Since linebacker Kirk Morrison entered the league as a third-round pick of the Oakland Raiders in 2005, he’s never recorded fewer than 116 tackles. Last year, he finished the 2009 season tied for sixth in the NFL with 133 take downs, all while forcing three fumbles and recording two sacks despite playing most of the year with a dislocated elbow.
In April, the Raiders selected Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain with the eighth overall pick and Morrison knew his future in Oakland had come to an end. Shortly after McClain’s name was announced, Morrison was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a fifth round pick.
The trade offered a new beginning for Morrison, who in five seasons with the Raiders had never came close to playing in the postseason. While speaking to us from his new digs in Jacksonville, Morrison expressed his excitement about his new surroundings, teammates and head coach Jack Del Rio. He also gave us insight on how to defend guys like Peyton Manning and Chris Johnson (two of his new divisional opponents) and what players and teams he enjoys watching when he’s not playing.
The Scores Report: Hey Kirk, how are you, man?
Kirk Morrison: Doing good, doing good – how are you doing?
TSR: I’m doing real well. Are you at OTAs right now?
KM: Yeah, we just finished up for the day. So, I’m just relaxing now and getting ready to spend another week in Jacksonville.
