Dallas Cowboys star wide receiver Miles Austin caught 69 passes for 1,041 yards and seven touchdowns last season, continuing the success story for the undrafted free agent from Monmouth.One year removed from a breakthrough 81-reception, 1,320-yard, 11-touchdown campaign, Austin proved he wasn't a flash in the pan and that he has staying power in the NFL.
The Cowboys signed Austin to a six-year, $54 million contract extension that included $18 million in guaranteed money last September. Austin has appeared in two consecutive Pro Bowls, replacing Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson due to a knee injury.
National Football Post caught up with Austin for a telephone inteview this week from Dallas, where he's attending the Super Bowl.
NFP: What's the outlook for the Cowboys after a rough season?
Austin: "It's a great organization. Yeah, we didn't start off the best, but we responded. We tried to get it together late in the year and we won our last game. There's a bunch of guys looking to play hard. We don’t want to make the same mistakes. We're looking to correct our mistakes. Hopefully, a bunch of wins are ahead of us. We're looking to turn it around and we're going to be working hard in the offseason."
NFP: How's your health after a long season?
Austin: "I'm feeling good. I just got back from the Pro Bowl. We ran around a little bit over there. It was a good thing. You're going to have a few bumps and bruises, but I'm healthy for the most part."
NFP: The Pro Bowl got pretty lopsided in a hurry as you guys got off to a 42-0 lead? Were you guys extra motivated to earn the $45,000 winning share?
Austin: "It wasn’t like we were throwing deep balls or doing trick plays. You throw an interception and we drive down and score. That’s the way it was going, they fought back hard. It got sticky. Thankfully, we won and we got twice the money."
NFP: How would you describe your approach to the game?
Austin: "I think I classify myself as anything but a hard worker. That's what I am, somebody who’s going to go out there for my family and teammates and try as hard as I can. Hopefully, my coaches and teammates recognize me as that."
NFP: How tough was your road to the NFL from Monmouth, a small school in New Jersey?
Austin: "I grew up in Jersey my whole life and went to Monmouthand had to fight to get here. We didn’t even have scholarships when I went there. You had to put together packages and finanacial aid. It humbles you in a way and you play with a bunch of great guys. You stay in contact with them and you become best friends. I wouldn’t change my experience."
NFP: You've been in the tabloids and entertainment magazines a lot over the past year, especially when you dated Kim Kardashian. How did you deal with the paparazzi and added attention?
Austin: "I feel like any other athlete. Sometimes you get noticed, sometimes you don’t. It’s whatever. It comes with the territory. You can’t control other people’s actions. I feel like in that situation I have to handle it the best way I can handle it. There's no set way to handle anything."
NFP: You're also endorsing Gatorade and promoting their products this week. Have you always drank Gatorade?
Austin: "Yeah, even in high school. I remember when Gatorade was in a glass bottle back in the day. I’ve always been a Gatorade guy. Not only is it good for your body and recovery and hydration, it tastes good. With the science of everything they're into, they're really covering the whole spectrum of athletics."
