A Bear of a Man: An Interview with Bear Pascoe
By Ed Roberts
Last week I was able to catch up with Giants and former Fresno State tight end, Bear Pascoe. We chatted about his nickname, life without football, and his expectations for the upcoming season.
Pascoe is entering his 3rd season with the New York Giants and is currently in a battle for the starting tight end position. He is competing against Jake Ballard, Daniel Coats, and Travis Beckum.
Pascoe, a former 6th round pick by the 49ers in 2009, is ready to prove he has what it takes to be a starter in the NFL.
Question: Little known fact, but your real name is actually McKenna. How did you earn the nickname of Bear?
Bear: There are lots of stories I could share with you, but the truth is when I was born I was very large and I was always the biggest person in class. It was just a nickname my parents gave to me when I was a little kid because I was bigger than everybody else and I was just a “bear” of a kid.
Question: If you weren’t a football player, what would you be doing?
Bear: I have a degree in Agricultural Education and with that I could teach or run a farming outfit. I grew up on a big cattle ranch, so there is a very good chance I would be cowboying, training horses, and trying to make it in the rodeo world.
Question: What are your expectations for this upcoming season?
Bear: This season I am focused on earning a starting position and doing everything I can to help this team win games. The more games we win, the farther we go.
Question: How was your relationship with now Oakland Raider, Kevin Boss?
Bear: I had a really good relationship with Kevin Boss and still do. He is a great guy and one of my good friends. I wish him all the best out in Oakland and I know he will do great.
Question: Do you see a bowl game for your alma mater Fresno State this year?
Bear: Oh yeah every year! I know they have a young team, but Coach Hill will get them in shape for sure. Anybody, Anywhere, Anytime.
Question: What is the greatest moment in your life to this date?
Bear: That is kind of tough because God has blessed me. I would say winning my first truck in team roping when I was 15, the day I was drafted, playing in my first game for the Giants, and my first catch in a game are all great moments. I know there are some experiences I am forgetting, but in every area of my life I have had an experience that has changed my life in some way.
*A special thanks to Bear Pascoe and Kim Staninger for allowing me to take their time for this interview. *
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