Brett Dietz Q&A

To say that a lot has changed in Brett Dietz's life during the past 12 months would be an understatement. When the 2007 season began, Dietz was a practice squad quarterback with the Kansas City Brigade. When it ended, he was the Storm's starting signal caller and the league's Co-Rookie of the Year. In the aftermath of his successful debut, Dietz recently signed a three-year deal with the team.

On Tuesday, we chatted for a bit and here's what he had to say.

KN: I'm sure you always believed you could succeed at this level, but thinking and doing are two different things. Now that you've done it, how much confidence do you have and how has it changed you?
BD: I don't think I've changed. I try to do the same thing. I've been thinking about this the last few days. I'm trying not to do anything I didn't do last year because last year was successful. Last year, it worked.

KN: When you look at last year's games on video, are you harder on yourself now than you were in 2007?
BD: Definitely. Last year, I was a rookie and I let a lot of stuff slide because of my inexperience. Now I know I'm not a rookie any more. And some of the mistakes I made last year I just can't afford to make this year. It's all about maturing as a leader and as a football player. Even though I played well last year, I didn't play good enough and I need to push myself.

KN: What is the main area in which you need to improve?
BD: Overall, just knowing what's going on. When you look at the guys that are the top quarterbacks in the league, they know exactly what's going on. As soon as the football is snapped, they know exactly what the defense is and exactly where to throw the ball. If I can get to that level, I'll be happy.

KN: How did your focus change after going from a backup role to being a starter?
BD: When I was in Kansas City, I was on the practice squad, so the first week I got here was the first game I played in. I hadn't been a backup since parts of my sophomore year in college. Every place I'd been I was either starting or had been on a practice squad. So it was almost to the point where I had forgotten how to be a backup. When I got here as the backup, I told myself I was going to prepare like I was going to start. Because if I do have to get in and I'm not ready then my opportunity is lost.

KN: Now that you're a starter again, do you feel like you're back in your element?
BD: Yeah. And this is the first time since college I'm returning to the same team. Every year I've played since then, I've been on a different team. I definitely feel more comfortable. But I have to be careful not to get too comfortable. And I've got to improve every day and get better.