In the latest episode of Humboldt Last Week: An interview with Eureka High School graduate and Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Rey Maualuga, who is currently playing in his eighth NFL season.

During the conversation the 29 year old athlete discusses how he spends his time when he returns to Eureka, life as an NFL player, and acting alongside Jon Hamm in “Million Dollar Arm.” He also provides a little motivation for locals wanting to achieve big things.

“I had a lot of doubters, a lot of naysayers saying that… I wasn’t going to become anything,” Maualuga said. “If you sit around and do nothing and listen to what everyone is saying, you’re obviously proving them right. Unless you do something — then you control what the next step is gonna be.”

Also covered: The grown adult men who were arrested for stealing toys from needy kids, the man shot by Eureka police pleads not guilty, HSU’s banned band, a national award for a local hospital, the Humboldt strain that took home the top prize at the “Oscars of the marijuana industry,” and a fun giveaway.

Listen below.

