SHOOTING THE BREEZE WITH ... Tennessee Titans center Eugene Amano By DAN HAYES - Staff Writer | Posted: Saturday, November 6, 2010 9:12 pm
SAN DIEGO -- Tennessee Titans center Eugene Amano, a Rancho Bernardo High grad, had the chance to spend several days in his hometown this past week. Last Sunday, Amano, a seven-year NFL veteran, started in the Titans' 33-25 loss to the Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium.
After returning to Nashville and practicing with the Titans ahead of their bye this week, Amano flew back across the country to present the Broncos with a $10,000 check on Friday night. The donation is one of several Amano has made through the Amano Family Foundation. The Philippines-born lineman also gave to his home country after a 2009 typhoon and he plans to return to the Philippines for the first time since he was born after the 2010 season to rebuild poverty-stricken villages with a volunteer group called Gawad Kalinga.
The North County Times caught up with Amano to talk about being a philanthropist, overcoming long odds to reach the pros and what he thinks about the Titans adding Randy Moss to their roster.
Question: What does it feel like to come back here with a seven-year NFL career and donate to your high school? Answer: It's just a way to give back. I started my football career here and a lot of the coaches are still here. They taught me a lot as far as playing the game of football. I think it's great to give back to these guys. I had a great experience here and it's a way to give back to the program to ensure kids can come up and have the same type of experience I had.
Q: This isn't your first philanthropic endeavor. Didn't you help out after a typhoon in the Philippines?
A: Yeah. I'm Filipino and I gave back. I definitely want to do some stuff out there. That's a country that's in dire need of a lot help. I like to do all that I can. I've been blessed with a lot of opportunities and I want to give back to those that are less fortunate.
Q: Do you keep in touch with former coach Ron Hamamoto (now at Lincoln)?
A: I see him every now and then. He actually brought a lot of his kids to my football camp two years ago. Last year I think he had something going so he couldn't make it, but a lot of his kids showed up.
Q: Last year was the second year of your camp. How many kids showed up?
A: 300.
Q: That has to feel pretty good to host that many kids considering that you weren't a highly-touted prospect in high school. How much attention did you receive in the recruiting process?
A: I was kind of an undersized offensive lineman in high school. There were a lot of guys who were the ideal size and weight coming out who kind of overshadowed me, but I just worked hard and believed in myself and knew that if given the opportunity I'd make the most of it.
Q: It would seem that would be a good lesson for the kids in your camp to hear. Are there any coaches that had that kind of impact on you?
A: Not really. It's just my mentality knowing that I believe in my abilities and I know what I can do. I knew I was one of the better players in the county and some people didn't see it that way, but I knew I could prove them wrong.
Q: Tennessee is currently in the bye week. Where are you guys as a team right now?
A: I think we're sitting in a good situation. We just picked up Randy Moss. I think he's going to be a huge asset to us. He's going to have defenses worry about him now and not just Chris Johnson. He's going to stretch the field out and I think he's going to help out a lot of other guys.
Q: Shouldn't adding Moss also help out a young guy like Kenny Britt?
A: I think Kenny Britt is coming to into his own. I think he's going to be a tremendous receiver in this league and I think we have an exciting last eight games ahead. It's going to be interesting.
Q: Moss hadn't got in before the team broke for the bye. What was the mood like among the players that you're adding him?
A: Guys are excited to see what he can do. We're excited to see what he can do and how he can help this team. We're all in it to get to the Super Bowl, and I think he definitely helps our chances. It's going to be real exciting to have him as an addition to our offense.
Q: You guys are 5-3 now. Didn't you need to make a big run last year?
A: We started off real slow. We ended up winning eight out of the last 10 games. We definitely ended with a lot of momentum, and we're sitting in a good position right now. Going into the bye 5-3 is pretty good, and we've got a pretty favorable schedule coming up.
Q: How often do you get back out here?
A: For the most part, I come out for a month in the summer and for a couple of weeks after the season. I try to get back as much as I can. All my family is out here. I like to spend time with them as much as I can and to kinda get away from Tennessee a little bit and enjoy the San Diego weather.
Eugene Amano at a glance
Favorite movie: "The Program"
Favorite quote: "Winning isn't everything, it's the only thing." -- Vince Lombardi
Most exciting player watched: Titans running back Chris Johnson
How to spend an off day: "Rest the body, clear the mind and get ready for the next week."
Favorite meal: Lasagna
Role model: David Robinson
iPhone or Blackberry: iPhone
Copyright 2010 North County Times - Californian. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
February 15, 2010
EUGENE AMANO's CAMP SUMMER 2010
Eugene is getting ready for the 2010 Camp taking place on May 15, 2010 in National City, San Diego
October 15, 2009
TYPHOONS RAVAGING THE PHILIPPINES GET NFL SUPPORT
Tennessee Titan Eugene Amano and family along with Gawad Kalinga raise awareness and funds for those affected by recent Typhoons in the Philippines
Nashville, TN (October 1, 2009) - The Philippines was hit hard by Typhoon Ketsana this past weekend. The estimated death toll is at 345 and climbing as rescue crews continue the vigorous relief effort. Ketsana dumped record-high rain that submerged 80 percent of the capital region of Manila and nearby areas, producing the worst flooding in 40 years, leaving more than 500,000 displaced.
The massive flooding has triggered colossal food, water, medical supply, fuel and other relief shortages . Unfortunately the worst has yet to come; as weather reports are projecting two more tropical storms are gathering strength and heading towards the Philippines.
Typhoon Parma is gaining strength and is likely to turn into a category 5 "Super Typhoon" when it reaches the Philippines today with more ahead until at least Sunday with expected 200 kph (124.3 mph) winds and heavy rain. Because of the tragic turn of events, The Eugene Amano Family along with Gawad Kalinga , a Philippine based poverty reduction and nation building movement have teamed up to help those in need in the Philippines.
The Amano Family has started accepting donations and if you would like to assist, please visit Eugene Amano's website at www.eugeneamano.com for more information.
More information to donate, please visit GK1World. For Information Contact: Fred Amano (info@eugeneamano.com)
