A two-time winner of the Harlon Hill Trophy - Division II's equivalent of the Heisman - the 5-8, 195-pound running back and native Nebraskan entered the NFL as an undrafted rookie with the New York Jets in 2008. Four days later after being released by the Jets early during the 2010 season, the Patriots picked him up and in November 2010 signed him to a contract extension.

What is your earliest football memory?
I think just growing up watching my dad's football teams. I was a ball boy. He was a high school coach ... just even going to practice with my dad.   

When did you start playing organized football?
Fourth grade, I think, was my first year. I played fourth, fifth, and sixth, then seventh and eighth I didn't play because I was home-schooled, actually, and they wouldn't allow us.

What NFL team did you root for as a kid?
I rooted for the Broncos, because those were the only games we got on TV. Denver's only three or four hours from my hometown.

OK, switching gears, what was your first-ever job?
I was a paperboy. Me and my brother did it, but my dad helped us out. We'd ride bikes because it was right around our neighborhood.

What was your favorite job?
After that, I painted houses in the summers with my dad. He was a teacher, so, he had summers off and would paint houses. That was my favorite because it was me and my brothers and my dad. There were a lot of great memories, good bonding time.

If you weren't playing football, what would you be doing?
Probably be involved in some type of personal training for athletes, coaching, something like that. I want to be involved with kids and sports and teaching. Maybe a teacher.

If you could meet anyone at any time in history, who would it be?
I don't know exactly what I'd talk about, but I'd definitely say Jesus Christ. I'd probably be speechless, but I'm sure there are different questions that would come about.

Aside from your playbook, what was the last book you read that you enjoyed?
'Heaven is for Real.' It's a book about a boy who went to Heaven, had some medical problems. That was a very interesting book.

Do you remember your first celebrity crush?
I never really had one ... I have an unbelievable wife, and she's still my crush. We started dating our freshman year in high school.

Are you a pet person?
Growing up we always had dogs - Black Labs - but I don't have any pets right now. With the NFL - you never know where you're going to be - it's tough to take pets back and forth. Plus, more importantly, I have a little girl, so, I don't think I need any more responsibility.

Do you have a favorite meal?
Usually, hamburgers and fries. I love a good meal of spaghetti, too.

Any hobbies outside of football?
In the offseason, I enjoy golfing. Last offseason my handicap got down to, like, 3.