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| Buffalo Bills Chris Gragg and Minnesota Vikings Jarius Wright |
They started out being Lumberjack stars, went on to become outstanding record-setting Razorbacks and now apply their talents to the National Football League. One is a wide receiver for the Vikings and the other a tight end for the Bills. Both have accomplished a lot, but neither one has forgotten where he came from. Jarius Wright and Chris Gragg were in Warren March 17th to attend the "Ring Ceremony" for the 2014 Class AAAA State Champion Warren Lumberjack Football Team. Their high school jerseys were also retired by the school district. Both graciously agreed to sit down with salineriverchronicle.com and provide their many fans in Warren and Southeast Arkansas with an update on their careers.
The interview was conducted jointly.
Q-How long have you been in the NFL and what is your contract status?
Jarius Wright-I will be entering my 4th year in 2015 with the Vikings. Depending upon the
Vikings, at the end of the year I could be a free agent.
Chris Gragg- I will be entering my 3rd year and am currently working under a 4-year contract.
Q-How have you liked being in Minnesota and Buffalo as places to live and work. How do you feel about the communities?
Jarius Wright-Minnesota has been great. It does get a little cold later in the season but the
people have been outstanding and it is a great community.
Chris Gragg-I have really enjoyed Buffalo. It is a smaller city than many metropolitan areas
and in many ways reminds me of Arkansas. Remember the city is located in
western New York State. It has been a good experience.
Q. What is your routine for working out during the off season?
Jarius Wright-I try to follow a suggested workout routine with running and lifting weights about
three days a week. I concentrate on more running to keep me in top shape. At
least 2 miles each time and usually more.
Chris Gragg-Same thing. Workout three times weekly with weights and running. I will be
reporting to Buffalo in April for volunteer team workouts. I spend a lot of time
riding a cycle to help keep me in shape and protect my knees.
Jarius Wright -I will also be reporting soon for volunteer workouts and while they are volunteer,
you are expected to be there and noticed if you are not.
Q.What is the hardest thing about the NFL and the most fun?
Jarius Wright-The hardest thing is when you are not getting to play for any reason. The most
fun is representing Warren and Arkansas. It means something to know people
you grew up with and were associated with are watching you and supporting
you. It is important to do things right.
Chris Gragg-It is hard work but it is fun to accomplish something and know you got the job
done. This is a job and takes a lot from you to be successful.
Q. What is the outlook for your team in 2015?
Jarius Wright-I think very good. A lot of variables go into making a successful season and time
will tell. We have good players and good coaches. Norv Turner is my offensive
coordinator and he throws a lot of offense at you every week. You have to learn
and understand a large volume of information.
Chris Gragg-We will have a new coach and staff as Rex Ryan takes over as head coach. That
likely means a new offense with new plays and new terminology. We are
hopeful for a very good year. The team is making several off season moves to
make us better.
Q. Do you guys talk during the season?
Jarius Wright-We do, sometimes several times weekly.
Chris Gragg-We text more than anything. We have played against each other twice so far
but we don't share any team secrets. We do keep in touch because we have
been through so much together as Lumberjacks and Razorbacks.
Q.Who are the best players you have come up against?
Jarius Wright-There are a large number of very good players. In general cornerbacks worry
more about covering than hitting. Safeties in the NFL will hit you hard. You have
to stay on your toes and be focused. Wideouts are expected to block.
Chris Gragg-Lots of good players. I have to block a lot as a tight end and the guys I face will
hit and play hard. It can be brutal going up against them but my job is to block
and catch the ball when given the opportunity. There are many outstanding
players.
Q. Do you keep up with the Lumberjacks during the season?
Jarius Wright-I watch every Friday night on salinriverchronicle.com It is fun to watch the current
players and pull for their success. They continue to do well, and I am very
pleased.
Chris Gragg-I keep up with the Lumberjacks. Once you are a Lumberjack you are always one.
It was an honor to play for the Jacks and the program helped me get where I am
along with the Razorbacks and my family.
Both men expressed their appreciation to the Warren School District for retiring their jerseys and thanked Coach Hembree and the Warren community for all the support received over the years. They each stated they felt blessed to have the opportunity to play in the NFL and their careers at Warren High School and Arkansas helped make their dream a reality. Warren remains a special place to them and they show it by the support they give back to the community regularly.
Both Jarius and Chris were teammates with salineriverchronicle.com owner Rob Reep during the 2004 and 2005 football seasons. Both keep up with their former teammates from their playing days.
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