Courtesy of Norfolk State Athletic Communications
NORFOLK, Va. – Former Norfolk State star Bobby Price overcame a number of obstacles to realize his childhood dream of making it to the NFL.
The COVID-19 pandemic cancelled the first-ever HBCU NFL Combine this past spring, which Price was scheduled to participate in. It also cut short the opportunities for pre-draft NFL team meetings for Price and other prospects like him, trying to make a good impression on decision-makers.
Still, the Detroit Lions took notice of Price's talent and body of work, which included two All-MEAC nods, 229 tackles and seven interceptions in his four-year Spartan career. The team signed the 6-4 safety to a free agent contract.
Following training camp, Price was signed to the Lions official practice squad roster. His job is to simulate what each week's opponent may try to do against the Lions. He is also eligible to be signed to the active roster and see game action, a route which former Spartan All-Americans Deon King and Lynden Trail took in years' past.
Price answered the following questions about his journey to the NFL and what his life is like now that he's part of an NFL organization.
Q: What have you learned in your first month on the practice squad?
A: I've learned so much about the game. The different type of situations, and practicing being in those type of situations.
Q: What is your typical day like during practice?
A: It's not too different from Norfolk State. We have about 20 different periods of practice. I play against the first-string offense every day. I would say it's just a lot faster than college.
Q: Who are some of the players you are looking to for guidance?
A: I look up to a lot of veteran defensive backs like Jayron Kearse and Tracy Walker. They are both bigger safeties like myself and they help me with learning how to use my size to my advantage. Also, Tony McRae – he went to North Carolina A&T so we can relate to each other a lot coming from an HBCU.
Q: What was the training camp experience like? How as it different than college camp?
A: Training camp was different because of COVID. It was a lot shorter than it normally would be considering we didn't have preseason games. The days were long, especially for rookies.
Q: What are some of the areas of your game that you feel you still want to work on?
A: Things I want to work on are just becoming a smarter football player and learning to become a professional. Also, just crafting my defensive back skills more.
Q: What do you feel are your biggest strengths right now?
A: I would say my biggest strength is my speed. I feel I'm one of the fastest players on the team and that could help me get on the field to contribute on special teams.
Q: How hard was it making the team being an undrafted free agent?
A: Hard was an understatement. With everything being canceled due to COVID, it came down to just having faith. It was just a complete blessing that I got a phone call.
Q: What was the spring draft preparation like due to COVID-19? What did you do to stay sharp?
A: The process was stressful because no one really knew what to expect. I wasn't sure if the season would get canceled or not. We did all our meetings from home on Zoom. And I would just work out in a little warehouse with my brothers every single day.
Q: How has life changed for you since you signed with the Lions?
A: I would say my life is a lot different now that football is the job that puts a roof over my head and food in my family's mouth. In school, there was a set schedule that we followed. In the league, you have to find a routine that works best for you.
Q: What are your goals for the rest of the NFL season?
A: My first goal for this season is just to keep a job here. It's one thing to make it to the NFL, but it's another to stay here. My next focus is making it to the active roster and contributing however I can for this organization.
Q: How did NSU prepare you for the next level?
A: The most important thing NSU taught me was how to fight adversity. Coach Scott and the team have been through a lot since he brought us in 2016. We fell down many times but we always got back up. So whatever comes my way, I know I can get through it.
Q: What would you tell those coming behind you about your experience at NSU and getting ready for the next level?
A: The best advice I can give is to cherish the time at NSU because it will go by in a blink of an eye. It's not impossible to make it from an HBCU as long as you put in the work to get here. Also, be eager to learn something every day!