Je’Rod Cherry played safety and on special teams for 4 different teams  over the course of his nine-year NFL career. Cherry is best known for his special team work for the Patriots when they won three Super Bowls in 4 years. After his football career Je’Rod Cherry got into broadcast media and in 2009 became a talk show host  for WKNR 850 in Cleveland.

I had the privilege of meeting Je’Rod Cherry and other former NFL player like Pro-Bowlers Michael Turner and Greg Jones at our annual NFL Journalism Boot Camp.

Here is my full interview taken on April 22nd with Je’Rod Cherry.

Q: How do you think the media narratives about Tom Brady and Bill Belichick differ from the people they actually are?

One thing people don’t know about Bill Belichick is that he’s isn’t just a dark anti-social old guy. Belichick has a great sense of humor and can be a warm, caring person as well. What you see is what you get with Tom Brady. He’s just a great classy guy who everyone respects.

Q: You played on some bad teams, and on one of the greatest dynasties of the last 20 years. What were some of the differences between the good teams and the bad teams as far as the locker room atmosphere?

Good teams had a common purpose. Good teams won for each other while other teams had too many “me-first” guys. The Patriots instilled a culture that brought people together for the purpose of winning ball games.

Q: You said on radio and at the Bootcamp that you feel that if a player truly wants to win they’d play through concussions? Could you expound on this statement?

Football is a physical sport. You have to sacrifice your body just to be competent. Sometimes there are situations where you may be hurt. You have to make a decision about whether you value your long-term health or team. The guys that are willing to risk injury and long term health have more determination and warrior spirit needed to play football at the highest level.

Q: What do think is the most distinct characteristic of the Cleveland Media? How does it compare to Boston’s media or the national media?

The difference between Boston and Cleveland is that the Cleveland media speak there mind more. Cleveland media is more hopeful and can be positive.

Q: What was the best advice you’ve received about transitioning from football to the broadcast world?

Approach it the same way you would when you play football. If you study hard and work at it you will have a long successful career, just like you would have in football.