As detailed in this story, 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman recently got a lot off his chest.

And now here’s the rest of the story.

I’ve transcribed the hour-long interview with Bowman below and, as you’ll note, there’s plenty of other worthwhile material that didn’t find its way into the original story.

I arrived for the sit-down with modest expectations and an unclear vision. Bowman typically hasn’t revealed too much to the media during his eight-year career and I wasn’t sure, exactly, what type story would come out of the interview.

I strongly sensed, for example, that he’s tired of talking about his injuries and rehabs - topics he’s discussed for much of the past three-plus years. But I quickly got the strong sense that he was ready to discuss the disrespect he’s felt from the media and, to some extent, the 49ers’ new regime.

At one point, Bowman said he might retire if he sustained another major injury, partly because of the way he feels he’s perceived.

“My hunger and love for the game, due to the lack of respect that I do get, when I do go down, makes me think how many more times do I want to do this,” Bowman said. “If the respect was there, that would have a (role) in me getting back up again and pursuing whatever it is I’m pursuing.”

There is more. Plenty more, including these words that you rarely hear professional athletes offer: “I was able to make a lot of money,” Bowman said. “Anyone that says it’s not about the money — it is a little bit.”

Heres’ the Q&A:

There does seem to be a difference with this new head coach and staff. We probably say that every year, I guess. But do you agree with that and, if so, why does this feel different?

NB: I think it’s a good feeling because we’re starting fresh again. I think we have to be optimistic on the season. You see the talent. Talent can get you beat sometimes. A really talented guy will get away from his fundamentals. When it’s time to really remember those and make that plays that needs to be made. I think that’s when the team is formed when guys get tired and remember their fundamentals and are able to play in those adverse situations. But the morale and the group of people that’s here, I think, is a winning group. A winning mindset. Coaches and GM. But it’s up to us as the guys that are going on the field to bring that winning edge. That different style that you see from afar and understand every week that the 49ers are going to come ready to play. That’s the optimistic part. You put all these hours in and you don’t know exactly what you’re going to get out of it when it’s time to perform on game day. But we’re optimistic in this situation.

There aren’t a ton of accomplished players on this team. There might be talent, but not many who have done it like you have. Do you feel it’s your responsibility to show them what a winning edge looks like?

NB: I don’t really look at it as my responsibility, because I had to want to do it. I had to make the choice of finding a couple guys that I looked up to. And I wanted to model how to be a professional after them. I think that’s what the guys here will have to do. It’s a trickle-down effect. The more guys we have thinking like that and wanting to be the best that they can be, the team will be better off.

Who were those guys for you?

NB: There were a lot of guys when I came in. We had guys like Shawntae Spencer, Michael (Lewis), Manny Lawson, Justin Smith, Patrick Willis. Guys that had seen the down part of playing in the NFL. I was able to come and add, and we started winning. (Jim) Harbaugh was one of those guys. Just how serious he took the game of football. Those handful of guys. I grabbed little things from each of those guys and put them into who I am and who I want to be in this league. And how I want to be remembered.

You mentioned Harbaugh, and you recently noted you’ve had five head coaches. From your experience, what are qualities of a good head coach?

NB: I think a head coach is a guy that understands what type of culture has be modeled and resembled every day. I believe culture is everything. A coach that understands his team’s effort level and his team being tired. Just understanding too much and too little. There’s a fine line between that. And a coach that keeps it as real as he possibly can. And lets guys know when it’s not good enough. And let’s guys know it’s good, but it’s not as good as you think. There’s always thing you can get better at. A coach has to be a player in a way, because he has to understand those types of things.

You think the standards now are where they need to be?

NB: I feel like it’s very organized. Coaches are coaching what they were hired to coach. They understand that we are young, but they are able to encourage us and push us to do things that I’ve seen a veteran team do. If you want to be great, you have to do those things. They are putting the challenge on us from the jump. They’re organized and up front and letting everyone know what’s expected from each and every person.

In 2010, I just knew you were a third-round pick. Maybe he’ll be good and maybe not. Given your self-belief, I’m sure you thought you should have been a first-round pick. Was your rookie year frustrating?

NB: Going back to 2010, I was always hungry and eager to prove to those that passed up on me all the way to the third round. From Penn State to here, it hasn’t been easy, by any means. But I’ve always believed that God has a plan for you as a person and player. It’s like a guy saying ‘I’m ready to play right now.’ Well, no you’re not because if you were, you would be playing. The time is always right. It’s in God’s hands. I was so eager in 2010, but having to wait behind Takeo and Patrick - that was the time that God wanted me to see certain things and to see if I could build the confidence to play in this league. I had the time to learn a little bit more. The coaches understood that and kept Takeo as long as they could. But they understood that they had a younger player that looked like he could have success in the NFL. So I didn’t really worry about me having to wait. I think it was the best thing for me at that time.

The moment I realized you weren’t just a third-round pick was the Eagles game in 2011. There were a couple plays where you were ran down Michael Vick like you were a tailback. Was there a moment that clicked for you - Hey, I’m an All-Pro type player?

NB: I think it was the first play I got in as a starter (Week 17 in 2010). I was just so juiced and amped to get out there. When I first got here, I bought a four-door Porsche, making ($320,000) that year. That Porsche was more of putting pressure on myself at the time. To have to pay for it. To live up to a person that’s driving a nice car. I don’t want to be driving a nice car and not doing my job. Not being successful. That was all me putting pressure on myself. I used to hear veterans … you don’t hear about athletes going as break as often now as when I came in the league, but those were some those things that were said. “You’re going to have to pat for that Porsche.’ ‘You’re doing it wrong.’ I knew the vision I had for myself and where I was trying to go with this. That first game I had all that on my shoulders. Third-round pick. Coaches not having doubt after this game that I’m not a starter. I went out there and that very first play they ran a power, I think, and I read it perfectly and I came down and made the tackle. And that’s when I knew I could play in the NFL.

What kind of Porsche did you buy?

NB: A four-door Panamera. It had just come out. I wanted it. That’s what was going through my mind. ‘I want this car.’

And you didn’t end up having a problem paying for it ...

NB: No, I didn’t. I think that’s what great players do -- they always respond to the challenge. I remember growing up in school I remember always waiting until the last minute to do my homework; to do my project. And I work better under pressure. I can have three weeks to do this project, but two days, three days before it had to be turned in, that’s when I would start because I had to get it done. Buying that Porsche - there was no way I wasn’t going to get it done.

How much did it cost?

NB: About $170,000.

Wow. So you went on a payment plan?

NB: Yeah. I was a rookie who came from nothing. Never had it. Never experienced it. I’m able to buy something that I never had in my entire life, which was a car. I did that.

How did you get around in college?

NB: I walked to class. Bummed rides from teammates who had cars.

How did you get home?

NB: Family, friends always drove me up to school and picked me up. Or I’d drive home with some of my teammates.

Where is your Porsche now?

NB: I got rid of it and bought a Rolls Royce. For $300,000.

You didn’t have to go on a payment plan for that one?

NB: (Laughs) I didn’t have to go on a payment plan for that one. I earned that one.

What year is the Rolls Royce?

NB: ‘13. Still running good. I got it as soon as I signed that contract in 2013.

What color was the Porsche?

NB: Black. So is the Rolls.

Do all your cars have to be black?

NB: No. My Jeep Wagon is gray. I just bought that one.

That other contract (in 2016) helped with that one.

NB: (Laughs) Yes, it did. I probably get one car a contract.

About being a third-round pick. Does that still bother you?

NB: I think when (NFL evaluators) don’t get it right in the beginning it’s harder for those athletes because they’re waiting for that falloff. A lot goes into the draft, where they draft players. I had issues in college, but they weren’t issues that haven’t been looked past or thrown under the rug since I’ve been in the league.

As far as ‘This is a bad guy. He’s a character risk.’

NB: Exactly. So those guys that get paid for selecting players, they had it wrong. The Cowboys took Sean Lee in the second round and he played next to me. The tape doesn’t lie. If you watch the tape, you’ll always see me making those plays and me being a four-time All-Pro. It just shows that you don’t let anyone write your story. You take your pen. For them to pass on me the way that they did and expect some type of falloff - if I didn’t get injured my game wouldn’t … I tore my knee up , came back and still made All-Pro and led the league in tackles. So if all you have is an injury? One injury was a complete accident. The next injury I couldn’t do anything about. It’s not like ‘He’s injury prone.’ It’s ‘He’s doing his job and he got hurt.’ They are injuries I had no control over. To not be mentioned as one of the best since I entered the league makes me feel a certain way sometimes. As players, we give so much to this game, including the injuries. And for the respect not to be presented and given, it just doesn’t make sense to me. They always want fresh and new. They had a group of linebackers come out. Even Reuben, being on our team. It’s still like ‘He’s this. He’s that. NaVorro Bowman should be traded.’ Why should I be traded? I’ve done my job every year that I’ve been able to do my job. The injuries are part of the NFL. That’s one reason why our contracts aren’t guaranteed. But don’t try to take anything away from my game. Any time I’m on the field, I’m making plays.

I remember before last year you said the NFL Network’s Top 100 was a joke. Before I talked to you, I looked up this year’s list and saw you’re not on it. I’m guessing that’s partly what you’re referring to. I’m guessing your stance is that it’s still a joke?

NB: It’s still a joke. I’m getting paid like a top-100 player. What more do you want? They’re not giving away money. I’ve earned every single thing I have. (Panthers linebacker) Luke Kuechly, God willing he gets back 100 percent, but he goes down with a concussion. That’s part of the game. That’s an injury he can’t control. Our numbers - they’re not too far apart. But he’s still where he is. And I’m still scratching and clawing, trying to keep my head above water. Why is that? He got drafted in what round? So it makes them seem like they’re right. I got drafted in the third round, so any negative energy I bring toward my name, it makes them seem like they’re right. I can’t believe it. I’ve overcome ‘You’re too small to play the inside, at middle linebacker.’ That I’m injury prone. Every injury I’ve had, I’ve always bounced back from it. And I guarantee you, if I make it through all 16 (games in 2017), I’ll be All-Pro again and I’ll be a Pro Bowler.

So you still view yourself as a third-round pick? To me, you’ve established yourself …

NB: With five head coaches. Five different systems. And I’m still looked at as one of the best. You’ve got linebackers that have been in the same system, the same head coach. They have their injuries, or whatever, But they’re still No. 1. Me? I’ve had the hardest road and I’m still where I am.

You still think people view you as that third-round pick?

NB: Yeah. I still think so. I still think some people view me playing next to Patrick as … I don’t know. It’s football. I have to make those tackles. I have to read offenses. I have to study my plays. So 2014. That was the year I said ‘OK, I’m going to prove to them I can do this without Patrick.’ After a horrific knee injury, I still did that. So it’s always that I’m scratching and clawing. You could talk to my wife and she’ll probably give you the more rated-R version (laughs). But I’m the player and I stay as humble and quiet as I can. But there’s a chip on my shoulder every year.

And your wife has a boulder on her shoulder?

NB: (Laughs) She’s got a boulder on her shoulder. Yes, sir.

Have your injuries and the adversity changed you as person?

NB: They’ve definitely changed me as a person. I’ve wished, and hoped, and prayed that I didn’t get hurt. I see where I would be right now. You’re talking about Hall of Fame now, already, and I’ve had those two injuries. But if I didn’t get hurt, I would probably be in the Hall of Fame right now. That’s what drives me. And that’s what my focus is on now. Those personal goals. Super Bowl. Hall of Fame. And all these young players that come in - just try to teach them to try to continue to remain humble. Because the little bit of success you have, as soon as you have some type of downfall, they’re against you. It’s just as simple as that. My hunger and love for the game, due to the lack of respect that I do get, when I do go down, makes me think how many more times do I want to do this. If the respect was there, that would have a (role) in me getting back up again and pursuing whatever it is I’m pursuing.

It sounds like you’re hurt.

NB: Yeah, I’m hurt. Because so many people that don’t have a say so -- that don’t understand what we go through inside these walls. They have a word. They have a voice. And that’s what social media has given people that no one wants to hear from: A voice to talk. Me being financially secure, having three beautiful kids, understanding the risk that I’m taking every single day. And then waking up, and someone that’s just sleeping and waking up and writing words, can comment on what I’ve done in my career. It doesn’t drive me any more. I’m not really tripping off it. I’m playing this game because I love it. Because if it was up my wife and kids, they’ve been wanting me to stop. It’s kind of heartbreaking sometimes. But the respect I get from other players in the league. Von Miller just told me ‘You’ve seen my basement?’ ‘Nah.” “I’ve got your jersey right there.’ That’s more heartwarming than anything else. When you can walk around 30 years from now and one of the best players to ever play outside linebacker in the NFL respects what you’ve done in the NFL.

If you have to deal with another serious injury, would you have to see how you feel about continuing your career at that time?

NB: I think I’ll be done, honestly. I’m happy with the success that I’ve had in the NFL. That’s what you want to do when you play in the league. You just want to give everything you have, so when it’s time to say you’re done, you have no regrets. Doubters are always going to there, as I realize. So what other reason should I continue to play? I’ve shown the people coming behind me how to play linebacker. Some of these young guys that are in the league, they watched my tape. They wanted to know who was the best and they watched my tape. I was at the pinnacle of being the best. And if anybody wants to play linebacker, they’re always going to mention NaVorro Bowman.

This offseason, there was a report that they were looking to trade you. John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan told the media -- we’ve got three good linebackers and we’re going to see who is going to start. Does this all going into your feeling of ‘Do remember what I’ve done? Why am I being viewed as competing for a starting spot?’

NB: I don’t know. I just didn’t understand it. Then people said ‘Does he have the burst still?’ I’m like how do you make All-Pro the year after you tear your knee up? I got hurt Week 4 (in 2016) and believe I had like 37 tackles. So that’s on the verge of doing the same thing I’ve been doing from past years, and I went down. I went down with an injury. And then you want to say trade me? You call this a team, an organization. Who started the rumor? Who put it out there? If you wanted to trade me, that would just be your loss. Honestly, that’s how I looked at it. Kyle called me. I saw the call, but I had just got the news from a couple people and I didn’t respond, I didn’t call him back. I was really to the point where - he doesn’t know me. I don’t need a sympathy phone call. It’s a business. If you want to do what you’ve got to do, do it. A team would be glad to have me because I know this game inside and out. I study it. I know exactly what the game of football is. And Kyle and John, they didn’t know me. And from what they’ve seen, they understand what I bring to this team. To the game. So for it to come out I just really always had a goal of finishing my career with one team. I’ve never had an issue of wondering - am I going to make this team? Any team I’ve been on, I’m going to make it. I’ve never had that type of question inside of me. When it came up, those were the exact words: ‘They don’t know me.’ They see I make a lot of money, and he’s coming off an injury - let’s, I guess, get it out there. It would have been their loss. When guys come in here, or guys play against me, they know what they’re facing. Guys coming in here know who they want to be like. Who they want to be like. They want to pick my brain. There’s a reason for all that. And when that goes to the upstairs, who don’t sweat. Who don’t know what I bring to this team — those are the type of things that happen. You might lose a good player, or make the wrong decision. Good thing they didn’t.

Did you every have a sit-down with Kyle or John, or both, at any point?

NB: I had a little sit-down with John. I don’t know exactly what he said. It was in the realm of ‘Our words get twisted and somebody just went out and said that the 49ers were shopping you around.’ He said, ‘By all means, that’s false.’ They didn’t try to do that. I think it was a couple teams that called and he said, ‘No, we’re not trading, NaVorro.’ So I just let it go. But it had to start somewhere. And I’ll just leave it at that.

When you signed your last contract extension, you said you wanted to finish your career with the 49ers. Obviously, that doesn’t always happen. Jerry Rice didn’t. Joe Montana didn’t. Ronnie Lott didn’t …

NB: I think that’s where, I don’t know the (reporter’s) name, he’s usually in the (press conferences), but I think it was kind of his theory that none of those guys finished their career (with the 49ers). And if Bill Walsh was living, NaVorro Bowman would be cut. The time has changed. It’s hard to find great players these days. Back then, I think the NFL was building on what it is. And those guys got let go because there wasn’t any loyalty in it. No family. No one person that understands what 49ers football is. It’s ‘He’s good this year. He’s getting old this year. Let’s get rid of him now.’ I think these days, there’s more of a loyalty aspect to who can we build this foundation around? Not get rid of our best player, a guy who understands what type of football we want to play here. And bring in 53 guys that’s not familiar with anything. I think that’s where his thought came from. But no one cares what you think. Remember who you are talking about, and what that person has done. Because when I do get injured, it’s like ‘I don’t know if the 49ers are going to win this game because they don’t have NaVorro Bowman.’ Now you’re like, you need NaVorro Bowman. But you’re also like ‘He should have been traded.’ I’m not understanding. But those are the things players go through. I try to be as professional as possible and not lash out. That’s what’s getting story lines, people acting crazy. Or dancing in the end zone. Or celebrating after every play. Or saying something loud or wrong in front of the camera. That’s what gets story lines and I’m just not that player. I’m going to stay quiet. Continue to present my performance on the field, and would the real writers stand up and really recognize who’s the boss.

Kyle said during OTAs that were some question about how were going to come back from your injury and that you’ve largely answered that. Obviously, you haven’t played in a real game yet, but do you feel now that Kyle and John have a deeper understanding or appreciation for who you are?

NB: I think there’s still room to let them know, and show them. But I’m going to give them everything I have when game time comes. That’s what I mean by them not knowing who I am at that particular moment. How I’m moving and things like that, I think they recognize what type of player I am. I mean, I’ve beaten Kyle. I’ve played against Kyle several times. When they came in, I think they were so focused on making the right business move and that conversation probably did come up. And the wrong ear heard it. But it didn’t make sense. And that’s why I’m still here. I just, honestly, think that’s how it went. But now they’re on my side. Kyle’s on my side. “Oh, he’s moving around fine. Glad we didn’t trade him.’ It disappeared.

You’ve been in a similar situation before with people wondering how you were going to come back from a major injury. Given that, are you particularly eager to play in a real game on Sept. 10?

NB: I’m not really worried about - I’m just planning on being me. Playing my game. I’m not really worried about living up to anybody else’s expectations. I’m giving everything I have. And if you think you can find better - find better. But I am eager to just show that ‘Yep, I had a knee injury. I had an Achilles injury. And I’m still at the top.’ Now what? The 49ers have to give me another contract.

I think you’re signed for a while, NaVorro.

NB: (Laughs) Yeah, I’m signed for a while. But just those thoughts kind of go through my mind, like ‘What else do I have to do?’

You’ve said you want to finish your career as a 49er. Do you still feel that way and is it easier to see, or embrace, the thought of finishing elsewhere?

NB: I still feel that way. I have the utmost respect for the York family, and they’re still here. They understand what I bring to the organization. And they weren’t in that conversation. And I think where we were at the moment, I think Jed just opened it up for John and Kyle to do whatever they felt like they had to do. But that presentation of trading NaVorro, I don’t think that would have gone well with Jed and those guys. But I would love to finish my career here. Not too many guys get to do that. I’m in year eight. I’ve always said I wanted to play 10 years. And I think I can get it done by doing what I’ve been doing over the last couple years. If I make it there (to year 10), I don’t know if I would give them a shot to ever consider trading me. Or if the trade does come up, I’ll probably retire then.

So if they traded you, you would consider retiring?

NB: Yeah.

Why?

NB: The game’s not that important to me to go somewhere else and try to breathe another color. Breathe another organization. I’ve been with this team for a long time. Seen the good and the bad. And that’s what I want my NFL career to be. ‘How was it playing with the 49ers?’ Not the 49ers, the Cardinals, the Saints - I don’t want to go through that. I just don’t want to put then pen in anyone else’s hands. I’ve always had to wait my time behind guys at all levels. The NFL has finally felt like the place where I’ve felt like I’ve held the pen for all eight years, so far. When the trade talks come up, that’s kind of like me giving them the chance to be in control again.

What if you had been traded this offseason?

NB: Then that would have been another chip on my shoulder to show the 49ers that I could still play. And I’m coming off an injury. I’ve put the work in to get back to this point, so I wouldn’t let that work go to waste.

You’ve talked about playing 10 years. Do you see playing 11, 12, 13?

NB: There’s a lot of money on the table. But that’s all on the respect that I’m getting. If I can get two complete, full, healthy years, and I’m still not looked at as one of the best - well, I think I’m still looked at as one of the best. I don’t know. Best linebacker to play the game.

NaVarorro, to me, as someone who is going to write a story … the story here is that you feel a bit disrespected and not appreciated. And you want to set the record straight. Do you agree with that assessment?

NB: Yeah, I do agree. As linebackers, we get paid to tackles. And I’m talking about solo tackles. Go back and look. Who has the most solo tackles? Combined tackles? Yeah, if you’re on a good defense, cool. But solo tackles means it was you making those plays consistently. And only guys that really play the game and understand how to play linebacker — and that’s never the case with people just voicing their opinions. You watch this whole game of NaVorro Bowman. And you watch this whole game of Luke Kuechly. You would tell me who the best linebacker is. And the reason his name keeps coming up is because he’s considered the best. I remember we went to play Carolina (in a divisional-playoff game after 2013 season). Me and Pat against Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis. It was Luke Kuechly this. It was Luke Kuechly that. We went out there and we beat the brakes off them. Nobody said anything. But I guarantee if you Luke Kuechly would have done something, they would have blown it up. Because that’s what they want. They want to seem right. If it would have made them seen wrong, like, hold on, he went in the third round. Pat is Pat. Thomas Davis is Thomas Davis. Who’s the best duo? We were the best duo that day. That year. It never gets said. It’s like they already know who they want to say who the best is. I’m still where I am, with or without Pat. With or without the same coach. Five different coaches. Five different schemes. I feel like Floyd Mayweather. Seriously. No matter who you put up. No matter what coach you bring in here. No matter what scheme you bring in here. You’re still going to know who No. 53 is.

Have you reached a point where you’ve established a level of trust with Kyle and John?

NB: Not yet. Not yet. All that comes with winning. It comes with me earning their trust. Them doing their job. Me making plays and things like that. I can see how those things could start to happen. If the aura and morale wasn’t genuine, or it wasn’t a good fit, I would say ‘No. I’m not really feeling it.’ But the respect I have for Kyle, and understanding that he is, if not the best offensive coordinator, play-caller in the NFL. I think that’s something else that helps the trust that’s going to get built.

They are obviously rebuilding and turning over the roster. Do you feel they think you have to be part of the franchise for the long-term?

NB: I strong believe that you’re not going to find a linebacker that’s going to understand the game the way I do. And you have to have that type of linebacker if want to be good on defense. You just have to.

Do you think that’s how they feel?

NB: They will. The year is still ahead of us. But they will. There’s compliments have been said on certain plays where they want to get the ball to a certain guy and I just wouldn’t fall for their fake or things like that. That’s what builds that ‘Dang, this dude is fundamentally sound.’ And if those plays do work, then I’m making the offense better. But you get a group of linebackers that don’t understand the game, they’re just chasing the ball instead of reading their keys, neither side is getting better. This guy isn’t giving us that real look. So in Week 8, Week 9, if we play a good group of linebackers and that play that was working in practice, isn’t working in the game. So being a GM, being a head coach, you have to know that no matter how old or how many injuries - does he know how to play the game? Those are the type of players you need on your team.

It sounds like you feel you have to prove yourself all over again. Do you accept that as a challenge and does part of you enjoy it or ...

NB: Who made it that way though? … Let’s just say - a healthy Bowman is still the best linebacker in the NFL. What has stopped me? A knee and an Achilles. What else? What else can you say about me?

You’d say when you’ve played a full season you’ve been a first-team All-Pro?

NB: I’ll let the record stand. That’s like a person that’s in a fight and one person has a gun and he shoots him. Just fight me. Fight me without this injury, without this gun, and let’s see who wins. If I didn’t get hurt would he be the best? No. No. There’s no way. Every year, I’ve been playing - one year, my second season, I made All-Pro and not the Pro Bowl. That doesn’t make sense. All-Pro is the best 22 players in the NFL. Pro Bowl is good players in the NFL. You’re talking about 22 players out of how many in the NFL? I made it four times. C’mon, how am I not considered the best linebacker in the NFL. And that’s my wife’s argument (laughs).

So many times you hear players say they’ll have to rip my uniform off to get me out of the NFL. You don’t feel that way?

NB: I don’t feel that way at all.

Because health-wise you want to be OK?

NB: That. Yeah, I want to make sure I’m able to walk out of here thinking right and being able to raise my kids. I’m content with my success. I’ve played in a Super Bowl, if I don’t win one. I’ve made it to the playoffs several times. I’ve earned the accolades that I can earn with the help that God has given me. And I feel like it’s everyone else’s job to understand what they’ve seen. I can’t help the injuries. I can do everything right and then one game I go out there and get hurt. That’s part of the game. But judge me off what I’ve done. I understand this is the last pinnacle of football. I’m not going to stress myself out or act like this is the end of life when this is over. I was able to make a lot of money. Anyone that says it’s not about the money — it is a little bit. I’m not in that pee-wee mode, or high-school mode, where I’m trying to make it somewhere. I’ve made it here already. I refuse to just let it mess with my character.

Twitter: @Eric_Branch