Derrick Rodgers; a “Blast from the Sun Devil Past”

The term “Impact Player” is not one that should ever be used lightly.  Impact is typically thought of as a destructive, cataclysmic collision between two objects but the word is also defined as a “forceful consequence; a strong effect.”  So when using the term to define an athlete it should be applied to someone that not only played well but had a profound effect on those around them.  It should be used to define that one person who provided a spark that lit everything around them up.  When you think of Impact Players in sports history names like Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Reggie Jackson, Wayne Gretzky, Joe Montana,Barry Sanders, Lawrence Taylor and Reggie White among many others come to mind.  They were players who changed the game by their presence, leadership and performance.  They were players who made their teams better and left their mark on their respective sports.

The 1996 Arizona State Sun Devils had just that in Defensive End Derrick Rodgers.  Rodgers, a transfer from Riverside Community College, was recruited without much fanfare.  He was not on anyone’s list as a “can’t miss” JuCo player yet his journey to ASU is an interesting one.  After high school he served our country in the Air Force and played Linebacker and Defensive End for the Tigers in 1994 and 1995.  Coach Dan Cozzetto, then ASU Offensive Coordinator, was intrigued by the raw physical talent of Rodgers and felt he could help the Sun Devils win.  After convincing Bruce Snyder that he was a rare find Rodgers was offered a scholarship and he enrolled at ASU in the winter of 1996.  ASU at the time was coming off a 6-5 season in which they were eliminated from bowl contention after a heart-breaking 31-28 loss to Arizona; a game which the Devils led 28-14 in the 4th Quarter.

Rodgers had an immediate and profound effect on the ASU defense.  During Spring Football it was evident that the coaches had found a gem in their new Defensive End.  Rodgers proved to be a pass rushing demon.  He could get up field in a hurry and played with great fire and passion.  The Sun Devils had not had a premier pass rusher since Shante Carver in 1993 so the emergence of Rodgers was welcomed by not only the coaches but the players.  Rodgers’ mere presence on the defensive line elevated the play of Vince Amey, Shawn Swayda and Brent Burnstein who started in 1995 and were looking to be a force in 1996.  With the addition of Rodgers this group went from good to intimidating.  Rodgers also bonded with his new teammates immediately after enrolling.  He was a soft spoken, approachable and friendly addition to the tight knit Sun Devils.  With his play on the field and his personality off of it Rodgers became a quiet yet important leader on a team looking to make some noise in the Pac-10.

While ASU had many celebrated players on offense in 1996 Rodgers was instrumental in helping the Maroon Monsoon rank among the Pac-10’s best in defense.  He teamed with his defensive line mates andSun Devil greats such as Pat Tillman, Derek Smith, Damien Richardson and Mitchell Freedman to give ASU a defensive unit that made opposing Offensive Coordinators cringe.  Rodgers was that key piece that elevated ASU and gave then Defensive Coordinator Phil Snow the ability to be aggressive in his game planning.  Rodgers started all 12 games for the Sun Devils and established himself as one of the Pac-10’s best defenders with his non-stop motor and penchant for making big plays at the most crucial moments.  His stats speak for themselves: 56 total tackles, 36 which were solo, 12 sacks, 4 forced fumbles and caused the opposing teams to lose 260 yards of offense.  Against Nebraska Rodgers had a huge game in helping the defense shut out and upset the defending National Champions.  He sacked NebraskaQuarterback Scott Frost in the end zone for a huge safety that deflated the Cornhuskers and ignited the Devils.  It was one of three safeties the defense scored in that historical victory.  Against Cal, a 35-7 victory that clinched the Pac-10 Title and Rose Bowl berth, Rodgers again had a big game harassing Golden Bears Quarterback Pat Barnes.  For his performance on the field that season Rodgers was voted All Pac-10 First Team and was named an NEA First Team All-American.

Rodgers was no doubt an Impact Player on a team that went 11-0, won the Pac-10 title and played in theRose Bowl.  He declared for the NFL Draft after that season and was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the third round.  Rodgers went on to play eight seasons in the NFL for the Dolphins and the New Orleans Saints and currently resides in Miami,Florida.

In this first “Blast from the Devil Past” segment Derrick Rodgers answers ten questions and shares some thoughts with us about himself and his time at ASU.

What are you up to these days?

I am a family man with four children.  I work around the house and I am pursuing an acting career.

What did you do in the military?

I was in the Air Force.  I was a Medical Lab Technician.  So basically I examined all types of body fluids in order for the doctors to make well informed decisions about patient care.

What is your favorite football moment at ASU?

Watching the transformation of “Sun Devil Nation.”  We gave the desert some excitement and the city a reason to come together.

What is the one concept Bruce Snyder taught that has influenced your life the most?

I am not so much a “saying guy.”  But Ican never forget how h carried himself.  He was determined for us to respect ourselves because it was evident that he had respect for us.  There was no question that Coach wanted the best for his players and (his assistant) coaches.  I respected that.

If you could change one thing about your career at ASU what would it be?

Nothing.  My career is everything I wanted it to be.

What was it like living the NFL dream after serving our country in the military and then playing for ASU?

I have always understood that life is what you make of it.  I can honestly say that every career move I have made I have enjoyed.  God gave me a talent.  I am able to have a positive attitude about most things.  I am able to see the good in life.

What does being a Sun Devil mean to you?

It means that I have a family that knows what it means to “Fight! Team on the down the field, fight with your might ‘til victory is ours!”

What do you do in your leisure time?

I sew, coach football and basketball, play video games, paint and do my lawn.

Tell us about any community projects you’re involved in.

I stay involved in the community by coaching kids, working with youth groups encouraging kids to make good decisions, helping seniors through my church and helping build homes through Habitat for Humanity.

In one word describe the following people: Jake Plummer, Dan Cozzetto, Pat Tillman.

Jake – winner.  Dan Cozzetto – committed.  Pat Tillman – hero.

Derrick Rodgers #59.  An Impact Player and “Blast from the Devil Past”!

On a personal note Derrick is the best Defensive End I ever faced.  I don’t say thatlightly given I have played against Tedy Bruschi, Regan Upshaw and Grant Wistrom while at ASU.  Derrick was in a class by himself.  Going up against him every day in practice helped me become what I became for ASU.  Without Derrick being on the team I doubt I would’ve achieved All-American status and be in the ASU Hall of Fame today.  He was a pleasure to play with and it’s a privilege being his Sun Devil Brother.  I remember Coach Cozzetto telling me on Derrick’s recruiting trip that he was going to be a great player for us.  What an understatement.

GO DEVILS!!!

Photo Credits: http://www.thesundevils.cstv.com / http://www.ballen-photos.com