Fresno State Athletics
Catching Up with Tyler Clutts
11/25/2011 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 25, 2011
FRESNO, Calif. - GoBulldogs.com recently caught up with former Fresno State football player Tyler Clutts, who is enjoying a career in the NFL and is currently the starting fullback for the Chicago Bears.
GB: You started the year with the Cleveland Browns and are now the starting fullback for the Chicago Bears. Tell us what this season has been like for you?
TC: "To call this season a whirlwind would be an understatement. In the last year in a half, I have played in three leagues for four teams. But ultimately this year has been a dream come true! Since I was four years old, all I have wanted to do is play in the NFL. I never expected the journey I have taken, but if I had to go back and do it again, I would do it exactly the same."
GB: After having lived in several different NFL cities, will Fresno always be home to you?
TC: "Fresno will always be my home. Both mine and my wives' families are in Fresno and that is where we want to raise our children."
GB: What is it like playing at Soldier Field?
TC: "It is one of the coolest places I have ever played. With the tradition, fan support and visual appeal, it makes for one of the best stadiums in the country at any level. Not to mention that it has a pretty good reputation for home field advantage."
GB: In college, you played defensive end for the Bulldogs. Now, you are playing fullback. Do you like one position better than the other?
TC: "From the day I started playing football, I never cared which position I played as long as I was on the field. I have played my fair share of positions throughout my career, but I would have to say that I enjoy playing fullback the most. The personality that is required to play fullback is most like mine. It is a position with little glory, but requires a lot of work, beatings and unflinching dedication to always put your body on the line for the betterment of the team."
GB: "Fullback is a bruising position, what do you do to keep your body healthy?
TC: "Chicago does an unbelievable job of making sure that our bodies are ready to compete every Sunday at the highest level. The Bears organization offers messages three times per week, daily personal stretching, Chiropractors and ART three times per week, nutritional guidance and monitoring and a top notch training staff for rehab on and aches and pains. Other than that, their the biggest thing is to make sure you are eating right, getting plenty of sleep and spending lots of time in the ice bath."
GB: What was your educational experience like at Fresno State?
TC: "Awesome. I received my degree in communications and with all the media exposure at this level, I feel as if Fresno State has more than prepared me to deal with any type of media situation that may arise. When done playing football I hope to get full use of my degree and pursue a future in broadcasting."
GB: How closely are you able to follow Fresno State now that you are in the NFL?
TC: "I actually have been able to watch a few games, which has been very nice. It's tough to get a lot of the games out here in the Midwest, but any time Fresno is nationally televised, I am definitely watching. No matter how the team is doing I will always be a Fresno State supporter and fan."
GB: You've had an interesting path to the NFL, playing in the AFL, UFL and Canadian Football League. How rewarding is it to you to be in the NFL now?
TC: "It is very rewarding and humbling. Like I said earlier, if I could change my path to get here, i wouldn't. I appreciate every day that the Chicago Bears allow me to suit up for them. I know how hard I have worked to get here and will do everything in my power to make sure I do not give anyone a reason to send me home. I would love to play this game for as long as my body allows me to."
