Brett Rypien
Quarterback

Boise State

Alex Khvatov:  Tell us about your overall experience at the 2019 East/West Shrine Game. 

Brett Rypien:  It’s awesome.  Not only to come out here and play with a great group of guys, but the off the field stuff.  Going to Shriners’ hospital and meeting those kids.  It puts it into perspective that this is more than just a game.  I know that it is the slogan, but it really is.  It was a great experience going to the hospital.  I will never forget it. 

Alex Khvatov:  Your uncle Mark Rypien played in the NFL.  What advice has he given you about the NFL?

Brett Rypien:  He has been great for me.  He has been through it all.  He won the Super Bowl and won the MVP.  Then two years later, he was a backup.  He played in the Shrine Game himself.  Definitely a guy that I could talk to about anything.       

Alex Khvatov:  How did you wind up at Boise State?       

Brett Rypien:  It came down to Washington and Washington State.  They were both in state schools.  I took my visit to Boise and met the new staff.  I fell in love with the place and the coaching staff.  I wanted to play in a pro-style offense.  That was big for me.  I took my visit and I knew that it was the right place for me.    

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths? 

Brett Rypien:  Great arm strength, great accuracy and leadership in the locker room.  My preparation is the best in the draft, in my opinion.  I come with an attitude like a pro every single day.  I am a great teammate.  I am trying to prove that out here this week.  Hopefully, scouts can see that.     

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?

Brett Rypien:  With my throwing mechanics, I am trying to get more weight into my throws.  Sometimes, I have a tendency to get a little straight-legged in the pocket.  Use my legs and lower body strength.  Trying to get better every single day as far as the X’s and O’s.  Mistakes will happen, but I learn from them.  I try not to make the same mistake twice. 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you want to prove to NFL teams this week?

Brett Rypien:  There were some questions about my arm strength.  I wanted to prove that I could make all of the throws.  I can make the intermediate throw and any deep throw.  Being a great teammate.  Bouncing back from mistakes. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the highlight of your career up to this point?

Brett Rypien:  Winning the MWC Championship my junior year.  We had a great group of guys.  We went through a lot that year.  We bounced back from early seasons struggles and ended up having a great season.  

Alex Khvatov:  What did you learn the most from your coaching staff?     

Brett Rypien:  Coach Petersen left the year before I got there.  He recruited me at Boise State.  When he went to Washington, he offered me a scholarship there.  Coach Harsin recruited me as well.  He has been a great mentor in my life.  He is a great guy.  I always keep in contact with him. 

Alex Khvatov:  What one word best describes you?

Brett Rypien:  Leader.