Hey Matt. We heard a rumor that you are thinking of retiring, then coming out of retirement, then demanding to be traded back to the Jets so you can backup Brett Favre again.
Actually, you know what? I think I'm going to retire—OK, no, I'm coming back. [Laughs] Seriously though, about all that, the thing about Brett Favre is that he loves football. There are a lot of guys who love playing in the NFL and there are a lot of guys who love being in the NFL. But Brett is different because he doesn't love being in the NFL, he just loves football. He loves his teammates. He thrives off the energy in the locker room. So it doesn't surprise me about his "itch" to be playing. He was probably the best QB in the NFC last year. So, why wouldn't he?

So what about Favre's former back-up QB Aaron Rodgers? Do you sympathize with what he's gone through, with Favre retiring, then not, then coming back, then not?
No, I don't sympathize for him, but I understand what he is going through. I mean, being a backup QB is a really frustrating job because you need to be ready to go every week and you might not get the chance. I did that for three years and I didn't get to play. It is just part of the job.

Since we're on the topic, at this point of the offseason do the words "QB controversy" really boil your skin?
Not really. To me, it's kind of fabricated. It just depends on the situation. A lot of times, they just try and stir up QB controversy, and sometimes there really is one. But, if you are one of the guys in one, the best thing to do is just be numb to it. Just go back to your job and do what you do.

You kind of hit on this, but the media always seems desperate to nitpick everything. Are they really the huge blowhards they seem to be?
You've got to think about whose approval you are trying to play for. There's the local beat writer and the guy in section 301, but I have found that if I please my QB coach and do what he wants me to do, then the beat writer will write some good stuff about you. The guy in 301 will probably cheer for you instead of boo you.

What would be the hardest part of NFL training camp for average shlubs like us?
I think it depends on the guy. Some guys are better at memorizing playbooks and just being mentally tough. Then there are other guys who might be better in the weight room or running. Some linemen spend the day in there and just enjoy it. Some of our wide receivers and defensive backs can run for days. You need all different types of guys to make a good football team.

EAS called you up for their new commercial, so you obviously have some secrets to keeping your body in one piece. Spill it.
Well its tough. You've got to be in shape just to compete, but you also have to be able to take a pounding. With my position as quarterback, that's part of the deal. Good nutrition I think is the key—EAS makes a shake that is great for after a workout. The best thing you can do after a workout is have a meal, like a turkey sandwich or something like that.

Nice plug. You're a good company man.
Honestly, before EAS ever contacted me, I was using EAS. All of us are—even in college when we had no money. We couldn't do our laundry because we were saving all our money for Myoplex. So now as an NFL pro, I get to endorse the company whose products I'm already using and have input into the flavors, 'cause you need it to taste good too.

So do you get a crate the size of our offices for doing their commercial?
You know what—I do, but it doesn't last long. The hardest thing is keeping my kids off of it because it tastes good. I've got my three-year-old saying, "Can I have a chocolate shake." I'm like, "Can we stick to milk until were 18?"

Well, your three-year-old can probably bench press the whole Maxim staff, so we're going to go hide now. Thanks!

For more information on EAS and sound bites from the commercial shoot visit EAS.com.