GREEN BAY – A year ago, Sean Richardson wasn't sure if he'd ever play football again. He was still recovering from a serious neck injury, and he wouldn't be cleared to resume play until the end of the year.

Now, he's a key player on special teams and in the mix for reps at the safety position.

We caught up with him for five questions.

OnMilwaukee: What's the start of this season been like for you? You haven't had this sort of "traditional" start for a year or so.

Sean Richardson: It feels great. I’m excited. Last year I wasn’t able to play during the opening game and it was very difficult, but the grace of God and having a mindset where I wanted to play gain and give myself every opportunity possible to play again and now that opportunity has presented itself and it’s just awesome and it’ a blessing that I’m able to go out and play again.

OMC: I know you wouldn't have been on the field at the end of last year if you weren't physically able to do so, but has there been any discernible difference between then and now?

SR: I felt a lot better mentally. Physically I felt the same, but mentally I got an understanding of the defense more. And I got more reps and I got better as I progressed. It was just me slowing the game down, understanding what offenses like to do and understanding how what our defense consists of and what the emphasis is. It’s helped me a lot and it’s helped me make more plays.

OMC: Unfortunately, you've seen a lot of teammates get hurt over the last few years and guys the public wouldn't normally expect to play have been given increased roles. Are you ready for that scenario if it occurs?

SR: I’m always looking for an increased role but whenever my number or name is called I’ll be ready. I’ll guarantee you that.

OMC: Here at the start of your schedule, you've gone up against "name" guys like Marshawn Lynch, Chris Johnson, Calvin Johnson, Matt Stafford. Do you notice the individuals, or is the week all about knowing your assignments?

SR: It’s more of my assignments, doing my technique. At practice, we practice and prepare for the game so I take practice very seriously. I try and work on all the small things so when I get out there everything is just second nature and I don’t have to think about it. I practice tackling all the time. Everything. It’s just me getting out there and having fun. I don’t think about oh, who’s in the backfield, he’s a great running back or a great quarterback or whoever. I just go out and do my job and try to make plays.

OMC: The defense got off to a slow start to the year with some of the new 4-3 looks up front, but the group has also played well at times. What's been the difference lately?

SR: I think as a young group, it’s good when you have a balance of young players and veteran players. But the great thing is now the young players understand what they have to do, and they have a few games under their belt, a year or two under their belt, and it’s really showing because they’re comfortable. They’re not all nerves and jitters. It’s just like everybody now is playing together and it’s showing up on the field.