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Another strange interview question: Jerome Baker asked what he’d do if someone punched him in the face
By Adam Spencer
Published:
Every year, we hear about the crazy, ridiculous questions NFL teams ask incoming players to try to get a sense of their ability to think on their feet.
However, it seems that they get more and more ridiculous every year. On Monday, Ohio State LB Jerome Baker revealed the strangest question he was asked during the draft process.
According to DraftWire.USATODAY.com, Baker was asked by a coach what he would do if the coach punched him in the face:
The one question that sticks out is I sat down, and the first thing the coach asked me is what I would do if he punched me in the face right now? To me, being from Cleveland, my natural reaction was, “Coach, no disrespect but if you punch me in the face, we’re gonna fight right here.” That was just my natural response. I guess that’s what he wanted to hear, because he said, “Good.” It was definitely a fun interview. I didn’t get asked too many weird questions.
Apparently, that’s what the coach wanted to hear, as Baker talked to him about the question later that day:
I crossed paths with him a little later in the day and I asked him why he asked me that. He said most guys freeze up or say they wouldn’t do anything when he asks them that. He said, “I don’t know about you, but if somebody were to randomly punch me in the face right now, I wouldn’t just stand there. I’d fight back.” I guess he liked my response (laughs).
NFL teams certainly do need to do their research on players, but it seems as if these questions are lazy and just asked for shock value. However, they don’t seem to be going away, so prospects need to make sure they’re prepared for everything.
A 2012 graduate of the University of Missouri, Adam is the news editor across all Saturday Football brands.