Q & A: Former Chippewa and No. 1 NFL Draft pick Eric Fisher returns to CMU
Among the former Chippewa football players returning to Mount Pleasant for Homecoming this Saturday is Central Michigan's only No. 1 NFL draft pick, Eric Fisher.
Serving as CMU's 2016 Homecoming Grand Marshal, Fisher, who was drafted No. 1 overall by the Chiefs in 2013, caught up with Central Michigan Life on Friday to discuss his football journey and being back at his alma mater.
What does it feel like to be back at CMU?
FISHER: It’s a great feeling. This is my first time back for a football game. Every time I’ve been home on a bye week, Central Michigan seems to be on the road. (This time) everything lined up perfectly — home game, Homecoming game and they asked me to be the Grand Marshal. (It’s) a huge honor and it’s good to be back.
What was your reaction when you were asked to be the grand marshal?
FISHER: Coach (Bonamego) called me and told me they were thinking about it and I said I would love the honor. It’s a huge honor and privilege to be representing the Chippewas on homecoming.
How do you like coach Bonamego?
FISHER: I’m really excited for everything he’s doing here with the program and everything he’s got lined up for the future. He’s got the right attitude, the right mentality and all of us in the NFL, we’re liking what we’re seeing.
What are some of the differences you’ve noticed with the football program from when you played here to now?
FISHER: Every coach has his own style. I played for Butch Jones and Dan Enos and now it’s coach Bono’s turn. I think what he’s doing is right. Obviously with the success they had last year and this year. They’re probably looking to get back on track tomorrow and I think they got the right plan. I’m looking forward to watching the game.
What’s your fondest memory of your time at CMU?
FISHER: There’s so many. Being a Chippewa, what else could you ask for? I think I going back to my freshman year and my first start against Ball State. That was a pretty big turning point in my career and in college. It was the point where I could see myself possibly having a future and it was all uphill from there.
You get drafted first overall by the Chiefs, what was that experience like for you?
FISHER: That was probably the most memorable moment of my entire life. Just the whole process leading up to it, climbing the draft boards and just seeing my name out there. You know, not many guys from a smaller school like this get the opportunity to go to New York and get drafted. Being drafted first overall (was such) an honor. It was great representing the myself and representing the school. Just taking it a year at a time in the NFL and look forward to a long and healthy career.
How’s your time with Kansas City been so far?
FISHER: It’s been great. Coming out of a smaller school there’s a little bit of a transition process. But I’m having so much fun now with it and just taking it one game at a time and do the same thing. It’s very repetitive and it’s a long season, but Kansas City is an awesome city to live in, a lot of great people and the best fans in the NFL. We have so much fun out there on Sundays.
What’s your favorite thing about playing for the Chiefs?
FISHER: I have to say a Sunday home game in Arrowhead Stadium, there’s nothing like it. We got the loudest stadium in the world and nobody else can say that. It’s an awesome atmosphere and It’ll be cool coming back to Mount Pleasant and getting a little change up and looking forward to being here.
You went up against (three-time Defensive Player of the Year) JJ Watt in the AFC Wild Card Game last season and didn’t allow a sack. What was it like going up against him?
FISHER: He’s one of the best in the league. Anytime you have that kind of challenge, it’s a great opportunity for yourself and you take advantage of it. It was our first playoff win in quite a few years, so it was cool to bring it back home to Kansas City.
What are your future goals on and off the field?
FISHER: On the field, I’m looking to get to that Pro Bowl caliber. I want to take my game to the next level and make it to the Pro Bowl multiple years. Off the field, I want to get back here for more football games because this is the first one in four years.
