April 29, 2003
Allen Park, Mich. – Detroit Lions 2003 fourth-round draft choice RB Artose Pinner was introduced to the local media by President and CEO Matt Millen today at the Lions Headquarters and Training Facility in Allen Park. Pinner spoke to the media about his injury and the excitement he feels about joining the Detroit Lions.
The following is the transcript from Pinner’s meeting with the media:
MATT MILLEN
Introduction: “Here’s a kid in Artose Pinner who had some misfortune, with the leg (injury). It’s great fortune for us – he’s got great abilities. He’s going to help us, no question. We are going to slow him down a little in his rehab. He fell to us and we couldn’t have been more excited about it. Artose Pinner becomes a Detroit Lion and we’re very excited about. I’m looking forward to it.”
On slowing Pinner’s rehab: “I know he’s anxious to get out there – most guys are when they get a ding. It’s our job to put the breaks on a little bit and let it heal, better than he thinks it should be healed, before he’s ready to roll.
“Earlier, I showed him the facility and one of the areas that we got to show him was our training room and he’ll be well acquainted with that stuff once he gets in here. We’re looking forward to that and we know he is too.”
On whether Pinner’s expected to be ready for the start of training camp: “I’m not going to put him on a timetable – we’ve had success with that in the past. Our timetable is to have him be a productive football players. Whatever time that’s going to take, that’s what it will take. I’m going to be patient with him and he’s going to be impatient and between the two of us we’ll get this figured out.”
ARTOSE PINNER
Opening statement: “I’m very excited about being with this organization. I think I can contribute to this team once I get healthy. I’m very excited about working with everybody.”
On whether his draft situation was similar to Willis McGahee’s: “I think so, most definitely. Detroit took a chance on me because I’m not 100% right now and there were guys that were 100%. They saw something in me and felt that I could contribute once I get healthy. I really would like to thank the coaching staff and the organization for taking a chance on me.”
On how he felt after being injured in the Senior Bowl: “When I first got injured, I walked off the field. I didn’t think it was as severe as it was. I just feel that things are going to work out eventually. I dropped a couple of rounds but you can see on film what I can do. I think that’s what the Detroit Lions did – watched a lot of film and saw a kid who could play in the SEC, a tough conference, and play consistent week-in and week-out against tough competition.”
On slowing down his rehab: “This was an injury that they say shouldn’t be pushed. If you try to push it, it could end up being worse. I was just taking my time and just letting it heal for itself. I know if I rush it that it could end up a lot worse than what it is.”
On when he thinks he could start full football drills: “It’s always about how an individual heals. It could be a lot earlier or a lot later. I just know it’s an injury that needs rest. It’s a ligament so it takes a while to heal – it’s not a bone so you can’t push it as fast as you would a break.”
On whether seeing McGahee being drafted in the first-round encouraged him: “His injury was a lot more severe than mine. I felt that there was a team that was going to take me on the first day, a lot earlier. I’m definitely happy with this organization and where I’m at. Things happen for a reason and I feel like this is a good fit for me in Detroit.”
On the possibility that McGahee and Pinner will be on the field together in the exhibition game at Buffalo: “If things work out. That depends on me as well – how fast I learn my playbook. Hopefully there is a great chance.”
On possibly filling the third-down running-back role for the Lions: “I would like any role that they would put me in. I would be excited just to be on the field playing at the next level – it’s a dream come true.”
On whether he’s comfortable catching the ball: “I had 38 receptions my senior season – I’m comfortable doing a lot of things on the field.”
