Ahead of this weekend’s Rookie Session in Luton, we sat down with Offensive Lineman, local boy and current Rookie of the Year Danny Cousins from last season’s impressive class of rookies…
Position: Offensive Line (Centre)
Height: 6ft 3ins
Weight: 290lbs
Hometown: Luton, Bedfordshire
Age: 23
Favourite NFL team: Minnesota Vikings
Favourite NFL player: Adrian Peterson
How did you get involved with American football?
After watching NFL for a few years, it was a sport that I really wanted to try out. I played rugby when I was younger and liked contact sports, but wanted to try something different.
A couple of friends and I turned up to the 2014 rookie days in Milton Keynes and St Neots after hearing about them on Facebook and loved it.
The sessions are purely for you to come and have a go. You take part in skills and drills involved with all of the different positions. The players are on hand to answer questions, offer advice and support you. We ended up going to all of the rookie sessions and joining the team!
Did anything take you by surprise during your first season?
Before I started playing, I underestimated how big a part, fitness played in the game. Although it is a “stop/start” game, it’s high intensity and you have to be able to give your all on every down.
I’ve had to improve my fitness a lot, but that was one of my reasons for joining the team too. It also surprised me how much you learn so quickly!
What is your favourite thing about playing for the Eagles so far?
The camaraderie is great. The team spirit amongst us is phenomenal; on the sideline on game day you can just feel that everybody believes in each other and that we can beat anybody!
It gives me great pride to be a part of the Eagles family.
What are your aims for next season?
I want to continue learning as much as I can about the sport, train to become technically and physically better than last year and help the Eagles secure promotion to the Premier Division.
I also want to represent Great Britain. Four Eagles were offered trials this year and I aim to do everything I can to be a part of that number next season!
What advice do you have for anyone considering playing American Football for the first time?
If you have the slightest inclination to give it a go, just do it! Don’t let a lack of knowledge or understanding of the game put you off.
I knew next to nothing when I started last year, other than a few rules I had learned from watching games. The coaches are great and teach you everything you need to know and your team-mates are always happy to help too, you just need to be willing to learn and the term “there’s no such thing as a stupid question” has never been truer!
We’re a dedicated, driven team and if you are willing to listen, learn and work hard, you’ll fit right in!
The third rookie session of the month takes place this Sunday at Lealands High School in Luton, starting at 11am.
American Football has never been more popular in the UK and is one of the fastest growing sports in the country. If you’ve always fancied having a go why not register to try it out at one of our sessions?
Open to those wanting to play for the Youth Team (aged 14+) or the Senior Team (18+), after this weekend we then move to Milton Keynes next week for our final session at Stantonbury Campus.
Each session takes place between 11am and 1pm. All you need to bring with you is football/rugby boots, some water, appropriate clothing to be out running in the weather and a valid form of photo ID.
To register your interest, please visit the relevant Event Page on Facebook or feel free to turn up on the day of the session:
Session 3 – Luton
Session 4 – Milton Keynes
