YRB Interview: Steve Breaston

Words by Dan Reagans

Known to the masses as a wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinal's, Steve Breaston recently sat down with YRB to show an in depth look at the man behind number 15. After making a major blip on the public's radar following last years Super Bowl performance, along with being one of three players on the Cardinals to rush for more than 1000 yards (which is extremely rare and has only been done five times in NFL history), Breaston has proven himself to be a major threat to opposing teams’ defensive strategies. Breaston attributes his on-the-field familiarity to both hard work and his teammates Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald. “Those guys are great receivers, being able to be here and learn from them has allowed me to go out and work on my craft so I can become a better receiver.”

Only in his third season, Breaston's presence on the field can only be overshadowed by personal accolades. Ranging from poetry to skateboarding and even to blogging, it seems that Breaston is just as nice with a pen as he is with pigskin. “I love football, but I leave all that in the building when I go home. There's so much more in life that completes me as a person.”

Breaston's appreciation for writing is followed by a unique love for his hometown, Braddock, PA. Like many other states in America the economic downfall has taken its toll on Pennsylvania, but the humble receiver has come up with a game plan to help the youth of his beloved ‘hood.

After winning the NFC Western title, we caught up with the multi-faceted talent to discuss his abilities on and off the field and the untimely passing of Cincinnati Bengal's wide receiver Chris Henry.

YRB: How does it feel being one of three players on the same team to have more than 1000 receiving yards?

Steve: It felt real good, just being out there with my teammates and being able to make big plays and produce for your team. It’s no greater feeling. I'm just real happy to even be in that situation.

YRB: What do you do in preparation for a game?

Steve: I just listen to my iPod and chill. I'm never too uptight, I try and stay loose because we prepare all week for it. I know all my assignments so I just try and let what I learned in practice carry over into game time.

YRB: Do you have any Super Bowl predictions?

Steve: Just think big. We were there last year, and we still have the talent to get to that level again this year. The players are still hungry, but right now it’s all about getting to the playoffs. We're still achieving our goals for the season, which was to win the NFC West, and right now we’re one of 12 teams in the playoffs, and at this point anything can happen. When we get on the road and get on a hot streak I see ourselves back in that position. So people get ready!

YRB: And you have an upcoming skating event with pro skater Stevie Williams. How did this union come about?

Steve: Yeah, I'm gonna have a big skating event out in Phoenix, AZ. We got the chance to get together with Stevie Williams, who's a pioneer in this sport, and the money and proceeds raised will be donated to the community of Braddock, PA. I just wanted to be able to give back. It may be tough economically there, but it's still a lot of good people.

YRB: Why skating?

Steve: Honestly, I just wanted to cater to the kids out here. They're into skating and I wanted to have an event where everybody can benefit. I also wanted to separate myself from others. It would've been easy for me to throw a football camp, but I wanted do something different and do something that was relevant to the kids today and have something that they can enjoy.

YRB: Most people don't know it, but you write poetry. How long have you been writing?

Steve: Yeah, I do a lot of writing. I've been doing poetry since the 7th grade. I think I get it from my brother because he writes as well. Writing is real therapeutic for me. I got a lot on my mind, and I've been through situations and seen people go through a lot and just like to get it all down on paper. I enjoy being creative. I also have a blog that I contribute to. I'm writing under my nickname S. Phantom, so if people wanna check out my writing and other stuff, like fashion and current events, they can catch me at http://www.kingsrowe.com/blog/sphantom.

YRB: On a more serious note, how where you affected by the sudden passing of Cincinnati Bengal's wide receiver Chris Henry?

Steve: Things like that are always troubling. He was only 26 years old, and I'm 26, myself, and to see someone your age with so much talent and a bright future in front of them…it’s just tough to swallow. He changed his life around and was on the right path, so it’s real difficult to hear that someone like that passed away. It brings you back down to earth. A lot of people think that athletes are invincible, but we're not. All life is precious – RIP.