New York Jets Safety LaRon Landry is with the team for minicamp and here is the transcript of his media interview today:
On not joining the team during OTA’s…
Basically, I came for the first couple of weeks of offseason training. Then after that, I headed back to Arizona where I had procedures done. I went to see my doctors that had done previous procedures on me. That was my choice and decision to go back so they could finish and complete whatever I had to do rehab-wise and any conditioning I had to do. I feel real comfortable going back and doing so. I had no doubt that I would come back and I would be ready. I’ll be ahead of the game.
On what procedures he had done…
I had stem cell treatment and a couple of PRP’s (Platelet Rich Plasma), but you know, the usual.
On if he had stem cell treatment done in the United States…
Here, in the United States.
On if he feels that he will be ready to go at training camp…
As of right now, I’m progressing. Things are looking real well. I’ve kind of shocked myself too. So I’m looking forward to it. (I) can’t wait to get back out there and be with the team.
On his knowledge of the playbook…
To me, the terminology is the same but the verbiage is kind of different. Like I said, I have no doubt that I’m going to be ready physically and mentally.
On being back with the team…
It’s been great. I’ve been out of football for a while (after) going on IR last year. (I missed) just to be around the team, the camaraderie and everything, so it’s been real good.
On the Jets defense…
I love it. It enables me to do what I need to do. It enables me to play how I know how to play. We’ve got a great front, linebackers and secondary. I hope I can be a great addition.
On if he’s ahead of his personal schedule for rehab…
Like I said, I shocked myself. Unfortunately, I’m not there yet. But I’m not taking any steps back. Everything’s progressing and I feel great about it.
On if he’s relying on anyone specifically to help learn the defense…
Basically, the whole team, the whole defense. They gave me a hard time for not being here, like, “who’s the new guy?” It was all fun and games, but when it comes down to it, all those guys welcomed me with open arms.
On what he can bring to the secondary…
My style of play. I give 110% from start to finish. I leave it all out on the field. I just do it for the team. I’m not (an) individual or selfish player and I do anything to win.
On his injury being more of a heel injury than an Achilles…
Right, it’s more of like a bone issue. The Achilles is totally healed. I’m ahead of schedule. I’ve shocked myself. It’s more of a bone issue than an Achilles issue.
On if the bone injury and the Achilles injury happened at the same time…
It kind of happened simultaneously. It’s just the nature of the Achilles I guess. But the Achilles and heel, the body works together.
On if he received any new forms of treatment…
No. It’s been installed, an MU Matrix, they basically get the stem cells from the umbilical cord. It worked pretty well.
On if the stem cell treatment helped put him ahead of schedule…
You know, I’ve had PRP’s in the past. Like I said, I was dealing with an Achilles for basically a year and a half, two years now. This treatment here is way (more) advanced (than) the PRP. So, I feel great about it.
On if the stem cell treatment he received was to address his Achilles or his heel…
It basically gets in there and it basically heals whatever problem is in there, the affected area so it hits everything, the Achilles and the heel and the bone. Like I said, I did one treatment and was supposed to do three and I didn’t have to do the other two so that’s a blessing. I am ahead of the game and I feel great about it.
On when he received this treatment…
I believe it was February. It was early in the game.
On what he did when he went back to Arizona…
It was basically just touching back up on it and rehabbing like I said and the PRP I did to top it off. I feel great about it.
On what he may have missed by not attending OTAs…
Basically, just being in the playbook as a whole. I have to get caught up on that. Like I said, I don’t think I won’t be ready mentally. I am just reviewing it from where I left off. I had my playbook. It wasn’t like I was not in tune. It’s basically just getting out there and communicating with the guys and making sure we are on the same page. That is the biggest thing, communication in the secondary.
On how well he knows Yeremiah Bell…
I have been watching him for a while – Pro Bowl guy, great player, physical. I look forward to working with all of the guys back there.
On Eric Smith…
Bright, smart guy, real advanced in the playbook, great player.
On Ryan and his high expectations for the defense…
Like I said, grade 10 defense as a whole. I am looking forward to it. My brother played for him in Baltimore so I know a little bit about it.
On what his brother thought of Coach Ryan…
When I was going on my visits, he was like “as soon as you visit the Jets, just sign.” He kept on telling me that the whole time that “you don’t need to look anywhere else. You are going to love it, the organization as a whole and how they do things is the right way.”
On if he is able to run at full speed yet…
Of course. Have you seen me out there? I can give you a little bit more. (laughter) It felt great. Like I said, I am progressing and looking forward. Each day is a stepping stone and I am just getting better and better.
On the next step in his rehab process…
I am doing it all. I am just trying to perfect it. And what comes with perfection is that it can never be good enough.
On how much of the voluntary portion of the off-season he attended…
Like I said I was here for the first couple of weeks, two or three weeks, then I left and went back to Arizona so basically I was here for the training, straight training, then when OTAs came, I went back and did the treatment.
On if the treatment took place in Arizona…
Yes.
On if he is surprised by the enthusiasm of the defense…
No. Like I said, just watching them, the same type of chemistry that Rex brought to Baltimore and with the guys here on the defense, I am looking forward to it. Like I said, I play with passion just like the other guys so I am looking forward to being an addition. They have got it already. I am just trying to add.