johnson and other reporters on Thursday, the Hofstra University graduate talked about what life was like practicing for the Jets. He has played for nearly 10 years in the NFL.
"I guess it's being back with the guys," Colon said. "There's a lot going on, and I look forward to the opportunity to getting started."
After a short lull during the impromptu news conference, Colon addressed his status during the practice sessions. According to a report from the Associated Press, Colon was placed on the active/physically unable to perform list on Wednesday due to pain in his left knee at the time.
"I feel good, really good," Colon said. "They're just easing me into camp, and I feel that I'll be ready to go soon."
According to the Associated Press, 32-year-old Colon has been the starter at right guard the last two seasons. He will be competing for the spot alongside Oday Aboushi, Brian Winters and Brent Qvale.
When asked about his health status, Colon cited his age as one of the factors.
"The issue is what it is," Colon quipped. "I didn't do anything at all to the sprain. It's about me getting acclimated and just being smart about it before I get going."
Another reporter asked Colon about his connection to Hofstra University.
"I like going back," Colon said. "Especially seeing where it all started for me and seeing the fans."
The video then cuts to Johnson securing a short interview with Colon. He asked the linebacker at what time of his life was faith in God important to him.
"Every day is important to me," Colon quipped. "I don't think there is any one particular day. Life is about ups and downs, and there are so many things that happen. If you don't have a solid foundation in your faith, or even the belief that there's somebody about controlling you and your faith, you just go into the chapel feeling hopeless."
Colon admitted that he is "faith-driven because I've been through so much personally both on and off the field."
"I'm living proof that if you lean on Him, anything is possible," Colon said.
Johnson then asked Colon on what things he enjoyed doing when the NFL was in the off-season.
"I see my family," Colon quipped. "I'm one of those guys that's married to the game. I give it all I've got [both] on and off the field. This is the time where I lock in and turn on all my lights."
Colon added that he catches up with friends and family during the NFL off-season. Given that he lived in the New York City borough of the Bronx, Johnson asked Colon what he enjoys whenever he has a chance to visit.
"[I'm] just being with my family," Colon said. "I enjoy New York City as a whole, but when I go home, it's just eating with the family and hanging out. We have a couple of local spots where we like to eat at and hang out, and that's what I do."
In his final question, Johnson asked Colon on what his favorite foods were back in the Bronx.
"Being half Puerto Rican, I'm all about the Spanish food," Colon said. "I have a couple places that I love. They love seeing me because I eat, so it all works out."
