On March 13, Extra conducted a phone interview with the first Mexican player to play in the National Football League (NFL), Rolando Cantú.

Cantú is already an active offensive player for the St. Louis Cardinals, after playing for the Berlin Thunder in the European NFL. After a warm “good morning, Victor; how you doing old man? How can I help you,” and with a kindness characteristic of few people, Cantú answered our questions.

He knows the great opportunity he has as a professional player in the U.S. and it doesn’t phase him. He keeps himself well-balanced, with his feet firmly on the ground and the fame has not gone to his head. His most fervent desire is to serve as an example to all the children who dream of following his footsteps.

Rolando, having been born in Mexico, you know the majority of the kids dream of becoming soccer players, playing for the Chivas or the America. As a child, did you dream of being a football player?
Yes, I always dreamed of that. You know, in Mexico there is a great presence of American football, even more so in the north of the country. As a student and playing with the ITESM, on the Monterrey campus, I saw the possibility of standing out and going farther than my fellow Mexicans. I always stayed focused on that and then I got the opportunity to play in Berlin and then with the Cardinals.

How does it feel to be the first Mexican player in the NFL?
It is a great responsibility. You know you don’t just represent your last name or your family, but the people of Mexico. I feel motivated and want to teach football clinics to all who are interested. ...