Former NC State linebacker Nate Irving is heading into the upcoming football season on a new team and hopefully with a newly recovered knee. On November 2nd of last year as member of the Denver Broncos, Irving tore his ACL in a game against the Patriots. Prior to that point he was having the best season of his career, recording 46 tackles through 8 games. After hitting the free agent market, Irving signed a 3-year, $9.25 million dollar contract with the Indianapolis Colts on March 20th. We caught up with Irving and got his take on his rehab, his new home, his time at NC State and his expectations for the Wolfpack this year.
How is your rehab going?
Rehab has been going very well. Each week I’m progressing and taking the right steps to get back on the field through building up my strength and stamina around my knee. More importantly I’m’ building back that confidence and trust in my knee. Right now I am ahead of schedule and I plan on keeping it that way.
How difficult was it to watch from the sidelines at the end of last year?
It was hard for me to get hurt. Period. The season I was having wouldn’t have meant anything if we didn’t make it to the big game. It mainly hurt because I had to sit and watch my team go through the ups and downs knowing I was not able to help. I’m not saying I would’ve made a difference, but I would have loved to be out there with them. The competitor in me had a hard time dealing with not being able to play, not being able to practice or even workout.
How are things going in Indianapolis?
Things in Indy are going pretty good. I’m mainly doing my rehab and getting in the playbook. The playbook is coming along fairly well. I just have to make sure I stay on top of it even when I think I know everything already. I want to know the nuances of every play and every possible adjustment.
What are your goals for this year?
My main goal this year is to put together a full season coming off this knee injury. I want to be a reliable guy when I’m out there playing, and not a liability. A Super Bowl victory would be nice too. Haha
How did your time at NC State prepare you for the NFL?
The time at NC State helped me out a lot in getting ready for the NFL, on and off the field. I was able to learn from a few great coaches about discipline, professionalism and what it would take to be successful. I feel like the program and coaches also prepared me on the field by placing a premium on hard work, working out, how to take care of your body, and what it takes to think like a pro.
What were your favorite memories as an NC State football player?
I must say, my greatest memory ever at NC State was never losing to the Tar Heels. Hahaha. I have been through wars of games against them, with guys I called my brothers, and we were able to kick them every time. To this day, whenever I encounter someone from that team, it always feels good to say “I’m undefeated against the powder blues”.
What are your expectations for the Wolfpack this season?
I’m excited to see the program experience success. This is usually the time a program with a new coach picks up his system. The coach gets the players he wants to run his system, and good things happen. I think we are ready to turn that corner and play for that ACC title. I am going to be watching and rooting every step of the way. Hopefully, I can make a few of the games…maybe even sneak a jersey and helmet on against a certain team.