Chat with Cowboys WR Patrick Crayton

Last year, as part of the Cowboys' potent aerial attack, Crayton enjoyed his best season as a pro. He caught 50 passes for 697 yards while grabbing seven touchdowns, as Dallas finished the regular season with a 13-3 record. Crayton and the Cowboys will look to build off last season's success and make a deep run in the playoffs this year.
Send in your questions now and then join Crayton at 12:45 p.m. ET on Thursday!
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Buzzmaster (12:06 PM)
Patrick will be chatting with us at 12:45 p.m. ET! Send in your questions NOW!
Buzzmaster (12:37 PM)
We're about 10 minutes or so from Patrick Crayton stopping by to chat!
Buzzmaster (12:44 PM)
We've got Patrick!
Corey (Philadelphia, PA)
Patrick: How was this past season like playing for offensive coordinatior Jason Garrett?
Patrick Crayton (12:45 PM)
Very exciting. Because being a WR, he's definitely going to throw the ball. It's definitely what you want as an NFL WR, to catch passes. This day in the league, it's a pass happy league. But some teams might still run it 25-30 times a game.
Ryne (MD)
Any reason you wear No. 84?
Patrick Crayton (12:46 PM)
The story behind that....I wore 14 my rookie year during the preseason. Antonio Bryant was traded and Quincy Morgan wanted 81. He asked to buy it from me. I took that. I wore 8 in college and took it halfway. 84 became my number.
Alan (San Diego, CA)
What did you think of the T.O. contract extension?
Patrick Crayton (12:46 PM)
Loved it. LOVED IT. Glad the Cowboys gave it to him. He's a big piece. I want to get a ring as much as he wants one. It's about that time.
Derry Fort Wayne, Indiana
Do you think going 19-0 is a reasonable goal for the Cowboys?
Patrick Crayton (12:47 PM)
No. It's not even one of our goals. Our goal is to get to Tampa. We never even think about going 19-0. It's not college. I'm sure New England never thought about it. It's just not a realistic goal in the NFL.
Brett (SF)
Who was your favorite team and player as a kid? Do you try and imitate anyone in particular on the field?
Patrick Crayton (12:48 PM)
My favorite team was the Cowboys. Favorite player...I had two, Michael Irvin and Cris Carter. And I loved Barry Sanders. And yes, I did try to copy them when I was in the backyard.
Jordan (Slinger, WI)
Covince me as to why you should be on my '08 Fantasy Football team...
Patrick Crayton (12:49 PM)
We were ranked in the top 3 in offense this past season. We have a very aggressive offensive coordinator who's getting more aggressive. It will create more chances to catch passes, hence more fantasy points. Plus, my numbers have gone up every year.
Clint (Tyler, Texas)
You're the emergency QB aren't you? How many reps do you get under center to prepare for this role. Is your arm still strong?
Patrick Crayton (12:50 PM)
Yes, I'm the emergency QB. I may have had a total of 10 reps in the entire season last year. So, if Tony Romo goes down and Brad Johnson goes down, we're going to do a lot of improvising. Felix and Marion may get the ball more than they bargained for. But I won't shy away from throwing the ball.
Seth (South Korea)
Since you go up against them all the time, how much better is our CB crew compared to last year?
Patrick Crayton (12:51 PM)
I think a lot better. No. 1, it's another year in the system and scheme. Any time you get more reps and more familiar with a system, you're going to get better. With the addition of Jones and getting Hamlin back, they'll be big factors in how this defense goes.
Matt (NM)
What's your favorite thing about being in the NFL?
Patrick Crayton (12:52 PM)
You're living out your dream and geting a chance to play football for a living and getting paid for it. It's afforded me the chance to do so many teams that I probably wouldn't have been able to do or visit.
SprungOnSports (Long Island)
How much fun is it practicing and playing with such a good offense?
Patrick Crayton (12:53 PM)
Oh, a lot of fun. Lot of fun. As a WR, you have to be alert. You almost expect the ball every play. You might not think it's coming to you, but you better run the route just in case. That's when it comes to you a lot of the times.
Jamal (Dallas)
What's the feeling among players on the Adam Jones pickup? Is someone in particular going to keep him in line in he starts having problems?
Patrick Crayton (12:53 PM)
Adam I think has realized that this is his last straw. You don't have to keep an eye on him. He's an adult and can keep track of himself.
Terry (Atlanta
What are thoughts on Brett Favre or don't you care as a player on a different that isn't really distracted by it
Patrick Crayton (12:54 PM)
Brett Favre has nothing to do with that Cowboys. His colors are yellow and green and has a G on his helmet. That's for them to handle. It's not going to effect our game one bit.
Andrew (NJ)
Who do you think is your toughest competition to win the NFC East?
Patrick Crayton (12:55 PM)
Giants, Redskins and Eagles.
Hempstead, NY (But N college @ Lane College in Jackson, TN)
When coming into the NFL, what do you feel is the hardest thing to adjust to or learn (Playbook, Camp, game speed, money, etc.)? And also what advise would you give an upcoming reciever like myself who has aspirations in playing in the League?
Patrick Crayton (12:56 PM)
No. 1 biggest adjustment is the speed of the game. No. 2, learning all the different terminology and how quickly they're coming your way. No one is going to babysit you. They don't care. There's someone aiming for your spot all the time.
Jordan (Slinger, WI)
How many times a week do you work out?
Patrick Crayton (12:56 PM)
Right now, about three days a week. But during the main part of our season, we're in there 4 days a week going strong.
Greg (LA)
How do you feel about another shutdown corner coming to your division with the Eagles acquisition of Asante Samuel? Looks like you'll have to face either him or Shepherd now.
Patrick Crayton (12:58 PM)
You always relish the opportunity to play against the best CBs in the league. It will be interesting to see how he fits in in Philly. They like to play man. In New England, they played in a system. It will be interesting to see how he makes that transition from being a zone off corner to being a press guy.
Sean (Philly)
Roughest stadium to play in?
Patrick Crayton (12:59 PM)
It's probably either Lincoln Financial or Giants Stadium. I think the loudest stadium I've been is probably one of those two. They hate us as much as we hate them.
Scott (Albany NY)
First big purchase you made after signing the extension was....
Patrick Crayton (1:00 PM)
House. We're in the process of building a house. It took care of a nice down payment.
Stuart (Brooklyn, NY)
Were you and the 'Boys surprised at how well the Giants played in Dallas in the playoffs?
Patrick Crayton (1:01 PM)
No. not at all. Every time you play an NFC East opponent, you have to bring your A game. They were on a roll, having won their last 4 or 5 games. They were on a roll and playing some good football. We had come off a loss, followed by a bye week, they just played better. It was more or less the plays that we didn't make and they got the victory.
Zach (Hartford, WI)
What is your top NFL accomplishment/moment?
Patrick Crayton (1:02 PM)
Top NFL accomplishment was 13-3 and th eNFC East champs, my first division title. As far as individual, the game-winner in my rookie year and 184 and 2 TDs last year.
dallas (philipsburg pa)
what made want to a nfl wide recivor?
Patrick Crayton (1:03 PM)
I used to always say I wanted to be a QB. But I guess WR was more of my natural position. Coming from a very small school, that kind of hindered me a bit. NFL WR was an easy adjustment, knowing the technicalities of route running.
Felix (Ft. Worth, TX)
What have you been working on most in the offseason? Also, what are your thoughts on the Terry Glenn situation?
Patrick Crayton (1:05 PM)
Definitely one of the things I wanted to work on was my releases off the line. That's one thing I felt I could fine tune to get in and out of my routes quicker.
Scott (Mobile, AL)
What is it like to have Jerry Jones as a boss?
Patrick Crayton (1:05 PM)
He is a true players owner. He loves us. He's hand on. He's always out htere at practice. He's checking on his investment. He's a true players owner.
Jeff (Rochester NY)
"Sport" magazine called you the most underrated WR in the NFC. Do you feel the same way?
Patrick Crayton (1:06 PM)
I don't know how to take that one. I'm pretty sure there are some guys that are more underrated than I am. I appreciate the compliment. I just hope I can live up to my expectations. Those are going to be higher than any coach or fan.
Gay (Iowa)
Who do you think has the toughest defense in the NFC?
Patrick Crayton (1:07 PM)
Minnesota Vikings.
Dallas (WV)
In your opinion, do you think Terry Glenn will play for the boys this year? Thanks
Patrick Crayton (1:07 PM)
I hope so, because I really want to give him a ring. He's always looke dout for me and been there in helping me develop as a WR. I'd love to give him a chance at that ring.
Jeff (Rochester NY)
Are you looking forward to HBO taping training camp?
Patrick Crayton (1:08 PM)
Definitely. I'm looking forward to Hard Knocks. It's going to be an interesting training camp. I think it will keep things livened up. It won't be so monotonous this year.
Pat (Houston)
What are your goals this upcoming season? Do you think a Pro Bowl bid is in reach?
Patrick Crayton (1:09 PM)
I don't set my goals on the Pro Bowl. My goal this year is to be playing in Tampa Bay come Feb. 1, 2009. If I set that as my goal as a team goal, I think naturally the individual accolades will come with it.
Todd (Baltimore, MD)
You have been getting beat up for your smack talk before the playoff game. But I love it. Please tell me that you don't plan on keeping quite. I love WR's and Corners that talk up a game.
Patrick Crayton (1:10 PM)
I don't plan on being quiet one bit. I've always been outspoken and my mom raised me to speak out and say what I feel. She always said no one will know what you're thinking unless you speak up.
Corey (Philadelphia, PA)
Who hits harder, DeMarcus Ware or Roy Williams?
Patrick Crayton (1:11 PM)
I've been hit my rookie year, I came in with a chip on my shoulder with a point to prove. On the second day, I went in to block the safety and it was Roy Williams, our heads it and the safety won.
Matt (NM)
It's a long way off, but what are your post-career plans? Broadcasting? Coaching?
Patrick Crayton (1:11 PM)
Definitely would love to be back here in Bristol doing some broadcasting and commentating. Any job that allows me to talk, I could see myself doing. Any job that gives you a chance to talk, give your opinion, I love it. I may even try to go into acting.
Matt (Iowa)
Who's going to return punts? You, adamjones, newman, felix?
Patrick Crayton (1:12 PM)
That's still yet to be seen. Right now, it's me and Newman on the depth chart, but you never know what will happen in training camp. Whoever gives us a chance to win the games. If it's me, I'll do my best, if it's someone else, I'll be their biggest cheerleader.
Mark, Ohio
Jessica Simpson: Distraction, just nice to look at, or both?
Patrick Crayton (1:13 PM)
Nice to look at. Doesn't distract us one bit.
Billy Oslo, Norway
From your perspective how's some of the younger receivers looking in OTAs?
Patrick Crayton (1:14 PM)
Some of the young ones look really good. Miles Austin and Herd had some great OTAs. They're improving. Some of the other younger guys look good. They remind me of me when I was younger. It will be interesting to see how they do in training camp once the pads come on and we're preparing for the season.
Ray (Westfield, MA)
You and T.O. should do a sitcom.
Patrick Crayton (1:15 PM)
What would the sitcom be called?
Willow
do u have any PeTs??
Patrick Crayton (1:15 PM)
Yes. I have a rottweiller. 3 year old rottweiller named Dollar.
Dave (Chicago)
Who is the most physical cornerback you've played against? Anyone like Ty Law back when he pushed Marvin Harrison around or have the rule changes cut that down?
Patrick Crayton (1:16 PM)
Never got a chance to play against Ty Law. One of the most physical is definitely Al Harris. I don't think he's comfortable playing off, but any time you've got him locked up against a WR, that's his game.
Tony, Philly
"loud and louder" (kind of like "dumb and dumber")
Rocco (Brooklyn)
How painful was it to get butt kicked by the Giants in the playoffs?
Patrick Crayton (1:17 PM)
Very. Very. I hated every minute of watching them go through the playoffs and win the Super Bowl. But they earned it. They played the best ball when it mattered the most. Now they have the rest of the league coming after them. They are on the top of the NFL right now. Just like King Kong.
Jordan (Slinger, WI)
Do players have their own parking spaces?
Patrick Crayton (1:18 PM)
No. Not at all. Some guys create their own spot, parking in fire lanes, but no one has their own spot.
Buzzmaster (1:22 PM)
Thanks for chatting Patrick!
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