Q&A with Mr. Irrelevant
Spoiled is how Chandler Harnish said he’s felt during his first visit to California.
Newport Beach tends to treat the last player selected in the NFL Draft every year like a No. 1 pick.
This year, it’s Harnish’s turn to enjoy being Mr. Irrelevant.
The quarterback didn’t go No. 1 overall like Andrew Luck.
Harnish went dead last, pick No. 253.
The same team, the Indianapolis Colts, chose the first and last players in the draft.
Harnish knows he isn’t going to earn Luck-like money, but Newport Beach has showered the boy from Indiana like the top draft pick.
Before Harnish sat down for his Mr. Irrelevant roast Tuesday night during the All-Star Lowsman Banquet at the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa, the rookie answered some questions from the Daily Pilot.
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Question: What is the most exciting thing you plan to do while you’re in Orange County?
Answer: I would say going to Disneyland. I’m really looking forward to the Lowsman Banquet.
Q: Did you fly first class, or did you take Greyhound to Orange County?
A: I didn’t take Greyhound [laughs], but I flewUnited [Airlines]. It was decent, but not first class, no way.
Q: What are you expecting out of Irrelevant Week, beside free Colts gear?
A: Just being in California and having the experience and getting to meet some pretty cool people.
Q: Before Irrelevant Week, you went to the NFL rookie symposium in Ohio. What did you learn?
A: I learned a lot of different things, just what not to do. We had a lot of guys speak on issues that they’ve had. I’ve learned a lot of troubling stories, but I think it will help us in the long run.
Q: Terrell Owens, one of the most controversial receivers in the game, talked to you guys at the symposium. What did you take from Owens, is he the kind of receiver most quarterbacks dream of throwing to?
A: You look at the guy, he’s about 6-4, 6-5, he’s a specimen. Any time you have a guy like that, you would jump on that opportunity and take it.
Q: What kind of advice did Terrell Owens offer in respect to having a loving relationship with a wide receiver?
A: He just talked about how to maintain an unbelievable level of performance on the field. He’s been doing it for 16-17 years now and he’s still in unbelievable shape. He just talked about his commitment and sacrifices he made. He just personally told stories about [how] after practice, he would go home and actually come back to the facility and continue to workout. He had a personal trainer. Aside from popular belief, he didn’t really go out and party, and do all those kinds of things. He was very committed to the game and I think he’s gotten a bum rap over the years, just because of what he’s gone through with his agent and some of the media things.
Q: What is your relationship with Andrew Luck and how has the first pick in the NFL Draft treated the dead-last pick?
A: Andrew and I have grown pretty close and he’s only been there for a few weeks because of graduating from Stanford. He is awesome. He’s down to earth. He’s humble. He’s willing to teach me. We’re just friends and I think that’s what I like most about our relationship.
Q: Can you believe he hasn’t signed a contract yet? Who is his agent, Leigh Steinberg?
A: No comment on [Steinberg and laughs]. I’m not surprised that he hasn’t signed his contract. There’s a lot of money involved and it was a lot of endorsement things that they just have to work out, I believe.
Q: It’s going to be tough for you to make the field with Andrew, a franchise quarterback. Had you wished maybe another team had drafted you instead of the Colts?
A: Those kinds of situations are above of my paygrade. I don’t get paid to make those decisions. If I worry about that I’ll stress myself out. I came into this league thinking, ‘I want to get mentored by a great quarterback and why not Andrew Luck?’
Q: What is it going to be like playing on the team that you rooted for as a kid? You don’t have to get the NFL Sunday Ticket package anymore.
A: Unbelievable feeling. I don’t even have to buy any new shirts or anything. My family already has all Colts stuff, so it makes that easy.
Q: The Colts have three quarterbacks on their roster, you, Andrew Luck and Drew Stanton. What’s it going to take for you to beat Stanton for that No. 2 spot?
A: I think just consistency and ability to grasp the playbook. He’s a veteran and he’s proved that he can play in this league. I just got to continue to get better every day and just focus on football.
Q: Do you follow Colts owner Jim Irsay on Twitter?
A: Yes, I do.
Q: Who is harder to understand, Jim Irsay’s tweets, or Paul Salata, the founder of Mr. Irrelevant?
A: If Paul had a Twitter [account], I’m guessing Paul’s would be tougher.
Twitter: @DCPenaloza