College lacrosse can be pretty brutal at times, so that definitely helped me with the toughness. It's a fast-paced game, so that helped me kind of translate over to the game speed of playing in the NFL. I think just the one-on-one aspect of trying to beat the guy in front of you definitely helped me as being a receiver.
That was always special, playing Manchester United. I loved the feeling of the derby, that pressure, the atmosphere around it. And I did have some good matches there, didn't I?
I enjoyed playing against Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool but the north London derby was totally different. I have so many great memories from this fixture.
If I changed the mindset of some players or my mindset helped some players to be better - maybe. But I don't think it was me changing anything for the club because playing for Manchester United means playing with the pressure, playing with the responsibility.
I am not a man of many words, but I can honestly say that playing football is all I have ever wanted to do and to have had such a long and successful career at Manchester United has been a real honour. This was not a decision that I have taken lightly but I feel now is the right time for me to stop playing. To have been part of the team that helped the Club reach that 19th title is a great privilege.
Going on loan certainly helped me, speaking to players who've been in the game longer than me at that young age, especially at Derby.
The Manchester Derby is bigger and more important than El Classico.
I am very happy to be here in Manchester. It's a real joyful moment for me. I've always dreamt of playing in English football. When Manchester United was mentioned I didn't have to think twice.
I kind of press pause when it's a derby, and the season doesn't matter to me anymore; it's all about the derby.
I definitely think moving around helped shape me and has helped me be a better player.
It's war for 90 minutes in the Manchester Derby. You cannot give anything less than 100 percent concentration.
As I got older I learned how to control my temper a little more. Boxing helped me a lot and most definitely when I had my first child it helped me tremendously.
Because Slash is such a well-known performer all over the world, it definitely helped with the awareness of Alter Bridge. People come up to me and say that they saw me playing with Slash, and it turned them on to the other things I do.
All the different styles I've played have really helped me as a guitarist and helped me develop my own way of playing.
It definitely gives us a lot of confidence to be playing for Manchester United as a youngster, and, as long as you keep working, you are always going to get your chance.
I was surprised we were playing in Manchester and have a referee from Greater Manchester.