Transcript: DT Rakeem Nunez-Roches

DT Rakeem Nunez-Roches

Q: Hey, Rakeem. Or are we going with Nacho? Which one do you prefer?

A: Nacho, big dog. (Laughs)

Q: I've heard you have a big personality. Can you describe your big personality on and off the field, what you're bringing to the locker room and the field here?

A: I'm just bringing a whole lot of energy, a whole lot of excitement, a whole lot of teamwork, just hard work and effort. My personality is my personality. Everything I do, I work hard for. It's just understanding how much this game means to me and how much it gives back to me. I just try to give it all I've got, and I don't know how to really wear my emotions or my feelings. But it just comes out on my sleeves, and the way I talk, it's just me.

Q: You're coming to join a defensive line with Leonard Williams and Dexter Lawrence. What are your thoughts on how you kind of complement them and fit in with them?

A: Man, I respect their game. Those are some dogs right there. I just feel like coming here to help and contribute, bringing some great things. Stopping the run is what I do. I do that in my sleep. I just want to help those guys in that aspect. Anything I can do to help them, take the load off them, that's what I'm here for.

*Q: When you considered the Giants and that whole process, how much did (defensive coordinator) Wink Martindale, if any, fit into your profile of who you wanted to be coached by? *

A: A lot. I've seen him do a lot with lesser guys or guys that came from struggling backgrounds, or they felt like they were only one dimensional, and then he ended up taking them to the next level. Just seeing a coach like that, understanding his background, I was like, 'I would love to play for a guy like that.'

Q: How would you describe what Giants fans are going to see from you on the field on game days?

A: (Laughs) I don't even know how to put it into words to be honest with you. I just can say there will never be a dull moment. It's going to be something to look forward to.

Q: (General manager) Joe Schoen had told us that getting depth, and quality depth, for that defensive line was an absolute priority. How do you think you'll fit in with the bigger names on that d-line and also some of the other guys as well?

A: The biggest thing about me since I've been in the league, I'd say my biggest attribute is being a chameleon. Whatever you need, wherever you need me to fill in at, I'll become that, and I'll dominate that position. Whatever my coach requires, I'll be that.

Q: You said being a chameleon?

A: Yes, ma'am. Change whatever I can do.

Q: Was it a tough decision? Did the Giants blow you away and you were like, 'This is where I want to be'? Or how was the decision there?

A: It was a tough decision. It really was, I'm not going to lie. It was a battle between two other teams, but I'm not going to get into that. When it came down to it, I love where the organization is going. I love the people that're here. It just was a better fit moving forward.

Q: The idea that the Giants did what they did last year, and now they have a lot more promise, they have a real footing in that building now in terms of (head coach Brian) Daboll and Schoen and that sort of thing. How much did that open your eyes in this process?

A: I mean, it was big. I've always wanted to be a part of a cause and not a part of a problem. I saw where the organization was at and the things they could do and the potential that was here. So, I was like, 'Man, I feel like I could be one of those factors that takes it to the next level.' I've always wanted to be a part of that. I never liked going to all those 'dream teams.' I want to be part of the culture, a part of the change, a part of the shift. That was one of the biggest factors in coming here.

Q: You said you're a chameleon. I know you've had a long career, but where have you played mostly throughout your career? Three technique, five technique?

A: It's funny that you say that because I've mainly been a backup nose (tackle). But something always ended up happening to the three techniques, and I ended up playing a large volume at three tech. But I feel like I've split my reps between three and nose, but it's probably on the higher end at three. But when I was in 2020, I was a dominant nose. There have been some times where I've played in the five. So, it goes three, nose, then five.

Q: With you coming to the Giants, you get to work with (defensive line coach) Andre Patterson. I was wondering if you've met him before and kind of that relationship, or if you just met him when you got here?

A: Like formally, I just met him when I got here. I haven't been able to develop that relationship all the way. But I'm eager to, very.

Q: With Dexter specifically, he kind of moved a little bit and he tweaked his technique this past season. I wonder if that's something you saw this past season, or – you're shaking your head like you watched that develop.

A: I've seen him grow as a player. I mean, the guy was all over the field. This is a big joker, adding to his pass rush, running down the ball, playing sideline to sideline. I was just amazed by the growth and the step that he took from the previous year. I'm like, 'This guy's going in the right direction, and I'd love to play with him.' I love it. I just want to complement their game.