By:  Joey Bittick

There isn’t much I can say that has not been said before about Isaac Bruce. He has done it all on the field, to the tune of 1,024 catches, 15,208 receiving yards, and 91 touchdowns over 16 amazing seasons.  As incredible and unforgettable as these stats are, the truly amazing thing about Isaac Bruce is that he is not just content to be great on the football field; he is a great human being off the turf as well.

Isaac made it a point to give back to the community throughout his career, and in 2006 he started The Isaac Bruce Foundation to reach out to youth and encourage healthy living and education. The Rams will be retiring Isaac’s Number 80 on October 31 in the upcoming season. As is par for the course for such a giving, generous individual, Isaac shared a few moments of his time to talk to Rams on Demand about that event, his days as a Ram, his Foundation, and working as a coach.

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Rams On Demand: First, I want to thank you for all of the wonderful memories you have given Rams fans. If there is any number that should be hanging from the rafters at the ED, it is yours. Has it sunk in yet that you won’t be suiting up on Sundays anymore? Have you started your Hall of Fame speech yet?

Isaac Bruce: I haven’t started the beginning of the speech but I have put some of the meat in between the bread.  I have about two slices of the meat right now.  I am secure in my decision to retire.  I am really looking forward to the next chapter.

Rams On Demand: The trade for Marshall Faulk and the signing of Trent Green before the 1999 season seemed to put the Rams on the right track. People expected big improvements. Then, Trent went down after that hit by Rodney Harrison. One visual that sticks with me from that game is of you doubled over on the turf pounding your fists. What was going through your mind at that moment? And at what point did you begin to realize Kurt was a special QB and the team was in great shape with him at the helm?

Isaac Bruce: Honestly, I was just thinking about Trent.  He was a guy that had been through so much starting as a low draft pick and finally had his opportunity in his hometown.  We were good friends as well.  Rodney almost got to Trent the play right before that.  They ran the exact same blitz the next play and my heart just went out to Trent.

Kurt played good the first game against Baltimore.  By the time we went to Cincinnati, he had a mindset that he belonged and it was his job.

Rams On Demand: 1999 was an unforgettable season for any Rams fan. The moment that sticks out in my mind when I thought “This team is special” was the game against the 49ers when you guys finally beat them after so many losses in a row. What was your feeling after that game?

Isaac Bruce: I was definitely excited.  For years of frustration, the Rams had a mindset that we just could stay close in the games.  That week as we prepared, I saw a huge change in the focus and the way we approached that game.  The inner image was completely changed.

Rams On Demand: I am sure you get asked this all the time, but what did it feel like to make “the catch” in the Super Bowl against the Titans? Were you aware of how huge it was as it was happening, or did it take a while to sink in?

Isaac Bruce: The magnitude of the situation I didn’t pay attention to.  I just knew I was in a game that was tied and I wanted to score.  As I watched myself on the jumbotron, I looked back later that evening and realized something huge just happened.

Rams On Demand: What do you think is missing from the current Rams team? Do you foresee them making huge strides this season, or do you think it is going to take another season or so to see major improvement on the field?

Isaac Bruce: The biggest thing they were missing is confidence but I don’t think they are missing that anymore.  The coaches and players are all showing confidence.  I definitely expect big changes in a positive way.

Rams On Demand: You were a great leader and role model for your young teammates (especially Torry Holt). What does it take to be a leader in an NFL locker room and on the field? Do you see a player on the Rams roster who is capable of being that leader? Is Steven Jackson that guy?

Isaac Bruce: I believe you have to walk your talk.  The loudest guy in the room isn’t necessarily the most confident guy in the room.  OJ Atogwe is a great leader both on and off the field.  And, Steven has no choice but to be a leader.  He will truly be the face of the franchise and he needs to pull other guys into Pro Bowl type seasons.  The moment he does that, there will be playoff appearances.

Rams On Demand: In your role with the Bears you are getting the chance to coach up young players. Is this something you could see yourself doing long-term as a coach? What would you say to the young Rams receivers who struggle to run correct routes (one of your strengths) and get good separation (another of your strengths) to correct these issues?

Isaac Bruce: Yes I could see myself coaching.  Give more attention to detail and more attention to what is going on in meetings.  Listen to the coordinators and coaches. Put down the things that distract you.  Do the little things and do them well.  Consistency leads to breakthroughs.

Rams On Demand: You started the Isaac Bruce Foundation in 2006. Can you tell our readers about your foundation and its mission?

Isaac Bruce: The Isaac Bruce Foundation focuses on health, wellness, nutrition, fitness and education.  Through the Foundation, I reach out to youth and teach them at an early age the importance of a healthy lifestyle with a focus on education.  You can find more information on my Foundation at www.isaacbruce.org.

Rams On Demand: The Rams are retiring your jersey and your Number 80 on October 31, 2010. On the Friday before that, we are told you will be hosting an event at Lumiere Place Theatre.  Can you tell us a little about that and where fans can go to find information about the event?

Isaac Bruce: The event will take place at the Lumiere Place Theatre on Friday, October 29 at 7 p.m. and will feature live music by the Ralph Butler Band, other great entertainment, and a live and silent auction featuring unique memorabilia, trips and experiences.   We have some really incredible auction items already!  Each attendee will receive an autographed limited edition print that was produced exclusively for this jersey retirement weekend. I will be joined by some of my teammates from the “Greatest Show on Turf” as well as some current Rams’ players and other celebrities to raise money for the Isaac Bruce Foundation.

Tickets start at $80.  To purchase tickets for the event, visit www.isaacbruce.org or call
Tiffani Wilson Burris at 314-369-4074 or tiffwilson@aol.com.

Rams On Demand: You have been one of the classiest men to ever play in the NFL.  You have worked countless hours off of the field to improve the lives of others. You have deservingly won Sportsmanship and Man of the Year awards. You are a future Hall of Famer and have thrilled thousands who have watched you play in the NFL.  When people like me tell our kids, who will not have a chance to watch you play, about “Isaac Bruce,” what do you hope we would say?

Isaac Bruce: Every team I saw Isaac Bruce play, I saw the Isaac Bruce that I had heard of.  No one was ever disappointed in who I was as a football player, wide receiver, route runner and competitor.

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When I think of some of my most memorable moments watching St. Louis Rams football, I think of Number 80 streaking toward the sideline and plucking a ball out of the air as he taps his back toe just inside the boundary. It still hasn’t sunk in for many Rams fans that we will no longer have the joy of watching Isaac Bruce on Sundays. Thanks so much to Isaac Bruce for his illuminating answers here, and also to Tiffani Wilson Burris, Executive Director of the Isaac Bruce Foundation for her help in facilitating this interview.