News
Winston Justice: Thankful that hard work, dedication were reward
25 Nov 09
By Winston Justice
Philadelphia Enquirer
Eagles starting right tackle Winston Justice writes a weekly column for the Daily News to provide his insights into the team. His columns appear Wednesdays.
Yesterday, the Eagles offered me a contract extension, which I graciously accepted.
I am excited to stay with the Eagles. The city of Philadelphia is such a great place, and my wife and I are thrilled to know we are going to be here for at least another 4 years, and hopefully the rest of my career.
I wanted to thank the Eagles organization and all the Eagles fans who believed in me and who continue to believe in our team. I am going to go out there every day and exhibit the same hard work and dedication that got me here, and prove to everyone this contract extension was justified.
To all those who have been told you can't do something, have faith and perseverance. Nothing goes unnoticed.
After all the years of being interviewed, I've decided I prefer to be on this side of the notepad or camera. Sitting at my desk typing on my laptop, no one knows whether you're having a bad hair day or, in my case, a bad beard day. Anyway, this definitely beats standing in the locker room with reporters all around, quickly getting dressed while trying to hold your towel up.
I have never been much of a talker. Maybe growing up with a stutter forced me to think carefully about my words before I spoke. Because I attended speech classes for most of my life, I have constantly tried to work on my communication skills.
My quietness often gets misread for lack of drive or softness. However, that is definitely not the case. And I think I have proved that this year. Hard work does pay off.
Sunday night's game against Chicago was a tough, hard-fought game. Although we came out with a win, it shows the offense has a lot to improve on. Keeping the same offensive consistency throughout the game and through the season is key.
One thing the offense did do was start off faster than in previous weeks. This is what we need to do against the Washington Redskins on Sunday. Despite the Redskins' 3-7 record, their defense remains one of the best in the league. They have a very talented front seven, so this too will be a challenge for the offense.
We realize what is on the line, and as the regular season draws to the end, we are up for the challenge.
Q & A
Why does playing left tackle seem to be so different from playing right tackle? - Scott Satorius, Short Hills, N.J.
Thanks, Scott. The difference between right tackle and left tackle is your stance. In my opinion, one position is not harder than the other, although left tackles are considered to be more of a commodity in the NFL because they protect the quarterback's blind side. It is really about what you are more comfortable with and what you practice at.
I played right tackle for a lefthanded quarterback at USC and when I came here, I just always thought right tackle was my more natural position. I wouldn't mind playing left tackle in the future.
Injuries happen in this league, and it's good to be versatile. You always have to be prepared to step in and help your team in any way possible.
