During his five years in Mount Pleasant, Zurlon Tipton was arguably the best running back in Central Michigan University football history. Now an Indianapolis Colt, he is just one win away from the Super Bowl. With a chance to play in front of the world, Tipton is about to make his childhood dream come true.

Is playing the NFL like what you thought it would be like? What have you learned about pro football?

Tipton: When you get here, man you really got to work. It’s a 9 to 5 job. You have to put your work in. People don’t see the work that goes on and what you have to put in. You’ve got to be on the top of your game here.

Can you describe the atmosphere from a player’s perspective of a playoff football game?

Tipton: I still can’t even explain it. It’s something you’ve got to experience. Everybody turns it up tremendously. You win or you go home. Everybody’s focus is just laser-like. Every little wrinkle is ironed out. It’s so exciting.

What is it like standing in an NFL end zone knowing you had just scored your first career touchdown?

Tipton: *Laughs *It’s one I’ll always remember. That’s when I really realized; I’m in the NFL. It was a wonderful experience crossing that line.

Do you like Indianapolis? What is the fan base like down there?

Tipton: It has its perks. Everybody down here, they really love their Colts. It’s a great atmosphere to be in. We are just happy to have fans like these.

What was your journey in the NFL from the practice squad to the end zone?

Tipton: There have been a lot of ups and downs. I used to hate it when people would say ‘hey you just gotta be patient’ but it’s really true. That’s real life. When your number is called you’ve gotta know what you are doing because they are trusting you to go out there and make a play.

Does competition at a mid-major college football program like Central Michigan fully prepare players for the NFL?

Tipton: People ask me that a lot. This has been asked of me my whole life. I went to a small high school. My feeling is this: If you can play, you can play. If you know you belong then you have nothing to worry about. That’s pretty much how I live my life. It doesn’t matter what school you came from. If you’re good, you’re good.

Did you watch the inaugural Popeyes Bahamas Bowl?

Tipton: We had practice, so I missed it. I came back and my phone was blowing up. I know we were down a lot going into the half. They must have found Michael Jordan’s magic or something. I’m proud of them.

What did you think of that last-second Hail Mary touchdown pass? Did coach Enos run the play called Hurricane while you were at CMU?

Tipton: I definitely remember Hurricane. We never got a chance to run it during my time at CMU. I remember we used a bunch of weather words to describe those types of plays. That’s just backyard football at that point. I couldn’t believe it. That play never works.

Fans fall on both sides of the fence: Was it a good call going for the two-point conversion and the win as opposed to kicking the extra point and tying the game?

Tipton: Absolutely. You had just scored 30-plus points. You’ve gotta go for it. I stand behind (coach Dan) Enos’ call. He’s always been aggressive like that. I love the call.

In your opinion is it harder or easier to find motivation in football at the professional level?

Tipton: You’re in the pros. If that is not enough motivation, I don’t know what is. This is what you work for your whole life to get here. This is your ultimate dream. If this is what you want, you don’t need motivation once you get here.

You had some injury problems during your last year or so at CMU. How is your health today?

Tipton: I am 100 percent. That stuff is behind me. I don’t even think about them anymore. I never looked back. So aside from a stuffy nose right now, I’m alright.

Do you ever miss CMU or the campus community at all?

Tipton: I miss being there. The time I spent with my teammates, especially. Everywhere you go, people know your name. It’s truly like a family up there. Even with the non-athletes. I bonded with a lot of people and I miss them.

Is there anything you’d like to say to your fans up at CMU?

Tipton: I’ll give a shout-out to the football team for doing their thing this year. Coach Enos definitely has that program in the right direction. Also to all the people in academics who helped me out through my journey.