YST: Tell us about where you grew up ?
"I was born and raised in Stockton, California, basically by my mother with my brothers. We grew up in a neighborhood sort of like Coppell-- new neighborhood, real good schools, mostly white community. Most of my friends were white...we had five black kids in the whole elementary school. I really identify, now that I have my two nephews and niece here and they go through some struggles--the same things I went through. Name calling, you know kid things. But everything turned out all right. The same kids that called me names are my friends now. "

YST: Who was the most positive influence in your life prior to college ?
"My mother. Everything she knew, she instilled in me. Take care of things on your own. Don't depend on others to do the things you need to do. Be courteous, and hard working. I'm a whole lot like her. I'm consistent. Hard, but loving. Always the same."

YST: Recall one fond childhood memory.
"In 4th grade I'd go over to my friends house and we'd build a covered fort all over his living room. We'd run and hide in there and his dog [Shiloh] would come and find us. That's just one of many fond memories..."

YST: How about a "not-so-fond" childhood memory ?
"There was a time in my life when I used to go and fish for what we ate. My mom was going through some hard times. I was always gone all days fishing anyway so I'd catch 'em. and she'd clean 'em. It was just rough times."

YST: Let's discuss your youth sports experiences growing up. What did you participate in?
"I started out playing basketball in 2nd grade against 3rd graders. All the way through high school I always played against a grade older. Basketball was my first love. I had a knack for it. I had a real good coach who would help me in every way. He'd come pick me up for practice, buy me new shoes, get my hair cut. All sorts of things. His name was Mike Harris. He was very influential in my life, next to my mom. He taught me the basics of basketball. Going into junior high I started in football. I liked that because it was more physical. I also played baseball from 3rd grade up into high school. I got tired of baseball, because it's too slow and I was already playing two sports. I was All American in both basketball and football in high school, and was player of the year my senior year. I went to Arizona State for college. I wanted to go to Syracuse University to play basketball, but when Jim Boeheim came by he said he had one scholarship and I wasn't top on his list. That sealed my decision to play football. I'm good in both sports and I do believe that if I had played basketball I'd be in the NBA right now. Anyway, I went to ASU and I got to play all four years there, which I think made me better and gave me more confidence."

YST: When you were young what pro team did you want to play for?
"The Raiders, and Lakers. Those are my teams. No surprise there. The Raiders just go out there & stomp the snot out of people. Baseball would be the Dodgers. I like their style--I don't know why."

Coppell For Kids......

YST: You've become a foster dad for three of your brother's children... tell us about the situation with these kids.
"I didn't think the kids were being brought up the way they ought to be. My brother and his wife are just a little out there". The kids just needed some positive guidance. I'm a big believer in chores, and the kids have come a long way in learning the importance of this. They used to forget, but they know I'll whip their butt. Now I don't have to say anything to them, they just do it."

YST: How are they adjusting to life in Coppell?
"From the first, they've come a long way. The schools are clearly harder out here. Prince is in 3rd at Town Center. Desire is in 2nd and Joseph goes to West. They started out slow, but I feel real gratitude when I see how far they went, especially in school."

YST: How long have you lived in this community?
"4 years, ever since I came to Dallas."

YST: Aside from the obvious proximity to work, what reasons influenced your decision to settle in Coppell?
"My job is year to year so you need to have a house that will sell real quick. Plus, the school system is second to none."

YST: How do you stress the value of education to your niece and nephews ?
"I tell them I play for the Dallas Cowboys, but if I didn't go to school, get the grades, and stay in school--I wouldn't be here."

YST: What do you do as a family for fun ?
"My girlfriend's an artist and she'll get out her sketch book and start drawing. We'll all draw pictures. Or, we'll turn on some music and all start dancing. We love dancing, I love dance-that's what we used to do when I was a kid. Take 'em to the movies, go swimming in the back yard. I took 'em to the arts festival one day. They had a blast there. They were checking out the African art."

YST: Describe your perfect day with your family.
"I wake up in the morning. The kids already have their chores done, of course. We eat breakfast and decide what we want to do for the day. Maybe a day at Six Flags, where the kids, Karen, and I all have fun."

YST: Tell us about the Carver For Kids Foundation.
"Carver's Kids was started about three years ago. It's something my friends and I wanted to do in our community. We did some research and found the Mary Graham Children's Shelter, a government-run shelter for abused children. They had a lot of space, but no playground equipment, so we got that. They started up a freshman team & we supply equipment, helmets & uniforms, things they need. The people I grew up with always sponsored me in the things that I did like basketball trips. So we decided to do the same and had a golf tournament, which raised $15,000 the first year. Last year we sold out the dinner & tournament, and raised another $22,000. Jerry Jones even chipped in $10,000. It's a lot of fun with the kids, and every year more players come down . A good friend of mine, Mike Nemee, runs the foundation. He's really good at getting things done and raising money. Last year we built them an olympic sized track, with a soccer field in the middle, which we dedicated this spring with a big ceremony."

YST: What was the motivation behind setting up CK?
"I just wanted to give something back to the community I always said I would come back, because the community helped me so much. I had lots of help in high school, and I always envisioned something like a camp. I wanted to do something for the kids, because they're not in control of what happens to them. Those kids are our primary focus..and I found that the foundation was the best way to give back to them."

YST: Tell us about some of the special kids that you have been able to help.
"There's a girl named Chantell, who just gravitated to me. She'd been abused by her mom's boyfriend. She held my hand, stayed by me the whole time, made feel like this is a really good thing that we're doing. That's what it's all about."

YST: What kind of enjoyment or fulfillment does this bring to you ?
"It's the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, to do this in the community where I plan to retire, have my business, and raise my family."

YST: How do you feel about Barry ?
"I like him. He's a good coach; has a great football mind. I like sitting down to talk with him. He's very insightful, interested in what I'm going through. He believes in me, even when I got in some trouble. Barry and Jerry have been very supportive. There's no playing games in this organization. They're up front with you, they tell you what they want, and say hey, do it like this or you can't do it here."

YST: Jerry calls you in tomorrow with good news and bad. The bad is that your salary doesn 't fit under the Cowboys cap. The good news is, you're a free agent and Jerry tells you that all 27 other teams have tendered an offer for you at $5 million per year. The choice is yours--where do you go ?
"If it couldn't be the Cowboys, that's simple. Al Davis (Oakland Raiders). It would have to be some place warm. But I would be disappointed, because I do like it here--playing here- winning here. I wouldn't mind closing my career out in Dallas."

YST: Do you think another Super Bowl ring is in order this year?
"I think we have the opportunity. If we find the focus, both as a team and as an organization I think we're just as good a chance as anyone out there. It's a tough schedule here out, but we can do it."