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Question: How do you mentally prepare for a game?
Answer: The mental part is just as important as the physical. The most important thing is studying and understanding the playbook. By the end of practice on Friday, I’m finished studying and feel confident about the game plan for Sunday. Then I can relax as much as possible with my family on Saturday. Mental preparation also includes watching a lot of film and figuring out the strengths and weaknesses of the next opponent. I try to get an edge on my opponent any way I can. Answered: Monday, September 11, 2000

Question: You've been in the league for 10 years now, so you've obviously played against some of the best defensive backs in the game. Who is the best you've ever matched up with and why?
Answer: That's a great question. It would be hard to pick just one so I'd have to say that the best defender is the person who I'll match up with in the next game. Everyone has their own style, strengths and weaknesses. That's just the way it is in the NFL. Answered: Friday, July 14, 2000

Question: Dear Ed, Why do you do that thing with your neck after every play? p.s. You're awesome! You're so exciting to watch! Don't ever leave Denver! Also, please tell Romo hello and that his hard work hasn't been forgotten with all this court stuff going on.
Answer: Probably a combination of physical and mental stress. I tend to get pretty wound up when I compete. As an athlete, however, it is important to stay loose to decrease fatigue and recovery time. Not only does it feel good physically to move my neck around, especially after I've taken a good hit, but has also become a habit that reminds me to try and stay loose between plays. Answered: Sunday, February 04, 2001

Question: Ed, I am from Waynesboro also. Do you ever come here anymore?
Answer: No. Although I was born in Waynesboro, VA (Not PA) I have not returned since my family moved to Wilmington, NC in 1972. I was only four years old. Hopefully someday I'll have a chance to visit my old stomping grounds. Answered: Thursday, January 11, 2001

Question: How do I vote for you to be on the Pro Bowl team?
Answer: Pro Bowl ballots will be available next season at Broncos headquarters in Englewood, CO during the first twelve or fourteen weeks of the season. Call to check supplies before you make the drive, the number is (303)649-9000. Ballots are also available each week at the stadium on game day. Finally, you may just want to vote online at NFL.com. Answered: Monday, February 12, 2001

Question: What do you plan on doing after your football career?
Answer: I like to keep my options open. Television, radio, and coaching are a few professions I've considered. I've also thought about starting up my own business. What kind of business? No idea. Hopefully I won't have to make a decision any time soon. Maybe Lisa will be the breadwinner and I'll become Mr. Mom. Answered: Friday, January 19, 2001

Question: I am a twelve year old boy and I want to be a wide reciever for Denver, and you are my hero. Do you have any tips on getting me started?
Answer: Practice, practice, practice. Try to find a coach or friend who can teach you the proper way to catch a ball. Then find someone, it doesn't have to be the same person everyday, to throw you the ball five or six days a week. One day, however, is better than no days. Try to put a program together that allows you to catch the ball from several different directions: High, low, left, right, over left shoulder, over right shoulder etc.. One hundred balls a day should be enough. Eventually you should work into doing the same drills while running three or four steps before catching the ball. Answered: Saturday, February 24, 2001

Question: Do you autograph items that people send you?
Answer: I make a real effort to return every autographed item sent to the Broncos. Unfortunately, it sometimes takes months for some of the items to get returned. I receive about ten to twenty items a day so inevitably I can't keep up with demand. I've returned from vacations with over two hundred items waiting to be signed. If you've sent something in the mail please be patient. All requests must include a SASE or they get put on the bottom of the pile. Be sure to include the correct postage and properly address the envelope or the post office may not send it through. Answered: Sunday, February 04, 2001

Question: When and where and how can I meet you (ed McCaffrey) and will you marry me?
Answer: Please check the upcoming calendar on the site (under Business Partners) if you want to meet me in person. Although I'm flattered by your kind words I am happily married and my wife Lisa and I are expecting our fourth boy in April. Answered: Saturday, February 24, 2001

Question: Hello... is this you, Ed McCaffrey? If so, I must say that you are very pretty. Please write back if this is you (I would write better stuff the next time... don't worry...).
Answer: Yes, it is me. Honest. Answered: Thursday, January 11, 2001

Question: Hello! Hope all is well with you! I would like to give my husband an autographed photo of Mr. McCaffrey for his birthday in March. Since I'm a novice at this type of thing, how would you best suggest that I go about this? Best wishes for continued success.
Answer: Feel free to buy an item off the site. Otherwise, try to catch me at an upcoming event or send a SASE to the Broncos. The SASE with your item enclosed may take months to return, however, due to heavy volume. Answered: Saturday, February 24, 2001

Question: This isn't so much a question for Ed as it is a note to say, "Thank you." I've been a huge McCaffrey fan for the better part of the last decade and have waited for such a forum to express my gratitude for all that he does -- on the field, sure; but especially off it. His work with kids in the community will no doubt carry indelible and overwhelmingly positive benefits to all who are fortunate enough to receive it. I won't burden you guys with any more sappy prose, but I would like to wish Ed luck as he enters the final two games of the 2000 regular season with a real chance at his first 100-catch season and his second career Pro Bowl berth. Good luck in the playoffs as well, and thanks again for being such an asset to the Denver Broncos, and to the entire NFL. Sincerely, Tracy Hackler
Answer: Tracy: Thank you very much for the kind words. It's always great to hear encouraging words from dedicated fans like yourself. Answered: Monday, February 12, 2001

Question: What is more important - strength or speed? What do you focus on more during your training sessions?
Answer: Both are important to a wide receiver in the NFL. I lift weights four times a week to increase my strength: two upper body days, two lower body days. It is important to concentrate on proper technique. I also run four times per week. Two days are spent working on speed and explosion and two days on conditioning. Sit-ups also build core strength and help stabilize your stomach muscles when lifting or running. Ans Answered: Monday, January 22, 2001

Question: When watching football games I often see fights beginning, with the opposite teams. Do you ever get in fights with your own teammates?
Answer: I've never fought a teammate in a game. Once, when playing for another team I exchanged a few words with a teammate, but no punches were thrown. During practice I've seen many fights, usually between offensive and defensive lineman, but have never been involved in one. Some pushing and shoving maybe, but not a real fight. The receivers and defensive backs on the Broncos compete in practice but are usually smart enough to play within the rules so nobody gets hurt. Thanks, ED Answered: Sunday, March 04, 2001

Question: Why did you decide to be a wide receiver?
Answer: I don't know that I ever really decided to be a wide receiver. Although I enjoyed playing several positions in high school (quarterback, running back, tight end, linebacker, safety) the college scouts seemed to think I was built to play tight end. Tight ends block linebackers and defensive lineman all day. In an effort to avoid dropping down into a three point stance I lost seventeen pounds, 235lbs-218lbs, between my senior year in high school and my freshman year in college. At 218lbs I was more suited to play wide receiver. The coaches let me give it a shot and I've played the position ever since. Thanks, ED Answered: Sunday, March 04, 2001

Question: Hey Ed Do you really eat big macs?
Answer: All the time. When I get closer to training camp I'll stick to a pretty strict diet of McGrilled Chicken sandwiches during the week but on Saturday, my off day, I've been known to throw down a couple of Big Mac's, Large Fries and a McFlurry. Answered: Saturday, February 24, 2001

Question: Who do you feel close with as a friend on your team?
Answer: Good question. The Broncos have a pretty high quality group of guys. I'd like to think I get along with pretty much everyone. Obviously, I'm probably a little closer with some of the veteran players because I've known them longer, but the young guys that have joined the team the last couple of years are a pretty good group too. Answered: Sunday, February 04, 2001

Question: I was wanting to know to get your food products here on the western slope in Grand Junction or Fruita? We are real big fans of yours. I would really like to get some of your food products. I like the mac and cheese that you got out here.
Answer: Call your local supermarket to find out if they have any product in stock. If not, there is still plenty sold in the Denver metro area. I'm working on getting product sold on my site so stay tuned. Answered: Monday, February 12, 2001

Question: You are one hell of an athlete. Week in and week out we watch you make tremendous plays and take even more tremendous hits. We are impressed with your toughness and great personality. You are continually the go to guy and we always say that they should just give you the ball and let you do your thing. We are college kids living in Golden, CO and we were wondering how tough you are in other sports, like rock climbing. Anytime you want to go just give us a call and we'll gladly take you. Seriously, it would be a great joy to meet you.
Answer: Thanks for your comments. The only rock climbing I ever did was at The Family Fun Center in Englewood. Had a blast. I'd better leave the tough stuff until I retire, though, falling from a steep cliff isn't covered under my current insurance policy. Answered: Monday, January 22, 2001

Question: Here Ed, I have a question for you... why is it that I NEVER get a respnse from you? I have tried to contact you in sooo many different ways, with out sucess. Do you have something against 15 year old fans, or something? I mean, I ma just like your BIGGEST FAN IN THE WORLD!! And yes, I can back that up. I just REALLY would be the happiest person in the world if you would write me back, thank you sooooooooo much!!!! WITH LOVE, your biggest fan, Nicole.
Answer: Sorry for the wait. After a long and busy season on and off the field I'm finally ready to concentrate on upgrading and updating the site. Don't hesitate to write back with more questions. Answered: Monday, January 22, 2001

Question: I am a twelve year old boy and I want to be a wide reciever for Denver, and you are my hero. Do you have any tips on getting me started?
Answer: The best advice I can give to anybody that wants to play wide receiver is to find a good football coach. It is important to learn the basic fundamentals before you begin spending hours learning the wrong way to catch, run, block etc.. Incidentally, you may want to attend a football camp before signing up for a team to hone your skills. Check out the camp I host in the summer. Call the Broncos at (303)649-9000 for more information. Answered: Sunday, February 04, 2001

Question: Hey Ed I was Just Wondering What it takes to be a Pro Football Player?? What would i have to do in high school to become one and do i have to play in high school or can it be in college??
Answer: It takes a lot of talent and hard work sprinkled with a touch of luck. Even the most physically gifted athletes must work extremely hard to make it to the NFL. If your physically blessed and work hard you'll still need to stay injury free and catch the eye of a pro scout just to get a shot at making a team. I suggest that if your serious about becoming a professional football player start playing as soon as possible. Oh yea, don't forget about your education. No one is guaranteed to make it to the NFL so it's good to have a backup plan. Thanks, ED Answered: Tuesday, March 06, 2001

Question: What kind of a hit will it take for you to start wearing more pads???
Answer: The only time I add anything to my uniform is when I take a hit that results in an injury. Then I'll only wear padding to protect the injured area. Once I'm healed I get rid of the extra equipment and life is good again. It's a brutal job sometimes but someone has to do it. Thanks, ED Answered: Tuesday, March 06, 2001

Question: Ed, I play receiver for Cherry Creek and spent the off season last year developing speed and strength. Once back at camp though, I began to drop balls. My coaches wanted to play me because of my speed, but told me that as long as I drop passes I would ride the bench. Now that the season is over, what can I do to improve my hands and where can I get gloves like yours?
Answer: The best way to improve your hands is to catch lots and lots of footballs. Have a coach or friend throw you at least 100 balls a day at least four times a week during the off season. Catch passes straight ahead, to the left, to the right, high, low, over the shoulder etc. Eventually you'll be able to do the same drills while running a few steps before catching the ball. It's best to have a coach monitor your workouts to see if your catching the ball wrong. If this is not possible have him instruct you on how to catch the ball before you go out and catch thousands of balls the wrong way. It might also be a good idea to attend a football camp over the summer like the one I'll be hosting At the end of June or beginning of July. A few Cherry Creek players helped with the camp last year so you can ask your coach about it or call the Broncos at (303)649-9000 for more information. As for the gloves they are made in Canada and are pretty hard to find. Nike, Reebok, Easton, Cutters, etc., all make gloves and can be found in many sporting goods stores. Thanks, ED Answered: Thursday, March 15, 2001