| The Pressure of a Country is On the Shoulders of
Dallas Cowboys Linebacker Dat Nguyen (Autograph Guest at Arlington, TX Show in July '99) by Ross Forman October 29, 1999 Before he made his first tackle of the season, before he even stepped on the turf at Texas Stadium and before he even laced up his Dallas Cowboy boots, Dat Nguyen had the pressure of the country on his 5-foot-11, 221-pound frame. Make that, his country. Nguyen (pronounced WIN) is the first Vietnamese pro football player. The Asian community has taken to him like it did to Hideo Nomo a few years back. And rightfully so. Nguyen collected about as many trophies for his exceptional play at Texas A&M as tackles. Let’s see:
"I’m an Asian-American now is now playing America’s sport, for America’s team … what else can you ask for. That’s like a storybook," he said. "I don’t feel any pressure, none at all. Sure, there will be expectations, but I’ll just do what I’m asked to do; that’s what I’ve done all my career. Even with my Asian American (heritage), I still don’t feel any extra pressure. Football is just a game and I enjoy playing the game. "By being here, playing in the NFL, yeah, I know that probably opens a lot of doors for other Asian-American kids; I’m sure it gives them the chance/goal to pursue their dreams. If I just show them that an opportunity is out there, waiting for them, then I’m happy. As I always say, if you put your heart and soul into something, your dreams will always come true." Nguyen knows that all too well. He has, after all, overcome numerous obstacles en route to the NFL. Namely, the claim that he was/is too small to play competitive football. Then again, those critics were silent when Nguyen established Aggie career records with 51 consecutive starts, 517 career tackles and a 10.7 tackles-per-game average. He finished his senior season with a career-high 147 tackles, becoming the first player in school history to lead Texas A&M in tackles four straight seasons. Nguyen also had 20 tackles for losses, four sacks, four forced fumbles, two interceptions, two passes defensed and two fumble recoveries. "I play 110 percent every time I’m on the field. Whatever the coaches ask me to do, I’ll do, however I have to do it," Nguyen said. "This (Dallas team) already is a great team; I’m just coming in as a supporting cast (member). "I’m not a big physical specimen. I’m probably just an average, maybe even below-average middle linebacker for NFL (standards), so that means I’ll rely more on my quickness. I’ll do whatever it takes to get to the ball."
"It was a great feeling when I got drafted, especially having been such a huge Dallas fan when I was growing up," said Nguyen, selected in the third round of the NFL Draft. "It was great playing for A&M, a school with such tradition, such great fans. I don’t regret my decision to go there for one second. It was the best choice I ever made. Even with all the ups and downs there, I still had a great time. I have a lot of great memories from my time at A&M."
Nguyen prepped at Rockport-Fulton High School in Rockport, Texas, where he was a Texas Top 100 linebacker. He earned district 30-3A Defensive Player of the Year honors as a senior after tallying 188 tackles. He also earned Class 3A second-team All-State honors as a punter. Nguyen’s boyhood idol was former Chicago Bear superstar Mike Singletary. "Everyone always talked about his (lack of) size, but now he’s in the Hall of Fame," Nguyen said. "I wouldn’t say I model my game after anyone, but, when they question my size, my ability to play at this level, I always think of Mike." Nguyen also is like Singletary on the autograph circuit. In other words, a willing signer. He also has made a few card show appearances since joining Dallas. "I think these autograph sessions are great, especially for the kids. Putting a smile on some kids’ faces is always nice, something I like/want to do. I never mind doing things that will put a smile on a kids’ face," Nguyen said. As a youngster, Nguyen was a "big, big" collector. However, his collecting ways tapered in high school and college, mostly because of time-constraints. He does, though, plan to resume collecting soon. Specifically, basketball and football cards. So, Dat, where is your childhood card collection? No clue, he said shaking his head. Quite possibly, his mom pitched his binder-filled collection. "But, if I found them, it would be neat to go through and see what I have." Any unique autograph tales, Dat? Nguyen laughs. "Well, there were some girls …" he began. "Nah, I better say. "One (autograph situation) I don’t like is, going into a restaurant and someone sticking a napkin in your face to be signed. I don’t think they should even ask. Let’s face it, what are most people likely to do with that napkin – throw it away? So why bother? "But, none the less, I’ll still sign, especially if it’s for a kid." Nguyen said his fan mail is worldwide – and he does eventually answer all letters. "I know I should enjoy this experience now while I have it. I know it might not last very long. Shoot, what’s the average career-span, three- or four-years?" Well, who’s to say Nguyen’s career will be that short. He has, after all, overcome plenty of obstacles already. |