Michigan State University Athletics
Q & A With Amp Campbell
8/20/1999 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 20, 1999
EAST LANSING, Mich. -
When you first had your neck brace put on, did you ever think you would play football again?
No, I never thought I would put a uniform back on. I felt that football was done for me and that I wouldn't play anymore. Things changed once I came back here and started going to the games and watching the guys out here play.
Even players with knee injuries have mental obstacles they have to overcome before they can return. When you are talking about a neck injury, it takes it to a whole new level. How are you able to overcome the fear and anxiety to play with the reckless abandon that a football player needs?
It might sound weird to you guys, but once I get out here I'm not going to think about it. When you think about it, that's when you are going to get hurt. I'm not going to hide from trying to hit people or do anything like that. I'm just going to go out and play the way I have before. There is going to be a lot of stress about me coming out here and playing, but it's just like me driving a car. People get in accidents and fracture vertebras in their neck. It can happen out here or it can happen when I'm driving or anywhere.
So there's no fear, even in the back of your mind, that it could happen again?
I've thought about it some, but if it happens I'm going to have to deal with it. I can't fault anybody but myself, because I'm the guy that chose to come back out here and play football. It's not something that I'm going to think about every day.
Was there any debate about whether you should come back and play football?
I didn't know until the last three games of the season. That's when I went to talk to Coach Saban and asked him if I could come back and play. He told me to talk to John Hardt in compliance and see what he could do. They worked things out for me and put up a good case for me to come back and get a sixth year. I'm glad that they took my case to the NCAA.
How satisfying will it be to get back on the football field after a summer of hard work in the classroom?
To me it's going to be good, because I put in a lot of work this summer, going to class and doing things that I was supposed to be doing. I know some people doubted me, and thought that I wasn't going to pass some classes. But, I worked hard and things are going to pay off because I worked hard.
What was your motivation during your comeback?
My main motivation going through life every day is to prove people wrong. When people doubt you, prove them wrong. That's my main goal that's stuck with me ever since I was little.
What can Spartan fans expect from Amp Campbell this year?
I will be the same person that goes out and tries to make plays, make things happen and try to win.
