Sherdrick Bonner, the 39-year-old quarterback of the Chicago Rush, hobbled over to an interview after practice last week and said he can’t predict when he’ll quit playing in the Arena Football League.
“I’m worried about the bus ride tonight,” he joked, “and then Friday’s game and that’s it.”
Bonner never made it to the game, but he had a good excuse: He was with his wife for the birth of their first child.
“When I see other guys with their babies, I get excited,” Bonner told RedEye hours before his wife went into labor. “I’m really, really looking forward to it.”
And the Rush (2-1) will be happy to have the man who two years ago was named the No. 8 player in league history back in the huddle for Saturday’s game against Colorado at Allstate Arena.
RedEye chatted up Bonner about Chicago, his nerves and why teammates call him “Triple OG.”
This is your first season in Chicago after 14 years in Arizona. How are you liking it?
Outside of the weather, everything else is great. The people are real friendly. They love the team in this town. It’s awesome. I’ve had a blast. I’m trying to stay lean, though, so the city’s not a great place for me with all of the great restaurants.
You high jumped 6 feet, 11 inches in college. Are you still going that high?
Hell no! I’d probably go about 6-2, 6-3 maybe, without any work.
How often do your teammates remind you that you’re the oldest player in the AFL?
They call me “Triple OG,” like an original gangster.
It’s just one of those things; I don’t get upset about it.
I feel like it’s an honor to still be competing with these kids. Some of them were in 4th, 5th grade when I started playing this game.
I’m not ashamed of it.
Are there any perks to being the oldest guy in the league?
No! Anyone who wants to give me a senior citizens’ discount, I’ll take it!
Jon Bon Jovi owns the Philadelphia Soul. Which rock star would you want as a team owner?
It would have to be a bass player. I have to go old-school.
Verdine White from Earth, Wind & Fire, just because the guy is full of energy and he’s crazy. He’s supposed to be in the back, but he’s dancing around in the front.
What is your favorite sports movie?
“Brian’s Song.” I love it.
Do you still get nervous before games?
Before our San Jose game, I felt like I was going to throw up and/or hyperventilate.
When you get out there and the fans are in a frenzy, it’s a whole different thing. These fans are insane, they’re rowdy, just that feeling out there puts you on a whole different level emotionally when you step out on that field and you see all that stuff.
Any predictions for this season?
We’re going to compete, and we’re going to get better each and every week. I don’t have any long-term predictions. I think we’re as good a team as there is.
ON THE TUBE
WHAT TO TUNE INTO THIS WEEKEND
Pacers at Bulls
7:30 P.M. SATURDAY, WGN
You ready to shell out $950 for a courtside seat next season? Me too!
Blues at Blackhawks
2 P.M. SUNDAY, CSN
Unless they win out, the Hawks will be singing the blues.
Royals at White Sox
3:05 P.M. SUNDAY, WGN
You prepared to go through Juan Uribe withdrawal or what?
NCAA TOURNAMENT
Which teams will survive the second round of the tourney? The Madness continues Saturday and Sunday.
West Virginia vs. Duke
1:10 P.M. SATURDAY, CBS
Kansas St. vs. Washington
3:20 P.M. SATURDAY, CBS
Notre Dame vs. Washington St.
5:40 P.M. SATURDAY, CBS
Michigan vs. Pittsburgh
8:10 P.M. SATURDAY, CBS
DOG DAZE
By Whizzer
THAT’S RIGHT, YOUR FAVORITE PROGNOSTICATING POOCH WORKS SATURDAYS TOO.
1. If you can read this …
Congratulations. If you’re reading this right now, you’ve likely survived about 48 hours of basketball. And that’s just the first round.
2. Sand boxing
The Cubs and White Sox face off again in Spring Training on Saturday. A Chicago team is guaranteed to win, imagine that.
3. Storm warning
No, it’s not going to snow again (or is it?), but the Indiana Pacers are in town. Local strip clubs are on lockdown.
4. Bullies
The Pacers-Bulls game could go a long way to determining if the Bulls make the playoffs. It’s not ever good to have to deal with the Pacers in pressure situations — just ask Indianapolis police officers.
