Former Penn State quarterback Anthony Morelli talks career, Arena Football League, Garrett Sickels
Sandwiched between Michael Robinson and Daryll Clark, former Penn State quarterback Anthony Morelli may be overlooked — but he put together a solid career in Happy Valley.
Morelli — ranked eighth and ninth in career passing yards (5,275) and passing touchdowns (31), respectively — joined us for this week’s “5 Questions” to discuss everything from the Arena Football League to Indianapolis Colts rookie defensive end Garrett Sickels.
Q: You had a solid career at Penn State, beat Notre Dame but lost to Michigan your senior season. How do you kind of assess your career with the Nittany Lions?
A: I think it was a good one. When I got there, we had a losing record my freshman year when I wasn’t playing. By time I left, we won 18 football games and as a starter, we won two bowl games and I was a part of three.
Q: You mentioned the bowl wins, obviously you guys upset Tennessee in the 2007 Outback Bowl. What’s the one game or one play that really sticks out to you in your career, and why?
A: Since you mentioned the Tennessee game, I would say the touchdown pass to Andrew Quarless in the back corner of the end zone was definitely a play that I remember pretty well in the Outback Bowl.
Q: After your time at Penn State, you signed as an undrafted free agent with the Cardinals and then played for a handful of AFL teams. They were interesting experiences I’m sure. What was it like playing for some of those teams? The San Jose SaberCats. The Omaha Nighthawks.
A: It was different, but as long as you’re still playing football it’s pretty fun. Arena football was definitely different than the NFL. It was faster, quicker games. We got to throw the ball a whole bunch, score a lot of points. It was very exciting. They were all good experiences. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Yeah, I would’ve liked to play in the NFL for a long time, just like every quarterback coming out of college. But it is what it is, and you kind of have to roll with the punches. Make the best of the opportunity that you have.
Q: You’re a Pittsburgh guy, and you played for the Pittsburgh Power. What was the coolest thing about that experience?
A: When I was MVP of the game against New Orleans, that was pretty cool. And being a part of Lynn Swann’s organization, I just thought it was a solid thing. It was a great time. ...We played where the Penguins are at Consol Energy Center. We played our home games there, and then traveled all around for away games.
Q: You’re in Indianapolis now, opened X-Factor Sports Performance. How is that going? I saw on Twitter that Garrett Sickels and some of the Colts rookies came in and trained there. How’s Garrett doing and how do you see him adjusting to Indy and the Colts?
A: First of all, X-Factor is going really well. We opened six years ago, and it’s solid. As far as Garrett goes, it just speaks volumes about his work ethic. He could be out partying and having a good time in the city with all his other buddies, but him and a few other guys are consistently in there when they have free time working in the weight room and on conditioning. That just goes to show you what a blue-collar, hardworking type of kid he is and how dedicated he is to being great.
This story was originally published July 7, 2017 at 7:44 PM with the headline "Former Penn State quarterback Anthony Morelli talks career, Arena Football League, Garrett Sickels."