We caught up with Corey after Friday's practice to discuss the rigors of playing defensive line in the NFL, his offseason workout regimen during the lockout and his ever-growing DVD collection.
Reggie Roberts: How's it going big fella?
Corey Peters: It's going good. We're battling. I felt like we had a great week of practice this week and we're looking for a positive outcome this weekend when we play the Panthers at home.
RR: Some of the guys in the locker room were talking the other day about how hard they were working out during the lockout. Were you one of those guys?
CP: I worked out hard, but I did it on my own schedule. Had it been a normal offseason, we would have had to have been at some of the workouts at 8 a.m. During the lockout, I really enjoyed the freedom. Instead of getting up to workout at 8 a.m., I'd get it in around 11 a.m., or noon. I worked hard, did a lot of strength training and cardio and came back to work in good shape.
RR: Did you travel much during the summer?
CP: I took a cruise and I went to Ocho Rios, Jamaica and I went to the Final Four in Houston to cheer on my Wildcats.
RR: That's right. You're a UK guy. Didn't the Cats get to the semifinals of the NCAA Tournament?
CP: Yeah. We lost to Connecticut in the national semifinals, but the Cats had a great season.
RR: One of the most impressive aspects of your bio is the fact that you were a three-time member of the Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll team. How hard was that to do being a full-time starting defensive tackle for the Wildcat football team?
CP: It wasn't easy, but it's something that I am extremely proud of – that and finishing my degree.
RR: What's your degree in?
CP: Secondary social studies education. When I am done playing football, I want to coach the game on the collegiate level.
RR: If you could have dinner with four people, who would you invite?
CP: Jesus Christ, President Obama, Jackie Robinson, and Muhammad Ali.
RR: What's the best thing about being an NFL defensive lineman?
CP: I really enjoy the fact that there are approximately 130 defensive tackles in the entire league, and I am part of what is a very elite fraternity of great players. That motivates me to continue to work hard and improve.
RR: Does the average fan understand how hard it is to play on the defensive line in the National Football League?
CP: It's a tough position. It's not for the timid or the faint of heart. You have to be strong, smart, quick, agile, and physical to play on the defensive line of an NFL team.
RR: Ray "Sugar Bear" Hamilton – regarded by many as one of the top defensive line coaches in all of professional football – is your position coach. What's he like?
CP: Coach Hamilton is consistent. He's the same way every day. He's made me a better player because he is an excellent teacher who's played this game, and has been coaching it for a long time.
RR: Someone told me that you are a big movie person. How many DVDs would I find in your house?
CP: I do like movies. I think I have about 200 DVDs.
RR: Anything good?
CP: I've got everything that Denzel Washington has ever made. My favorite movies are "The Wood," "Finding Forrester," "The Great Debaters," "The Patriot" and "Gladiator."
