Former TE Jace Sternberger reminisces on his days in Maroon & White

n.A former consensus All-American tight end, Jace Sternberger is putting up big numbers with the Birmingham Stallions of the USFL and is currently leading the league in receiving scores. Sternberger joined TexAgs Radio to look back on college ball and his life since then.

Key notes from Jace Sternberger interview

• I am tied into A&M for life now. The little time I was there is one of the highlights of my lifetime. The way the fans, Jimbo Fisher, TexAgs and everyone treated me was special. I train in College Station during my time off. I am very appreciative of A&M.
   
• As soon as I posted that I was coming for a visit, TexAgs reposted my highlight, and the views went up by thousands.
   
• It has been a refreshing year. The USFL kind of reminds me of being in JUCO right before I went to A&M, especially with the way the season is going. I hadn't played football for 18 or 19 months. I didn’t realize what I had until it was gone. This is a great training opportunity to get back into the NFL.
   
• The only thing that has really changed is my approach. I try to be laid back when it comes to personnel decisions and only focus on what I can control. It didn’t work out in Green Bay because of things that happened behind the scenes. I loved Seattle and wanted to stay there, but Washington called me and really wanted me. I was really only a backup and just an emergency guy. It was similar to how it played out in college. I just keep telling myself that I will get another opportunity.
   
• I had a son in December of 2021. I don’t want to say he saved my life, but he did. I have turned into an All-American dad, and it has really helped me.
   
• I remember all the things people said during the 18 months I wasn’t playing. I always appreciate the love and support, but some of the people reaching out now weren’t there in those months. Those months were rough times for me. It has never been a talent issue for me. It is all about the scheme and fit.
   
• I didn’t know Alex McGough before we started training camp in Birmingham. We stayed together for two or three weeks. When you are with that person every day, you grow closer. When you are vulnerable and ask questions, it goes a long way. Kellen Mond was trying to stay above water because Jimbo Fisher was doing pop quizzes every day. I was more of an emotional support person for him. I feel like I’ve been good at balancing out the quarterback's emotions.
   
• The selling point for me on Jimbo Fisher was when I learned about his son Ethan Fisher and the foundation he does. The media doesn’t talk about the human side of him. It just showed me who he was. He is very cutthroat but very open and honest. He will love you like a son off the field, but on the field, it is time to win. He can be a little over the top sometimes, but I feel like every successful person is.
   
• I think getting hurt in my rookie year was the best thing for me. It made me more vulnerable and able to ask for help. I think my whole offensive coaching staff and coach Matt Lefleur taught me how to take notes and remember the details. I carried the methods they taught me in Green Bay in every offense I’ve been in. Mercedes Lewis and Jimmy Graham were great in my rookie year.
   
• I am very optimistic about A&M this season. I was there last fall training, and I could see the energy. I have been a Conner Weigman fan for a while. Now that he’s taken over, I am all in now. I think we should open the season at Mississippi State and get it out of the way. We need to beat the Mississippi States and the Auburns. It is time to get over the hump. I think our receivers are the best we have had in a long time. I am interested to see what happens at running back. I was a huge Devon Achane fan.
   
• Will I be in the NFL next fall? Absolutely.