Rams RB Jake Funk – Draft Day Media Availability – May 1, 2020
Rams RB Jake Funk – Media Availability – May 1, 2021
(On his feelings after being drafted)
“It’s a dream come true, I couldn’t be happier right now.”
(On what he would tell now himself as he was recovering from injuries)
“Just to not give up. I mean, a lot of people counted me out, especially through the injuries. I would just go back and tell myself that it was all worth it in the end. All the tears, all the worry, all the doubt, it was all worth it in the end. I mean, you just continue to persevere through hardship and it’s something that I’ve learned just about life in general, through the ACLs. But would just tell myself to just never give up.”
(On if he had any conversations with the Rams prior to becoming drafted)
“I was in contact with (Assistant Head Coach/Running Backs) Coach (Thomas) Brown for a good portion of it. Also, in contact with some scouts. But really, my role is to just come in and compete. I feel like I can come in and contribute a lot on special teams. Obviously, the competitor in me is just going to come in and compete for whatever running back position or role they give me. My job is to just come in and compete and give everything that I have for this organization who gave me a shot.”
(On if he gave up hope about being drafted as the days went on)
“I never gave up faith. I knew L.A. really liked me. I knew that they loved the special teams component that I bring. It’s something that, I think, helped me get to the point where I’m at. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the special teams aspect of my game and that’s something that L.A. just continued to preach, is that you’re going to make our team through special teams.”
(On where he’s speaking from)
“I am speaking from my house right now, which is where in Maryland. Damascus, Maryland. I’m in my backyard actually.”
(On what the past two days have felt like watching the draft unfold)
“It was definitely crazy. You have a lot of teams that are interested in you throughout the whole entire way. You constantly are like, you look through the draft and you’re like, ‘All right, well this pick, I’m alive at this pick and then they ultimately pick some other position or another guy in your position.’ So, you’re like, ’All right.’ Your mind is just continuously racing, right? It’s like a roller coaster it’s up, down, up, down, where you could get picked and you don’t get picked. Then, when you finally do get picked it’s a real special moment with family, with friends. I’m very fortunate to have a great support network that I’m here celebrating with right after I get off the phone with you guys. So, now just very fortunate.”
(On who called him from the Rams to inform about his selection)
“(General Manager) Les Snead.”
(On what was said to him)
“He just said, ‘You’re going to be a Ram. We’re excited to have you.’ I immediately then told everybody and saw the pick. So yeah, so Les was the one who called me and very, very, very thankful and blessed to be able to be somebody that they value so high to pick.”
(On if he’s followed the Rams in the past and his initial impressions)
“Honestly, I haven’t. I was never really a Rams fan growing up, so I never avidly watched them. They’re a contender every single year and they added (QB) Matt Stafford this year and I’m just excited to just come in and just see what it’s all about. The winning program, the winning culture, I’m excited to be able to just step into something and help this team win championships, because that’s what I’m here to do in any way that I can.”
(On the mindset to approach a role on special teams)
“You just have to be excited to make a play. Like, football is about making game-changing plays no matter when you’re on the field. If you can run down on a kickoff, pin somebody inside the 20 (yard line), create a big hit that gets the defense fired up and ready to go, it helps the team win. It’s all about the team. So for me, that’s just been my core, where it’s like I’m going to do whatever it takes to help our team win. And if that’s being a cover guy on special teams and going down there and getting a tackle or a big hit inside the 20, I’m going to do it. If that’s a contributing role on offense, I’m going to do that. Whether that’s first, second-down back, third-down back, doesn’t matter. Whatever opportunities you get on the field, you have to be able to take advantage and be that ballplayer that goes out and just makes a play when the team needs it.”