RB Ladell Betts joined the New Orleans Saints on Monday evening. Following his first practice with the Saints in the Louisiana Superdome on Tuesday he talked to the media. Below is a transcript of his meeting with the media following the workout.
What was the process that brought you here and what are your thoughts about being with the Saints?I am honored. I have a lot of respect for this organization. They won last year, so when they asked me to be a part of this organization, it was a no brainer. I am just going to do my part and help this team win some more.
How quickly do you think you can acclimate with your injury? How quickly can you get back on the field full speed?I hope as soon as possible. I haven't played football since November so it's going to be a work in progress. I need to test it out with pads on, but I feel pretty good running around and making my cuts. Hopefully we will keep progressing with my rehab and I will get back on the field soon.
What did they tell you after your tryout a couple of weeks back?It went really well. They basically wanted to see how my knee would hold up during the workouts, planting and cutting. I am assuming that they liked what they saw. I was able to get in on my cuts and they said I looked pretty good. They decided to bring me on.
Coach Payton said you won't play in the game this weekend, so when do you think you will be able to play in a game?I am not sure. That is something that Coach and I will have to discuss. Right now, I am just focusing on getting out here to practice and get back in to football shape.
How do you feel like you will fit in to this running back rotation?Those guys are established. They have been here. I am just trying to fit in wherever I can. I like to consider myself a between the tackles runner, so hopefully, once the coaches see what I can do, they will use me to my strengths.
Were you concerned that you weren't signed by another club immediately?No. I knew for a while because I had to rehab the knee. A lot of teams wanted to see me run and cut before they signed me. I knew it would take a little while.
Do you remember the game you had against the Saints in the Superdome in 2006?I did. I think that was the last time I was here. That was a good day for us, but this is a new chapter. I am excited, I am with the Saints now. The Redskins stuff was great while I was there, but now it is on to a new chapter.
Are you concerned about starting at a new place?No, not at all. I have been in one place my whole career, for eight years. It's a new start and a new beginning and I am excited to see what happens.
Mike Bell and Lynell Hamilton, the guys you are replacing, are considered thumper type of backs. Is that a role you are comfortable being?I think so. Like I said, I consider myself a down-hill between the tackles runner. Once my knee gets up to speed and the coaches see what I can do, I am sure they will use me for my strengths.
