Arizona State Sun Devil football fans are all too familiar with Aaron Pflugrad. The 5’10” wide receiver played stellarly for the team for three years, before graduating in 2011 with a degree in marketing. Pflugrad, a native of Missoula, Montana came to the Sun Devils after playing for the Oregon Ducks. His father, football coach Robin Pflugrad, left Oregon at the same time to become head coach at Montana.
Pflugrad made 96 receptions for 1,241 yards – including 8 touchdowns during his college career. Arizona Pain Monthly checks in on the local star athlete – including how he manages pain, and if the NFL is in his future:

Q: When did you begin playing football?

A: I started playing tackle football in the third grade. I was a huge ASU fan and knew back then that I wanted to play for the Sun Devils.

Q: What is it about athletics that makes you passionate?

A: I am very passionate about athletics because it can teach you so many lessons about life. I love being one of the smallest guys out there but still gaining the respect of my coaches and teammates by the way I play. Football is a game of “what have you done for me lately.”
I love to compete every single day and give it everything I have. I love having to prove it every day. I also played basketball and ran track in high school. I love competing, so any sport is good with me.

Q: you graduated in May with a degree in marketing. What’s next?

A: I am finishing my graduate degree in liberal studies at ASU. I am also training for the NFL and will be in a training camp in May.

Q: Have you dealt with injuries or pain playing football? What has helped you regain your athletic ability?

A: I have been extremely blessed to have no major injuries during my career. I believe if you take care of your body, eat healthy, and stay in shape you can avoid most injuries. When you are injured it is important to do everything you can to get back as fast as possible.

Q: What would you recommend to others who may be interested in chasing their dreams – may they be athletic, professional, artistic, etc?

A: God gave us certain desires and passions that cannot be denied. Many people told me that I should look to play Division 2 college football because I did not have the size to play in the Pac-12 conference. I never listened, and I never will. Life is about mastering yourself and not letting things out of your control get to you. If you do the right things, to accomplish your dreams, for long enough and hard enough you will be successful.