10 Questions with ... Jason 'Big Suke' Scukanec

NAME:Jason Scukanec ("Big Suke") TITLE:PM Drive Host STATION:KFXX 1080 The Fan MARKET:Portland COMPANY: Entercom BORN:Anchorage, Alaska RAISED:Vancouver, Washington

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Football at Brigham Young University, pro with Denver Broncos, Tampa Bay Bucs practice squads; Radio at BYU and KFXX.

1. You did some radio in college and later returned to radio after football -- why? What drew you to radio?

I always had it in the back of my mind as something I could do and do well. It was also something I really enjoyed doing, which wasn't the case with football, and after football I really wanted to do something I could enjoy making a living at.

2. About what are you most passionate these days?

I'm passionate about lots of things: my wife and kids, Red Wings hockey, Chuck Norris, monkeys... really, there's just too many things to list here.

3. There are a lot of ex-players who turn to sports talk radio -- what makes you different? What's unique about you -- is it what you talk about, is it your style? What is it that helps listeners connect with you?

I have never tried to be an ex-athlete doing radio. I have always wanted to be a radio guy who just happened to play sports. Plus, calling me an athlete is stretching that definition mighty thin. I have my own style, my own way of saying things different than others. If you hang around me long enough you'll find yourself using "Sukeisms". You may not get everything I say, but every now and then I hit you right between the eyes and you'll know I'm inside your head. You can talk sports and still be funny and entertaining while doing it. I also try and open up my life to my listeners and let them in. When they meet on the street they feel like they know me and that personal connection is a powerful thing. They know my kids' names, what kind of dogs I have, what TV shows I watch. It makes me relatable to a lot of people.

4. If you couldn't have played football or gotten into radio, what would you have done with your life? What would you be doing now?

After I flunked out of football, I was thinking about being a paramedic and firefighter when I found my way back to radio. It's what I went to school for and something I always wanted to do. It's a tough gig without a ton of money, but you get to make a difference and help people everyday. That appeals to me. That or I would just wander the country and get in adventures, Kung-Fu style.

5. You're a huge hockey fan -- how did you get into the Wings, and is it difficult for you to be in a market where there's only the minor league brand of hockey?

Being from Alaska, it was a natural fit. Steve Yzerman was my hero growing up and still is, so I had to root for the Wings. I even named my first son after him, and I'm not talking Steve either. That's right, I named my boy Yzerman. I've been planning that one for years and was lucky enough to have an understanding wife. I would die to have some puck in my town, so I wouldn't get yelled out when I bring it up.

6. Obligatory steroid question: do you think the fans care about the steroid/HGH scandals? Does it affect the way they look at sports? How widespread do you think the problem is?

Fans are getting sick of it. Especially when it comes to the NFL. We accept the fact that NFL guys need to do it to survive and give us the product we want to see on the field. It's bigger than the leagues want to admit.

7. Who are your heroes?

Steve Yzerman, of course. Toss in Mark Messier, with a side of Kenny Chesney and Johnny Cash.

8. Of what are you most proud?

That a balding, cowboy boot wearing, NFL flunky can make a living playing grab-ass and talking about something he loves everyday. I have pretty good life going right now, and as to date I haven't screwed it up.

9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without ___________.

...my truck, my boxer Apollo Creed riding shotgun and some country music cranked up.

10. What's the best advice you've ever gotten? The worst?

Best: Do what you have to do, when you have to do it, whether you want to do it or not.

Worst: You don't need to hire a professional, you can fix that yourself.