Getting to know Aaron Walker, crew member for the No. 88 Chevrolet

CONCORD, N.C. (May 14, 2010) – With six years in the NFL under his belt, Aaron Walker now is turning his focus toward pit stops. As back-up jackman for the No. 88 AMP Energy/National Guard Chevrolet, the University of Florida graduate is learning the ropes. Meet Aaron: Full name: Aaron S. Walker Nickname: A-Walk. My sixth grade P.E. teacher gave it to me. Hometown: Mims, Fla. I was born in Titusville, Fla. Education: Florida. I graduated in 2003 with a degree in Natural Resource Management. On his college football career: I redshirted in 1998 and was the backup tight end in 1999. I started the last three seasons. (During his time with Florida, Walker, played in the 2000 Citrus Bowl and the 2002 Orange Bowl and started the 2001 Sugar Bowl. In 47 games (29 starts), he tallied 56 career receptions for 716 yards and nine touchdowns.) On his professional career: I was a fifth-round draft pick to the San Francisco 49ers in 2003. Stayed there through 2004 and went to St. Louis from 2005-2007. In 2008, I was with Baltimore, and I spent the preseason in Cleveland in 2009. (In five seasons, Walker finished with 25 catches for 312 yards and one touchdown.) On getting into racing: A friend of mine knew Lance (McGrew, crew chief of the No. 88 AMP Energy/National Guard Chevrolet). I came down and met with coach Mark Mauldin, and he said, ‘Just come by when you can, when you want to see it.’ So I did. I went to practice, and it was something I wanted to do. So I came back and got started. Team/Job duties:Back-up jackman at the track; tear-down at the shop. Time at current job: This is my first year doing it. It’s fun, it’s a good time. It’s competitive. The shop is almost like a locker room atmosphere with all the guys picking at each other. On how football translates: I think just being an overall athlete gives you good footwork and the ability to perform under pressure. Years in racing: First year. First job overall: Apart from football, this is it. I played athletics the whole way growing up. I first started playing sports when I was on an under-7 soccer team. I played soccer until high school, and that’s when I started football. I also played baseball and basketball along the way. If I wasn't in racing I would be: Working in the natural resource management area – wildlife game, patrol or something. Best racing memory: I’d have to say the first race at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway was my best. Just the overall atmosphere; the crowd; cars right there and people right on top of you. Favorite track: So far it would have to be Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway. Now that I’m part of a team, I see it from a different perspective. Hobbies outside of racing: Water skiing; horses Favorite sport other than racing: Baseball, particularly the St. Louis Cardinals. On an off weekend you can find me: Hanging out around the house with family wife Michelle; two girls Taylor, age 8, and Avery, 4 Pets: Two dogs, two cats, ferret, three horses – that’s it. Favorite movie: “Maverick” Favorite music: Country music. My current car is: A Silverado 3500 HD. Dream car: I wouldn’t mind having one of those Hendrick Performance Camaros. Cell phone ring: “Good times, good friends, good whiskey” by Hank Williams Jr. What you’ll find on my iPOD: An array of genres; all kinds of music. Favorite food: Hamburgers and hot dogs. I knew I wanted a job in NASCAR when: My football career was over.