Under Armour

Gibran Hamdan and his parents, a Palestinian nuclear engineer and his Pakistani spouse, were vacationing in San Diego when the first Gulf War broke out, and they instantly traded Kuwait for the West Coast of the United States. It proved a good exchange for Gibran. He grew up to be a superb athlete – a high-school star in basketball, baseball and football – and earned a scholarship to Indiana University. He finished his three seasons of college football with the seventh most passing yards in the school’s history. The highlight of his Big Ten conference career was a win against football powerhouse the University of Wisconsin at Madison, after which he earned the national honours as the best offensive player of that week.

The Washington Redskins selected him in the seventh round of the 2003 draft, and since then he has been battling for a roster spot with various NFL franchises. From San Francisco to Miami and from Seattle to Amsterdam, the NFL Europe offensive player of the year and the highest rated quarterback in NFL Europa’s history has proved that he has what it takes to succeed at the hardest position in professional sports. Now with the Buffalo Bills, he is searching for the opportunity to put the name Hamdan up there with Manning and Brady.


NOX: What is the vibe from Buffalo? Are you in their plans and are you interested in staying?
Gibran Hamdan: I am really excited about my situation with the Bills. I have a great amount of respect for the coaching staff and organisation. I’m really impressed with Dick Jauron as a head coach. The city of Buffalo has some of the best fans I’ve been around in the NFL. They are passionate and knowledgeable and have embraced me joining the team. I would like to think that I can make a career playing in Buffalo and continue to evolve as a signal-caller.

NOX: How was your experience in NFL Europe?
GH: My experience in the NFL and NFL Europe has been extremely rewarding. NFL Europe was the most fun I’ve ever had playing. I was fortunate to get an opportunity to be captain of the team and also be the starting quarterback. I love playing football and in many ways NFL Europe has been the best chance I’ve had to show how much I enjoy playing it.

NOX: Does the fact that other NFL Europe alumni like Shaun Hill and Atari Bigbie are getting their chances in the NFL give you hope or do you feel frustrated by constantly moving around?
GH: I’m really happy for guys like Shaun and Atari. Many other teammates have experienced success and gotten a chance to play recently. I’m really happy for those guys and what they’ve accomplished. Personally, I don’t let myself get frustrated about not getting a chance to be a starting quarterback in the NFL yet. I want to continue developing my skills and abilities so that when my chance comes, I am ready.

NOX: What are your main strengths that NFL teams should be noticing? What are those things that are holding you back?
GH: I think I have the physical qualities that many teams look for; the size and arm strength. I also have the mental aptitude to play the position. I feel my greatest strength is my leadership skills. In terms of what’s holding me back, I just think it’s just a matter of getting a chance to play and play well so that coaches and front office people know I can do it when the lights are on.

NOX: How connected are you to your Palestinian roots? Do you recall much about the time you spent with your family in Kuwait?
GH: I really enjoyed living in Kuwait. It was a wonderful time in my life and can’t wait to get back and visit. Unfortunately, I haven’t had the chance to actually visit Palestine but it is something I would love to do.

NOX: How does it feel being an Arab in the NFL?
GH: On each team I think I have managed to create a sense of understanding among my teammates and coaches about the goodness and kindness of Arab people in general. I understand that in many cases I may be the only chance many of my teammates get to meet or spend time with someone of Arab descent. I definitely have met some players that may have had lack of knowledge about the Arab culture prior to meeting me. And after we have become friends they acknowledge the fact that they have learned a lot and their perspective on the culture had changed.

NOX: The obvious Arab question, how did your parents  react to the career decision that you want to “play” for a living?
GH: My parents have both fallen in love with football. My father took a while to learn the game but now he is an avid and knowledgeable fan. He has been very supportive of me my whole career.

NOX: What is it about football that appeals to you that much? Why didn’t you pursue a career in basketball, for example?
GH: I love the camaraderie and toughness of football. Also the strategy and flow of the game excites me. Each play and series gets magnified in each game. More so than in games like basketball where there are so many different possession changes.

NOX: Who are some of you best friends in the league? Who are the best quarterback coaches you have worked with?
GH: I’ve gotten to know some great people in the NFL. My best friend is Skyler Fulton, who was my star receiver in Europe. Some teammates I consider close friends include Matt Hasselbeck, Trent Dilfer and Trent Green. I’ve really enjoyed working with Mike Holmgren, Steve Spurrier and Dick Jauron. My best QB coaches have been Jim Zorn and Alex Van Pelt.

NOX: Does looking at the New England Patriots and the success they had under Tom Brady – a low draft pick like yourself – give you hope that you will be leading a team to the Superbowl soon?
GH: The Patriots have done a great job of building their team. Each player feels that they have a job to do that will help win the game. They don’t try to just sign the 53 best players they can; they sign the 53 players that will make the best team. Tom Brady is the perfect example of being prepared for your opportunity; his skills and leadership propelled him to the top.

This interview was a part of "The Top 10 Arabs in American Sports" which can be found in its entirety in NOX19.