For today’s off-the-field interview with an Eagle, we caught up with defensive tackle Mauricio Lopez. Lopez is a Mexican native who played three seasons in NFL Europe. Lopez and punter Sav Rocca are two foreign rookies try to stick around in the NFL.
Lopez speaks rough English, and the interview is transcribed as spoken. Here’s Lopez:
What’s the adjustment been like from Mexico to America?
Lopez:“For the football? Totally different. The guys, the bodies, they’re more bigger. Mexico, you can only play college. Football is for love, not for business.”
I saw you play on the Mexican national team. Who did you play against, other countries?
Lopez: “No, the national team is for only one game. The All-Americans from Mexico play the All-Americans from the U.S. third division of college. It’s a great game. I played four Aztec Bowls. I won only one, in 2003. It’s great. When you play the American games, you know what happens. The defense, it’s different levels.”
How’s the adjustment to life in America?
Lopez: “It’s totally different. It’s nice. The American guys are great. It’s a great opportunity to play in this team. This team is very popular in Mexico for Donovan, for Jevon. This opportunity is great for me.”
How do you communicate with people back home in Mexico?
Lopez: “For my family, the phone. For my friends, e-mail. But for their time, they go to the Web site for the Eagles. They know what happens with me.”
If I went to Mexico, would everyone know your name?
Lopez: “No. Soccer is big because soccer is professional. You can take a lot of money and play soccer. It’s the same way as the NFL, but it’s different because the most important game is soccer. Football, the last level is college, that’s all.”
Did you go the NFL game in Mexico a few seasons ago?
Lopez: “No. I watched because this is my dream. I have [played football for] 21 years. When you play this game, all that was in my mind was, ‘I want to play in the NFL. I want to play in the NFL. When I was in NFL Europe, every time I think it. I need this opportunity in one camp, one training camp or whatever. I want to taste this.”
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