Matt Kenseth says if he played football in school, he would play quarterback.

Conversation: Kenseth

Last weekend's Michigan winner getting ready for some football

BROOKLYN, Mich. -- Matt Kenseth all but wrapped up a spot in the Chase for the Nextel Cup with his victory in Sunday's race at Michigan International Speedway, but racing isn't his only passion.

The 2003 Cup champion also is a big NFL fan.

Kenseth spent last Wednesday visiting the training camp of his favorite team, the Green Bay Packers. He then visited the NFC North rival Detroit Lions on Thursday.

	Credit: Autostock
	Inside the Numbers Matt Kenseth at Bristol Starts 13 Wins 1* Top-fives 6 Top-10s 8 Poles 1* Laps Led 625 Avg. Start 19.1 Avg. Finish 11.5 * -- in the 2005 Sharpie 500

As the Lions concluded practice and headed for the showers, Kenseth's No. 17 show car was rolled onto the field to the roar of approval from players.

"You think they'll let me take a lap?'' third-year linebacker Teddy Lehman asked.

Said wide receiver Roy Williams, "Look at this thing. It ain't got no brake lights. I guess you don't stop.''

As much as Kenseth enjoyed his visit with the Lions and the hospitality of team president Matt Millen, his loyalties remain with the team that plays three hours from his Cambridge, Wisconsin home.

He hosted several members of the Packers at the May race in Charlotte and once exchanged helmets with Packers' quarterback Brett Favre before a Monday Night Football game.

As anxious as Kenseth is to begin the Chase in four weeks, he's just as anxious for the NFL season to begin.

Q: Do you see any similarities between the NFL and NASCAR?

Kenseth: One of their games is like us running at Martinsville and Bristol every weekend. It is definitely a lot more physical sport than ours is, though. That's why it's fun to watch how they prepare.

Q: Did you have to trade in your Packers' helmet to go to the Lions' camp?

Kenseth: No. I'm a big Packers' fan, but it was still cool to go over there and check it out.

Q: Are you a big NFL fan?

Kenseth: That's about the only other sport I watch, so I'm a pretty big NFL fan.

Q: What do you get out of going to the camps?

Kenseth: I learn a little about how they prepare, how they get ready. It's kind of like our testing, so it's interesting to me to see how they do all of that.

Q: Do the players recognize you?

Kenseth: Some of the guys I know a little bit did because they knew I was coming. If I had just walked in there I don't think they'd recognize me. It was really cool. Matt Millen was really nice to me and welcomed me and brought me right on the field. I had a good time doing that.

But I'll always be a Green Bay Packers' fan.

Q: Who was your favorite NFL player growing up?

Kenseth: I don't know if I had a favorite player when I was real young. When I got the most interest in it Brett Favre was my favorite. I always watched the Packers, but not as much as I did in the mid-1990s ... like '96 when they went to the Super Bowl.

I'd say Mike Holmgren was my favorite coach and Favre my favorite player. It was fun to watch them interact. Favre was kind of crazy and Holmgren was kind of settled.

Q: Did you get to spend any time with Brett Favre at camp?

Kenseth: Not a lot. They were busy. I talked to him a little bit and hung out for a couple of minutes. It was pretty cool.

Q: Any other favorite players?

Kenseth: "I think a lot of [running back] Samkon Gado. He did a good job when he got his opportunity at the end of last season. He plays hard and with a lot of heart. You can tell he enjoys playing the game. I had always heard he was a real nice guy and when I finally got a chance to meet him this past Wednesday at the Packers' training camp he turned out to be as nice as everyone had said.

"We talked for a little while about the upcoming season, then Brett and Ahman Green came over and we took a picture together with my son, Ross. It was a pretty cool trip and I'm glad Ross had a chance to meet those guys, even though he is a Bears fan. Don't ask me how that happened.''

[Note: Gado previously had given Kenseth an autographed football saying, "I can't believe you know who I am.'']

Q: I saw a few pictures with you throwing the football. Did you get into any drills?

Kenseth: That was at the Lions' camp. They let me do a few quarterback drills like throw in the bucket.

Q: Did you play football in high school?

Kenseth: I didn't play any sport. I wish I would've, but I was always racing. I wish I would have played football, but I probably wouldn't have been any good.

Q: Is that a down side, that kids who race don't have time to play other sports because they begin so early?

Kenseth: Yes and no. This turned our pretty good for me. I didn't start racing until I was 16, but I was interested in working on cars as much or moreso than driving.

Q: What position would have you played in football?

Kenseth: Wherever they let me. I think everybody would like to be the quarterback.

Q: Have you been to a Super Bowl?

Kenseth: I've been to several Super Bowls, but not when the Packers have been there. I couldn't afford to go back then.

Q: Are you in a fantasy football league?

Kenseth: I haven't been, but I'm joining one this year. [My PR guy] is starting a little league for some of the guys on the team.

Q: Have you done your research?

Kenseth: A little bit, but probably not enough.