ArenaFan Interview: QB Chris Greisen
Fran Stuchbury
Monday December 7, 2009
ArenaFan contributor Fran Stuchbury spoke to Florida Tuskers backup quarterback Crhis Greisen at the UFL Championship media day at Las Vegas. Greisen spent the 2007 & 2008 seasons in the AFL with the Georgia Force. He also spent some time with the Dallas Desperados.
Fran Stuchbury: Did playing in arena football help you become a better player in the UFL?
Chris Greisen: Playing in arena football made me realize how important timing is, especially with your receivers to coordinate it with your protection. This just kind of solidified it. Things changed a little bit as far as timing. It’s not as quick as far as you have time back in the pocket. It definitely helped me make quick decisions.
FS: You played against Jay Gruden many times when he was an AFL head coach. How do you like having him as the offensive coordinator for the Tuskers?
CG: I like it a lot. I told Jay when I signed here if arena football comes back and if I have the opportunity to play for him, I would love to play for him because I know what kind of coach he is. Whenever we played the Orlando Predators, they were always a big test for us. I think we split against the two seasons I was with the Georgia Force. It’s been a blast working with Jay; he obviously is a good coach. Anytime you can get around good coaching, it’s a blessing for us players.
FS: Do you have any interest in playing in the af1?
CG: There is a possibility. The only problem with af1 right now for me is my family is growing. We are about to have our fourth child, traveling and being away from my family would be difficult so I don’t know what the future holds.
FS: Would you be interested in playing for the Florida Tuskers next season?
CG: Yes, I would be, especially if offensive coordinator Jay Gruden was back with this same offense. With Brooks Bollinger’s help too, just watching him and learning from him. I have been able to pick up this offense quite well and understand it. I would love to be able to come back.
FS: How disappointing was it to see the AFL suspend operations? Did you expect that to happen?
CG: No, it was unexpected. You always hear rumors and stuff. I was very disappointed, because the two years I spent in Georgia were personally successful and our team was good, we made it to the playoffs and set all kinds of records. Especially for us being in Georgia, we had our whole offense back, nobody was a free agent. We were really clicking at the end of the 2008 season. We were going have a special year the next season and they then suspended operations. So it was definitely disappointing.