The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Catching up with Derrick Dockery
03.14.2006 | Football
What is it like to come back and visit a Longhorns practice? It's good to be back hanging out. I'm here to check out my little brother [Cedric Dockery] to see how he is doing. I enjoy coming back here, as a former Longhorn player, to see the success these guys have had these past years. It is exciting to see the direction this program is headed.
What kinds of advice do you give your brother? I am excited to see my little brother out there doing the same thing I got to do, playing the same position I did. I just tell him to work hard in everything that he does. Give it your all, be coachable, and have a desire to be great. The rest will take care of itself.
How is life in Washington, D.C., with the Redskins? I'm just having fun. This year was a great year for us. We went a lot further and did a lot of things that people said we couldn't do. We went two rounds into the playoffs. I'm really excited about the direction that our owner [Daniel M. Snyder] and Coach [Joe] Gibbs have the Redskins going.
How did it make you feel to see the Longhorns visit Washington, D.C.? It was exciting; they won the National Championship. I didn't really get to see them when they were there, but it is just such a great accomplishment.
You've recently worked with ESPN's Pardon the Interruption. How was that? As an NFL player, you don't know when your career is going to be over. I have always wanted to be an analyst or work in broadcast journalism. During the last two days right before I came to Texas, I was at P.T.I. and Around the Horn. I got to observe what they do as far as production and getting the hang of what the guys do. Working with [hosts] Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon was a great experience. I could definitely see myself doing that in the future. We'll see.
Is it true that you got married recently? Yes, I got married on July 9 to my beautiful wife, Emma. It's been great. Of course you have your ups and downs. As newlyweds, you're still learning about each other more and more every day. But she's my best friend and my soul mate. It's a great feeling.
What has been going on elsewhere in your life? I just signed a one-year deal with the Redskins and next year I will be a free agent. From there, I'll be trying to do even more big things.