I recently had the opportunity to catch up with former Idaho Vandal and current Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawk defensive end Benson Mayowa. He was in town last weekend, catching Idaho men’s basketball’s win over New Mexico State on Thursday at the Cowan Spectrum.
Mayowa spent the 2013 season on the 53-man roster of the Seahawks after being signed as an undrafted free agent.
We had a good, quick chat about the support he’s gotten from former teammates, his former college coach Robb Akey and his decision to come back to Moscow just a day after the Super Bowl victory parade.
Forgive me for getting this up so late.
Vandal Nation: Describe what it’s like being back in Moscow just four days after winning the Super Bowl
Benson Mayowa: “It’s a great experience. Moscow is one of the first places I came to other than Inglewood. And to come to Moscow and then go to Seattle and end up going to the Super Bowl is a blessing, so I just feel blessed man. It’s a great opportunity for me.”
VN: What kind of support has (former Idaho coach) Robb Akey given you throughout this experience?
BM: “Coach Akey always calls me. If he has a chance, if something goes on, first of all when I made it to camp, coach Akey texted me. When I made the team, coach Akey texted me. When I made it to the playoffs coach Akey texted me, when we won the Super Bowl coach Akey texted me. So he’s been there, same with coach (Eti) Ena, whole coaching staff.
(Mayowa goes on about the support he’s gotten from former teammates)
BM: “Quayshawne (Buckley) keeps me level headed, I came back to hang out with them. These are my buddies right here, once a Vandal always a Vandal. I mean, I wanted to go home (to California), but I wanted to come chill with my boy James Randall. This is what is what it’s all about, coming back and sharing your experience.”
VN: What did coach Akey say to you after winning the Super Bowl?
BM: “He said ‘Congrats, Bubba.’ He always shows love to me, and congrats to him, he got a new job, that’s a good thing for him.”
VN: You were only active for three games this season but kept on the 53-man roster. What do Seattle coaches want to see from you next year to play a bigger role?
BM: “One thing I have to do is get stronger, get more stout in the running game, once I do that I’ll be good, and that’s one thing I’m gonna focus on, that’s going to be the first thing I do. That’s my only concern, focusing on the run.”