T.J. Duckett I’ll be out in San Diego training and getting ready to start training camp in July. I’m in San Diego working with a trainer that I’ve had for about seven years. It’s really important to get my body right before camp starts. I’m also sponsoring a football camp this week.

SN What is the football camp going to be all about?

TD The camp is (today) in Kalamazoo and football players from (ages) 12 to 15 are enrolled. It’s my third year running the camp, and it’s a great opportunity for kids to come out and hang out with people they see on TV. It’s a chance for kids to learn the game of football at the highest level and help improve their football fundamentals.

SN Your camp is sponsored by the foundation you created. What inspired you to start the TD Foundation?

TD My mother passed away from cancer and I wanted to find a way to help members of the community that are going through the same thing I went through. We help women with cancer and families who are dealing with it through fundraisers and other community activities. It’s a great feeling when you see the look on people’s faces when you help them or just to show them you care about what they are going through.

SN What was it like playing for your hometown team, the Detroit Lions?

TD It was great to play in Detroit. Growing up, I watched them play all the time and I always dreamed of being out there on the field. To have a chance to put on the uniform and to just run out of the tunnel with the team was a great feeling.

SN Do you still follow the MSU football team?

TD I try to keep up with the team as much as I can and I make it back to East Lansing a lot. I’m in contact with a lot of the guys and I try to get a workout in with them when I’m in town. If anyone has any questions football related, I want to be around to help them out.

SN What are your thoughts on head coach Mark Dantonio?

TD I think he was a great choice for the job and he’s already started out strong. He was an assistant coach when I was there and he always wanted perfection.

He expects everyone to come out and work hard every day. He demands everyone to master their craft and execute it on the field. He knows if he can do that, he will get the games going in MSU’s favor.

SN How have things been going in Seattle?

TD Things have been going really good. I’m trying to learn the playbook and learn the city. I’ve also been hanging out with the guys and starting to build relationships with them. The three-hour time change has been a tough adjustment but I’m just trying to get settled in.

SN What’s it like playing on the same team as Julius Jones, who was a rival running back at Notre Dame?

TD We still talk about whose school is better. We already have a bet going for this year’s MSU vs. Notre Dame game. The loser has to wear the other team’s gear for the whole week. I’m definitely going to make sure I get the smallest MSU gear I can possibly find so he has to squeeze into it.

SN How great was it to make the game-winning touchdown catch to beat Michigan in 2001 — your senior year?

TD We ran the same play a couple plays earlier, and it was open so we tried it again. Once I came through and came across the ball it was supposed to be a quick slant, but I was covered.

But (quarterback) Jeff Smoker started running around and I just jumped up and down and started waving my hands. I saw him throw it up in the air and it felt like it was up there forever. It really felt like it was in the air for half an hour.

I just kept telling myself to catch it and hold onto it. I was able to do that and it was such a great feeling to win the game.