Asante Sameul stands as one of the top defenders in the NFL. Throughout his 10-year career, Samuel has compiled 50 interceptions. The Atlanta Falcons defender recently spoke with rolling out about his team’s Super Bowl chances and delving into hip-hop.
How did you prepare for this season?
I look at each season as a fresh start. Last season, we came up a little short of the big game. I had a pretty good season with five interceptions and 18 pass breakups. I just try to get better each year. I want to do better than I did the year before or my best year period. My preparation is mainly during the off-season where I focus on speed, agility to make the plays that I make.
The Falcons have struggled this season. How does this team turn things around and try to get back into Super Bowl contention?
We got to come together. There’s going to be a lot of outside talk about what we can’t do or how bad we look. But, we got to stick together. Take one game at a time. Correct our mistakes and just stay focused.
Let’s go back for minute. What did you purchase with your first NFL paycheck?
My first pay check actually, whatever the gross amount was, the net was different. I called my agent like, ‘what’s going on, why is my check is short.’ That’s when I first learned about taxes. Then I put my money in the bank and eventually I bought myself a condo. That’s what I did with my first little bit of money.
You are now delving into music with your record label Deep Side Entertainment. What can we expect from this venture?
Music has always been a passion for me. The record label is a way for me to give back to those from my old neighborhood. It allows me to give people jobs and the local talent the opportunity to go out and make it somewhere in life. I’m doing my best job to keep people out of trouble by employing some of the people I grew up with. Young AT, that’s one of my artists who is signed to the label. He’s very talented and has been in the game since he was 10 years-old. He was once signed with JT Money. He’s done a lot. He writes his own music and is very talented and makes good music. I’m just trying to take him to the top.
