Notre Dame Football: Transcript of DeShone Kizer’s Comments During Blue-Gold Game

Earlier this week, DeShone Kizer made headlines by saying: “Imagine taking [Tom] Brady’s intellect and Brady’s preparation and putting it on a guy with Cam Newton’s body. Why can I be the greatest? The only thing stopping me from it is me.”

In light of those comments, the former Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback was interviewed by Jac Collinsworth ’17 during the first quarter of the Blue-Gold Game.

Here’s the transcript of that interview:

COLLINSWORTH: “DeShone, we just heard your comments from this week. Does that represent how you feel right now?”

KIZER: “You know, when you decide to play a game like this, you’re going to try to model yourself after the greats. I mean, you know, it’s a the comment that I made — I’m going to stand by it. Those are the people I want to get to. I think that I’m pretty comparable in size with one of the best in the league. I would love to have the preparation and exhibit the intellect that a guy like Tom Brady has. So, for me, why play this game if you don’t want to go out there and be the greatest? That’s kind of my mindset behind this whole process and how it always will be moving forward.”

JC: “So you made the decision to leave Notre Dame still with two years of eligibility left. What does it feel like to be down here today watching this team?”

DK: “It’s weird walking out of that tunnel, knowing that it’s a whole new culture, whole new environment. It’s definitely a weird feeling. I think the only thing saving me is that there is a whole new coaching staff here and they’re doing things differently than when I was around. So it’s kind of unique to see how this offense is being ran and watching a guy like Brandon toss the rock around all over the place.”

JC: “One week now from the NFL Draft. Where is your mind going into this thing?”

DK: “I’m excited. I’m excited. It’s been a long process. I’m just excited to be where I’m going to be. Up until this point, it’s all about how good can you look aesthetically. How can you make yourself seem like a guy to be drafted? Now it’s all about productivity. Instead of training to running a 40, you’re training to go out there and compete in training camp and try to get yourself a playing job as early as you possibly can. I’ve been a competitor all my life and I’m just looking forward to having a helmet and an opportunity to go out and play.”

Doug Flutie, who was on color commentary for the game, offered his reaction to Kizer’s comments.

“I was a little surprised that maybe he would have buffered the comment a little bit, but I completely understand what DeShone is saying,” the former Boston College Eagles quarterback said. “He saying, If you want to be the best, I feel like I can get to that level. He’s not saying he is Tom Brady. He’s saying, he wants to aspire to be at that level in both ways and that he has that potential.”

Kizer is sporting a black Los Angeles Dodgers hat (with sticker still attached) and a Jordan T-shirt, similar to the one he sported during his QB Camp interview with Jon Gruden.