Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker
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| | James Lang/US PRESSWIRE |
| | Cincinnati Bengals safety Chinedum Ndukwe. |
The AFC North version of the Blog Network caught up with Cincinnati Bengals safety Chinedum Ndukwe to discuss, among other things, his summer trip to Africa and his long-standing friendship with Browns quarterback Brady Quinn.
1. You spent a lot of time in your native Nigeria this summer. How was that experience?
Chinedum Ndukwe: It was a humbling experience. I have an opportunity to be doing what I'm doing here in the United States, and the trip makes me appreciate everything that I have. I've been blessed with my family, and I saw family that I never met before. My mom is a nurse and she ran a free clinic at my uncle's hospital. We're talking to them about possibly doing a (football) camp next year and down the road maybe having a sports academy.
2. Being from Columbus, Ohio, what did you make of Carson Palmer's recent comments against Ohio State?
CN: I think it's all in good fun. He went to USC, so I understand where he's coming from. You have to have pride in your school, and obviously he does.
3. What did you learn from your older brother, Ike, who has been in the NFL for a little longer than you have?
CN: I think the biggest thing is football turns into a business. The purest form of football is in high school. But eventually it turns into a business. There's no hard feelings when decisions are made, and that's just the way it is.
4. How far back does your friendship go with Quinn, who was a former teammate high school and college?
CN: It goes back to seventh grade when we were playing football together. This is actually the second year that we haven't played football together and been on the same team with him. It's a little bit different. But I can't wait until he's starting and I'm starting consistently, so we can develop a little rivalry.
5. That brings me to my final question: who will start first?
CN: Well, I already have the claim to fame of being the first NFL starter at the end of last year. So I got the one-up. But we're both obviously in a battle right now and it's part of football. It's fun.
Walker joined ESPN.com in 2008 after three seasons covering the Cleveland Browns for the Columbus Dispatch. He also covered the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Cavaliers at the Dispatch. Walker grew up in Hyattsville, Md., before attending Temple University, graduating in 2001 with a B.A. in communications and mass media. He resides in the Cleveland area.
