The Patriots drafted tight end Garrett Mills in the fourth round (106th overall) of the 2006 NFL Draft. The University of Tulsa product and Oklahoma native racked up 201 career receptions for 2,389 yards in college, placing him second in Division 1-A history in both categories for a tight end. He also caught 23 touchdown passes, which ranks him fourth in Tulsa history among all players. The 6-foot-1- inch, 235-pounder did not miss a single game in four years of college, and his streak of 40 straight games with a reception to end his collegiate career led all college tight ends.
Now a New England Patriot, Mills sat down with us to answer some questions about his life both on and off the football field.
FAVORITES
Who was your favorite professional wrestler growing up? Definitely The Ultimate Warrior. I loved the way he came in the ring and shook the ropes.
What is your favorite ice cream flavor? I'm going to go with Cookies and Cream.
What is your favorite late-night snack? I'll say pizza.
What is favorite sport other than football? I like to play golf. But I'm only decent. I'm a bogey golfer.
What is your favorite video game? It's been a while. I don't play all that often since I left college. I'd say probably the NCAA College Football games.
Who is your favorite comedian? I think Wayne Brady is pretty funny.
What is your favorite television show? Psych on USA Network. It's about a guy who is real visual and picks up on things really well who convinces the police department that he's psychic.
OFF THE FIELD
What is one thing that you have never been able to do? I can't sing well. I'm not very good with karaoke.
If you could play another professional sport, what would it be? I'd play golf. You attended the University of Tulsa.
What is the best thing about going to school there? It's one of the smallest schools in Division I and the people in general are very friendly.
What has been the biggest transition in moving to New England? I'm sure the cold weather will be a transition, but I haven't experienced it yet. For now, I'd say the traffic around Boston. I'm not used to that at all.
What was the worst job you ever had? I've never really had a bad job. I worked in my mom's office filing and doing boring stuff like that.
What is something that annoys you? Sensitive people who you can't joke around with.
If I turned on the CD player in your car right now, what would I hear? Garth Brooks or Dave Matthews Band.
Have you read any good books lately? Da Vinci Code (the book was better) and Angels and Demons.
What do you like to do in your free time? I like to hang out, go golfing and go to the movies.
Of the community activities you have been involved with, which one touched you the most? I enjoy going to elementary schools to read to kids. It's nice seeing them get a kick out of you being there. It's fun to kind of make their day.
ON THE FIELD
Do you have a most memorable reception? The one during the first preseason game against Atlanta in the end zone was pretty memorable. I also had an overtime catch in college to win the game against Memphis.
What is the toughest thing about being a rookie? Just being a rookie in general is tough. Earning respect from the other players takes time, but that's just part of being a rookie.
What is the biggest transition from college football at Tulsa to the pros? Both the speed of the game and how much more knowledgeable you have to be.
What do you enjoy the most about playing the game? On game day, coming onto the field before the game starts. That whole environment is great.
THIS OR THAT
Better game to attend: MLB or NBA? I'd have to say NBA in general, unless it's a Red Sox game, in which case MLB. I went to a Red Sox game and it was awesome.
College Football BCS or playoff format? BCS. Playoffs would mean too many games.
Sports car or SUV? I'm going to say sports car, even though I drive an SUV.
Early riser or night owl? Neither. I go to bed early, but I also hate getting up early.
Bigger tough guy: Chuck Norris or Steven Segal? Chuck Norris, I guess.
Better boy band: NSYNC or Backstreet Boys? NSYNC is probably more recognizable, so I guess I'll go with them.
JUST FOR FUN
If you could have one special power, what would it be? The power to be invisible. You could do whatever you want.
Which one of the Patriots rookies would last the longest on the reality show Survivor? I'd have to take myself. My biggest competition would be Brian Barthelmes. He seems kind of earthy.
If you could spend one day with any person, who would it be? Probably Michael Jordan. I respect his greatness, athletic ability and everything he has been able to do.
If they made a movie about your life, who would be the ideal actor to play Garrett Mills? If I get to choose, I'd say Tom Cruise or Bruce Willis.
