Kevin Kasper Has Long-Term Plans in Denver

Dec. 28, 2001

Before an early ankle injury put him on the shelf for six games, wide receiver Kevin Kasper was emerging as threat on the Broncos offense. Since his return a few weeks ago, he has regained that early-season form. With his speed and quickness, Kasper has shown the exact skills the coaches saw in him when they drafted him in April. The rookie out of Iowa came by the Denver Broncos Chat Room Friday and answered your questions about how his first year in Denver has gone.

Kevin Kasper
Hello everybody. How are you doing today?

#1broncos fan
Kevin, I love the hair! What have you done to step it up since coming back from your ankle injury?

Kevin Kasper
What, to my hair? I've just been working hard and trying to learn the offense the best I can, and trying to be productive.

fireball
What made you pick football as your career?

Kevin Kasper
I love sports, but football always seemed to fit my attributes best.

#1broncos fan
How often do you have to bleach your hair?

Kevin Kasper
I do it approximately every three weeks or so.

Y2KBronco
How hard has it been for you adjusting to playing in the NFL after being thrown into action very early?

Kevin Kasper
The hardest part is just learning the scheme of the offense. There are more plays to learn hear than in college.

dlh
How do you feel Iowa will fare in their bowl game on Saturday?

Kevin Kasper
I predict a win over Texas Tech by a pretty big margin.

Y2KBronco
Most successful rookies in the NFL find themselves a mentor to help them with their transition for college to the pros. Do you have a mentor on the Broncos?

Kevin Kasper
During college my mentor was Ed McCaffrey, and still to this day I learn a great deal from being around him.

mwiowa
What's going on? I went to Iowa with you and we had several business classes with you, Trip and Baker. How do you like Denver? I'm also in the Denver area.

Kevin Kasper
Denver has been great so far. Who are you?

mike44
Being a rookie, did you think you would have this kind of impact with the Broncos?

Kevin Kasper
I thought I would on special teams, but due to injuries I was thrown into the action. I had the opportunity to become an impact for the Broncos.

#1broncos fan
How disappointed is everyone that we just missed the playoffs?

Kevin Kasper
We are obviously very disappointed but we have two more opportunities to end the season on a positive note.

Y2KBronco
Why did you dye your hair? Was it more of a fashion statement or were you trying to make a point?

Kevin Kasper
It was something that I've enjoyed doing. It's a little more fun than having regular hair.

usdave
How long is your contract with the Broncos?

Kevin Kasper
It's a three-year contract.

usdave
Where do you see yourself this time next year?

Kevin Kasper
Most importantly, I hope I am physically healthy. Also, I hope to be contributing a lot for a playoff team.

Y2KBronco
What is it like playing with Brian Griese as opposed to other quarterbacks you've played with in the past?

Kevin Kasper
Brian is a very great quarterback and has great leadership skills.

#1broncos fan
What is it like to play with Rod Smith?

Kevin Kasper
Rod Smith's work ethic and professional attitude make him great to learn from. He has taught me a great deal in my brief time being here in Denver.

dlh
Waterloo, Iowa says "hello" and everyone is proud of the outstanding effort you have given this year. Have a happy and productive New Year.

Kevin Kasper
Thank you very much for the support. Iowa was very wonderful to me. Happy Holidays!

denverbaby_07
What was your most memorable game?

Kevin Kasper
My most memorable game goes back to my Iowa years when we beat Michigan State to end our 11-game losing streak.

dlh
Other than your injury, what has been the biggest adjustment to life in the NFL?

Kevin Kasper
The biggest adjustment has been the amount of hours I have had to put in learning our playbook. It's bigger than the phone book.

Krissy_luvs_Eddy
Were you nervous about taking McCaffrey's position?

Kevin Kasper
No, I looked at it as a great opportunity for me to step up and contribute throughout my rookie year.

denverbaby_07
How can we write to the team?

Kevin Kasper
Send all your mail to the main team address at 13655 Broncos Parkway, Englewood, CO 80112.

Y2KBronco
You are a very effective punt returner. Do you enjoy special teams, or is that a role you take on because it's asked of you?

Kevin Kasper
Although I'm not a punt returner, I do love returning kickoffs. Hopefully I will get more opportunities in the future.

Krissy_luvs_Eddy
Do you like the way Mike Shanahan coaches?

Kevin Kasper
Coach Shanahan has a great ability to get us ready for each and every game. He is a great coach.

Reddy26
Who was the biggest role model to you when you were growing up?

Kevin Kasper
My biggest role model in sports was Walter Payton. I idolized him and had the chance to watch him in several games.

ILUVELAM
Who do you think will win the Iowa State vs. Iowa game next year?

Kevin Kasper
I predict an Iowa win over Iowa State for the next 20 years.

luckygirl
What did you think of training camp this summer?

Kevin Kasper
Training camp is a very difficult month that every NFL player has to endure. It went well for me so I guess I enjoyed it.

noah2500
Are you going to be playing for the Broncos next year?

Kevin Kasper
I really hope so because I love this organization and city.

justdotit
How much can you bench?

Kevin Kasper
In college I benched 380 pounds.

denverbaby_07
Do you guys train at INVESCO Field at Mile High over the summer?

Kevin Kasper
We spend our summers in Greeley, Colo. and at our complex in Dove Valley. We do not practice at INVESCO Field.

BRONCFAN1
Were you a Chicago Bears fan growing up?

Kevin Kasper
I grew up a Walter Payton fan, therefore I enjoyed watching the Bears.

BRONCFAN1
Are you friends with Reggie Hayward?

Kevin Kasper
Although we have our differences, Reggie and I get along great.

Kevin Kasper
Thank you very much for joining me in this week's chat session. Happy Holidays!