Comments from Carolina cornerback Josh Norman after the Panthers’ win over the Bucs.
What was the explanation for the unsportsmanlike conduct call on the INT return TD?
"I don't know. I used the ball as a prop or something. They said I could do that but couldn't do anything that is taunting. I'm in the end zone and saw him throw the flag and thought 'Aww man, he just told me I could do that.'"
You talked to the ref before the game about it?
"No, I talked to one of the officials on the fining committee about it, and he said I was cool to be able to do that and show my emotion. I told him, 'If I get in the end zone then I can do my dance,' and they said, 'Yeah, that's fine, just don't wave at the quarterback.' I thought cool; I didn't wave, I gave him a look and I kept going in and I got on my horse once again and got a flag for it and we'll rectify it. I'm having fun right now, though."
What gave you the sense that you were going to get an INT TD today?
"I got a little tip. I know he was going to keep throwing it and I was bound to get one of them. Shoot, I'm not a guy who will sit there and give up balls. I know who I am and how I play, so keep throwing it. I'm going to be there for the play and score and do what I have to do to help us win and be a part of the game."
What was the tip?
"It was just the formation I read. The formations we study during the week and know and understand where we have to be on the field. Once we're there, then we have to take it."
You're having fun, have 4 INTs, and you're 4-0, so your price keeps going up, doesn't it?
"Hey man, glory to God, I'm thanking him each and every day. I don't know where I'm going to be, but right now I'm feeling mighty good."
Have there been talks with the Panthers about opening negotiations during the bye week?
"I have no idea. I don't, and at this point in time, we're loving life. Living and having fun playing the sport we love to play, and we are gracious for the opportunities that come upon us, and when we get those opportunities we want to capitalize on them, each and every time. Right now, that's the only thing I'm thinking about."
Would you listen if they wanted to talk about it?
"You can write whatever you want. I'm having fun and continuing to have fun, regardless. Either way it goes, it's going to get done. The number is going to be the number, no matter what. But, at the same time, we're having fun and playing ball at a real high level. I don't know where I'm going to be; I'm not another cornerback. I'm my own unique cornerback. I'm not some other guy. I'm going to continue to keep climbing each and every week. Through God, everything that gives me strength, you're gonna see it. I'm gonna keep climbing and keep going higher and higher. It's awesome right now."
Are you willing to talk business during the season?
"I am willing to keep getting Ws; that's what I'm willing to do. (laughs). Keep getting Ws because they feel mighty great right now. We got this 4-0 break and we're going to get players back, the famous Luke Kuechly back, and it's going to be awesome. Time to go to Seattle and get this thing on 5-0. Whenever that contract comes up and gets done, I feel that we'll be in a nice play."
In basketball when a guy is hot they say the rim gets bigger. Is the football bigger for you with how you're racking up interceptions?
"It is. I'm not really any other DB; I'm my own unique person. God gives me the power and the tools to go out and do what I do on the field. During practice, I work as hard as I can to meet that level of talent. I let everything else come out on the field. On Wednesday, I felt good about this week. I was ready to play them then. My eyes get big when I see the ball; I start to glow and get into that zone and make sure everything works out. I don't want another mishap like I had with the Patriots, so I make sure I focus in on the ball like each and every day. Continue to get better and hard work never stops."
Is part of you still surprised that you're getting the ball thrown to you this often?
"Yeah, I don't know. Like I said before, they don't understand where to, or where not to throw the ball. I'm happy. Keep doing it. I'm feeling good right now. Keep it coming and we're going to go watch film. There are things I could do better on, and I know it for a fact. Each and every week, I'm going to come and do something to help the football team out."
Do you remember what you were feeling last time you were in this locker room, when you didn't play a single defensive snap in Week 1 last year?
"I was steaming hot. I knew I could play and could come out and contribute and I didn't. I just played special teams and it really sucked. I put my head down and grind and my hard work is starting to pay off. Giving glory and thanks to God, that he put me in the position."
People might say this team hasn't beaten anybody good yet. How would you respond to that?
"We're 4-0. How many other teams are 4-0? We're going to keep pounding because, at the end of the day, we're going to continue doing this. If we ain't played nobody, then we'll see the next games we play."