Topic: S50: Rick Devens (Cila)

[RealityFreakWill]

Rick Devens

Season: Edge of Extinction
Age: 41
Hometown: Blacksburg, Va.
Current Residence: Macon, Ga.
Current Occupation: Director of Communications at Middle Georgia State University. Go Knights?

Why do you want to come back for Survivor 50 and how does it feel to be chosen for this milestone season?

It was such a gift to play Survivor once and I’m beyond grateful to play again. Being chosen to participate in such a landmark season is a dream and knowing all the castaways that did not make it here is humbling. Survivor has given me so much. I'm back for more.

What one life experience since the last time you played do you feel has prepared you for 50?

I lost my father-in-law, my grandmother, and my uncle. Life is precious and nothing is guaranteed. It’s so important to find joy in everything. For a long time, I felt immense pressure to play again and do well. Now, I feel I have a much healthier perspective. I’m going to play HARD and play to win, but joyfully and with a joyful spirit.

Coming into this season, what is the Survivor accomplishment you are most proud of? And what are you eager to have another shot at?

I won four individual immunities, and the Edge of Extinction challenge. I also hold the Survivor record for Hidden Immunity Idols played in a season. I played two for myself and two for friends. I’d love to win more immunities and find more idols, but I also look forward to showing I have a strong social/strategic game and look forward to working with some of these Legends to control the vote here and there.

What would you say is your Survivor reputation and how will you manage that perception in the game?

I believe I’m seen as a scrappy player who relies on advantages and immunities to make it through the game. The healthy egos on this cast probably won’t see me as a challenge threat despite my record. Good. I’ll need to be careful searching for advantages. I played a very loyal game the first time around and hope I can use that to my advantage.

What is your strategy going into 50? And how will it differ from previous time(s) you’ve played?

My dad assures me that I’m better at suffering than others. So, I don’t care about food and shelter. I want to build strong relationships with everyone and never close doors or burn bridges the way I almost did my first time playing. I’d like to be someone other castaways have fun playing the game with. That being said, I also want to be clever, chaotic, and bold with advantages whether they’re real or fake.

Survivor fans have had the opportunity to help shape the game this season by voting on various elements – what are you hoping makes the cut and why?

Let’s not do fire making this time, okay?
At this point in your life who is your biggest inspiration and why? My wife, Becca, is the most generous and thoughtful person I’ve ever known (her and my mom). She gives so much without asking for anything in return. People are drawn to her because of her kindness and because she’s very funny. My kids are also incredibly funny and teach me something new every day.

Why will you be the Sole Survivor?

Why not? With the big players (many are literally huge) and a cloud of Old School vs New School hanging over this season, I feel I’m in a terrific spot to plot my way to the end. I’ll need to hustle, be clever, use my guile, and find some luck but that’s exactly what I came to Fiji to do.