NORMAL, Ill. - GoRedbirds.com sat down with senior offensive lineman Erik Madsen and asked him to give Redbird Athletics fans an inside look into his life in the new feature series Through the Eyes Of .... The series will give an insider's perspective into the lives of many Redbird student-athletes throughout the coming months.
GoRedbirds.com: You're a criminal justice major. What are you plans after graduation?
Erik Madsen: To be honest I'm still up in the air with things. I'm either going to focus on going to the Academy, the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) or possibly getting into S.W.A.T. And if that doesn't work, I'll fall back into coaching.
GR: Who was your role model growing up?
EM: Both my parents. They both work extremely hard and have given a lot for me to go through high school and college. My mom and dad are just two outstanding people that care a lot about me, so definitely my parents.
GR: In 2005, you had a foot injury and missed the first eight games. Looking back, did you learn anything from sitting on the sideline? Were you able to absorb anything that you may not have been able to while playing?
EM: I learned that anybody can get hurt, so it was a tough phase to go through. I picked up on things on game day and also tried to help with the redshirt freshmen. I just wanted to contribute to my team as best I could with the condition I was in.
GR: Being a senior, do you feel you carry a leadership role and almost a responsibility to set an example for the younger players?GR: You've been successful all through high school, winning the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) State Championship more than once. Starting at a young age and having a winning mentality, how have you brought that to the collegiate level?
EM: I just bring my competitive side with me to everything I do. Ask anyone out here, whether it's bowling or volleyball, I want to win and I can just be very competitive.
EM: Oh, definitely. They look up to you and see how you handle game day, adversity and everything else a college football player goes through. I remember when I was an underclassman, I looked up to the seniors for leadership. I don't try and be a vocal leader; I try and show it more through my actions, both on-and-off the field.
GR: What made you want to play football for Illinois State University?
EM: When I came here on my visit, the campus was gorgeous, and the football team just showed great chemistry. They were like a giant family, and I just wanted to be a part of it.
GR: What has been your most memorable moment as a Redbird?
EM: Beating Southern Illinois a few years ago at homecoming. The stadium was packed and just a lot of fun to be a part of.
GR: What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
EM: Just relaxing and playing video games like Madden and NCAA College Football.
GR: Being an offensive lineman your fame and glory is usually subdued compared to a quarterback or running back. When you open up holes for your tailback or give your quarterback time in the pocket to have big games and they receive all the fame and glory in the paper, has it ever been difficult to stay motivated?
EM: It defiantly comes with the territory. It sucks a little bit when your quarterback is on posters, but I'm not in it for the recognition.
If you could play any other position other than offensive lineman, what would it be and why?
EM: If I had any talent at all I'd want to be quarterback. I just want to throw the ball in a game. That would be pretty sweet ...
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