tool name

Friday, Sep. 25, 2009

James Burns: The Burn List -- Berrian, Inc.

The Burn List won't be confused for Carl Crawford, Usain Bolt or any of the world's fastest athletes.

A turtle maybe.

Not a hare.

But you don't always need a 4.2 40-yard dash or "wheels" to catch up to one of the fastest players in the NFL.

Sometimes you just need to be persistent. Uh, did I say persistent? I meant bothersome. Like a gnat.

TBL went to great lengths for this week's surprise guest: Vikings wide receiver and former Atwater and Fresno State star Bernard Berrian.

First, TBL called his number on record and his folks' house.

Disconnected.

Both of 'em.

Next, the Burn went global, petitioning help on Twitter and Facebook. There were tweets and a few "So-and-So likes this," but no real leads.

Just when an interview with Berrian looked unlikely, one of BB's old pals, Atwater quarterback coach Jarrod Pimentel, dug up a number.

For a publicity firm.

In Hollywood.

Eight e-mails, three days and one accomodating publicist later, here's what Berrian had to say.

Or what his publicist says he said.

Either way, we'll take it.

TBL: A publicity firm, huh? Things certainly have changed since we last spoke before Super Bowl XLI. Did you ever think your life would reach this point -- surrounded by a team of people to help keep your day-to-day in line?

BB: I've always been very business-minded. Football is my No. 1 priority, but I am also involved with a number of charities and am working with several companies to develop and promote products and services that I believe in.

I know there is life outside of football and I am big on giving back to the community and really making a difference in peoples' lives. Having a team around me to support my efforts and understand what it takes for me to reach my ultimate goal is very important to me.

TBL: Your agent Drew Rosenhaus tweeted that you would be unstoppable with Brett Favre at quarterback. Through two games, you've got six catches for 46 yards. What are the missing pieces right now that you think will get your numbers up a bit?

BB: The team is 2-0, and I'm excited about that. I am really focused on the game, not the numbers, doing my job and giving a solid performance out there. I've never been the type of player to get caught up in the numbers and stats. I set high goals for myself, and I push myself to surpass those goals every day. I don't worry about the numbers. I'm constantly striving to be better because I want to see this team succeed

TBL: What's it been like playing with Favre? Is he every bit the player you thought he would be? Has he broken any of your fingers?

BB: Playing with Favre has been a great experience. He knows our style of offense. We started connecting passes last week and making plays, I think as our chemistry develops it's only going to get better out there. He's obviously a great player, he's a legend. His experience and knowledge of the game and our style of play brings a lot to the Vikings this year.

He hasn't broken any fingers ... yet.

TBL: You came to Minnesota with the expectation and contract of a No. 1 receiver, and then you posted career numbers. When does Bernard Berrian belong in the conversation of "Best Receivers in the NFL"?

BB: I try to stay away from comparing myself to other players, both past and present. I do believe in my abilities and strengths as a player, and I know that I am capable of consistency on the football field. I push myself everyday to work harder and deliver a better performance than the day before.

TBL: Your Atwater Falcons are 1-1 and feel like a team that could contend for a playoff berth this season. How refreshing is that news for you? Do you still pull for the hometown team?

BB: Of course I root for the Falcons. I love to call Atwater my alma mater and be member of the mighty Falcon family. We had great success during my tenure there. I just hope that they can get back to that winning tradition and sustain it for years to come.

GO FALCONS!

James Burns is sports editor of the Sun-Star. He can be reached at jburns@mercedsun-star.com.