Q & A with Buffalo Bills fullback Jon Goldsberry

By Connor Byrne  |   Monday, May 29, 2006  |  Comments( 1 )

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When former Purdue standout special teamer/backup linebacker Jon Goldsberry entered the NFL prior to last season, he wasn't sure what the league would have in store for him. He went undrafted, and was soon signed by the Buffalo Bills, who released him prior to the season, only to re-sign him shortly thereafter. Subsequently, he spent the season on the Bills' practice squad, so the coaches could properly develop him as a fullback.

The 24-year-old is hoping to duplicate his college career as a special teams ace, while perhaps contributing to the Buffalo Bills' offense. Goldsberry might be the future of Buffalo's fullback position, since dependable veteran Daimon Shelton, who will soon turn 34, doesn't exactly have a great number of years left.

Thanks to Jon's cooperation, I was fortunate enough to get some thoughts from him on the Bills' new coaching staff, his role and much more.

Byrne: From your view, how important is the fullback position in Steve Fairchild's offense?

Goldsberry: I think that the fullback position is very important to any offense. It opens up more options for the offense from blocking schemes to pass routes, to a variety of run plays. If you have a fullback that can block for you in the pass and run game and catch the ball as well, he can be a real weapon.

Byrne: Are there any distinct differences between the old and new coaching staff?

Goldsberry: I have noticed that our new coaches have a little more "fire" or aggression on the field. Whereas, it seemed to be too "soft spoken" from the old coaching standpoint. Every coach has his way of getting across to a player. I'm not saying either way is better, but I do prefer a coach that is going to scream and yell if that's what it takes to get the point across.

Byrne: How good of a mentor has Daimon Shelton been to you?

Goldsberry: Daimon is a great football player. I believe this is his ninth year in the league and there is good reason for it. He is a guy who, day in and day out, comes in, works hard, never complains and gets better. Some veterans stay home during voluntary workouts and minicamps, but I have yet to see Daimon skip out. He definitely knows the game and what it takes to prolong a career in it [the NFL]. If I ever have a question and Coach Studesville is not around, Daimon has the answer.

Byrne: What do you think your style of play is? Of course, some fullbacks are known for blocking and receiving, while some are known simply for great blocking, a la former Bills starter Sam Gash.

Goldsberry: I feel like I bring good speed to the fullback position and can be a good target from the backfield. Blocking is something that I am getting better at. Technique has been the issue for me since I have been here, but I am progressing well. I didn't get many snaps as a fullback in college so it is something I have to work at, but I am getting better everyday.

Byrne: Is there any particular fullback that you look up to in today's league?

Goldsberry: Daimon is obviously a very underrated fullback. I had never heard of him until I made it to the NFL. He has blocked for several 1,000-yard rushers, but has never made it to a Pro Bowl?! Like I said before, the way Daimon conducts himself as a professional athlete is something to be proud of. I never really watched NFL Football much. I never really had a favorite player, but Daimon is a good role model.

Byrne: Do you think you're the type of guy who fits Marv Levy's "new" Bills?

Goldsberry: I think so. I see myself as a "blue collar, hard working, old school, hard-nosed" football player and that is the image of the team when Marv coached the Bills.

Byrne: What's your take on being a special teams performer, since it seems like Shelton has the starting spot locked down for at least another year?

Goldsberry: I love special teams. It's actually the key factor of why I made it to this league. Without my special teams play at Purdue, I probably would have been working a 9-5 with my degree. Obviously, my goal is to be a starting fullback, but special teams is just as important when it comes to winning football games.

Byrne: Lastly, who have been your biggest influences in life? Obviously, it takes a lot to make it to the NFL. Was there anyone along the line guiding you or inspiring you?

Goldsberry: My parents. They had me into sports at a very early age (third grade). It is something I grew up loving. My dad was one of my high school coaches, so I always had a little extra coaching at home. They did the things they needed to do to send me in the right direction toward reaching my goals. I couldn't have done it without them.

Once again, a special thanks to Jon for taking the time out of his offseason to answer some questions. I wish him the best of luck in Buffalo in 2006 and beyond.

--Connor J. Byrne can be reached at cbyrne@realfootball365.com

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