Arizona Cardinals DE Vonnie Holliday relishes mentor role
Aug 2, 2012, 10:59 PM | Updated: Aug 3, 2012, 12:56 am
For Arizona Cardinals veteran defensive end Vonnie Holliday, transitioning into the role of mentor hasn’t been easy, but it’s something he relishes.
“My role is to educate, to teach, to bestow some of the knowledge that I’ve gathered over the past 15 years to the younger guys,” Holliday told Arizona Sports 620’s Doug and Wolf Show Thursday.
The 36-year-old said he will relay his years of experience in a 3-4 defensive scheme, recognizing formations and other fundamentals to the youngsters in camp.
And so far, it’s been quite fulfilling for Holliday to see players being receptive of his advice and strategies in the huddle.
“Young guys like David Carter, Dan Williams, even Calais [Campbell],” Holliday said. “Here’s a guy coming off a great year last year. [Campbell] had a big payday, but he’s still hungry for knowledge and helping and getting better in this league.”
In the twilight of his career, Holliday remains energized by the prospect of getting out on the field every day and he has nothing but praise for his experience in defensive coordinator Ray Horton’s scheme.