A few minutes with ...

FOXBOROUGH – Earlier this week at Gillette Stadium, cornerback Mike Richardson answered questions on how he first started playing football, his career at Notre Dame, and his outside interests.

How did you get involved with football?
“It was just kind of around the neighborhood. I was 9. I used to play with the kids in the neighborhood and they would ask me ‘why aren’t you playing?’ So that year, I decided to go out, and it went from there.”

Where did you grow up?
“My mom was in the Air Force at the time, so we moved around a lot. At that time, I was in the Dayton, Ohio area.”

Where else did you live?
“After that, I moved to Arkansas. From there I moved to Georgia, and that’s where I ended up going to high school. Then I went to Notre Dame.”

Favorite spot along the way?
“I’d have to say Georgia. We had more family around there. The weather was nice.”

What do you like to do outside of football?
“I’m more of a relax-with-my-friends type of guy. Nothing too serious, too big. I like traveling, taking vacations, seeing different sites.”

Favorite trip you’ve taken?
“I’ve never really been anywhere out of the country. I’d like to go to Europe, just to see different cultures and whatnot. Around here, I think California, Florida, Arizona, those are some of my favorite spots.”

What are some of your impressions of New England from your time here?
“It’s different. You definitely have to get used to it. Coming from Notre Dame, I’m used to the weather, and the snow. The people are different, especially coming from the South.”

If you’re not at Gillette Stadium, what would be an ideal day?
“Just kicking back. Maybe going to see a movie or something. Just relaxing, spending time with people you care about.”

Best moment of your football career?
“To this point, just getting out here and being out there with my teammates, playing at this level. A lot of people said I’d never get here. I’m here, and just being out on the field with them, especially the first time against Denver a couple weeks ago, it really started to sink in. I’m just going to keep working, preparing myself the best that I can, so I can help the team.”

Toughest moment?
“I want to say last year, preseason, I shattered my thumb. I was doing pretty well from what I was told, and then had surgery and was put on IR. It was tough but I’ve pushed forward from that.”

Did you enjoy playing for Charlie Weis?
"Yeah. Charlie is a great coach, a good guy. He really helped us and led us in the right direction in those couple years I was there with him. We were all ready to jump on board with anything he had to throw at us. We all accepted everything he had to offer."

Lasting memory from Notre Dame?
“I’d have to say that final home game. It was one that sticks in my head. I had to speak at the pep rally and I’d never done that before. Going out the next day and getting two interceptions, then saying farewell to the fans after the game, it was kind of an emotional moment. It was great.”