Quarterback Chase Daniel led the Dragons to the Class 5A state title in 2004 and became a Heisman Trophy Finalist at Missouri. He is currently a backup quarterback with the New Orleans Saints.

Just days before NFL training camps began, New Orleans Saints fourth-year quarterback Chase Daniel returned to Southlake as the keynote speaker at the annual Southlake Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet.

While at Carroll, Daniel led the 2004 Dragons to a state and national championship while earning all-state recognition. He was a Heisman Trophy finalist at Missouri and was a backup quarterback on the New Orleans Saints Super Bowl XLIV championship team.

Also, the Master of Ceremonies of the banquet was Daniel’s former coach Todd Dodge.  The event provided a chance for the two to reunite. Carroll communications and marketing summer intern Kevin Adler caught up with the former Dragon star to talk about his Dragon days, football and his new business.

What was it like coming back and speaking to the city you grew up in?
“It was an awesome feeling.  I grew up down the road in Irving and was always a fan of Southlake. To be able to tell my story and give my message to the crowd was a great feeling.”

What did it feel like to play football in a program with such great history?
“It’s every little kid’s dream. To say I played in that program under Coach (Todd) Dodge is something I will be proud of for the rest of my life.”

What is your favorite Dragon Memory?
“It was the 2004 State Championship game against Smithson Valley. There were five seconds left and [Kevin] Ortega was going out to kick the winning field goal. He made it, and it was pretty cool for a first time varsity kicker to seal the deal for us.”

What is your favorite Mizzou memory?
“The Border War in 2007.  We were at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City playing Kansas. LSU had lost earlier in the day and we knew if we beat Kansas, we would be number one. It was freezing cold, but we won the game.”

What is it like learning under Drew Brees in the NFL?
“It is unbelievable. You just have to be a sponge because he is not only a great football player, but he is a great teacher.”

Why did you start 10 Star Apparel?
“The company is something I always wanted. I graduated with a Business degree from Missouri and there was an opening, so I took it.”

What are your goals for your business?
“I want to give back to people in the area. We have a big warehouse in Arlington and at some point, we want to create a non-profit branch for the company.”

What was it like to be back with coach Todd Dodge again?
“It was very special. It has been a couple of years but we exchange texts. He is a mentor and like a second father to me.”

How much connection do you still have to the city of Southlake?
“I am really only in Southlake about two months a year. I check on the business, but Southlake is home for me.”

What is next for you as the NFL season approaches?
“It is a seven-month grind. Our goal is to win a Super Bowl.”