Mud & Blood 2005 :: MAXIM ONLINE ::

MAXIM ONLINE HOME


	Daunte Culpepper Donovan McNabb Priest Holmes Jonathan Vilma Brian Urlacher

EXTENDED EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Jonathan Vilma
We grill 2004's AP Defensive Rookie of the Year about missed kicks, hot chicks, and time travel.

The Jets missed the AFC title game by a field goal last year. What's next?
We came close, but obviously close doesn't cut it in this league, especially when you're judged on wins and losses. We know that we have a lot of things to do to get over that hump to be one of those elite teams.

Can rookie Mike Nugent kick you over that hump?
They started him in our first practices at 45 yards, and he didn't miss for three practices. I'm real excited about that. I played against him in the Fiesta Bowl and he was kicking the life out of the ball back then too.

Why can't you guys beat the Patriots?
They know how to win, they know how to get the job done. Were they a better team? I don't think so.

Are they more talented?
I don't think so. They're not that good. After the first game I played against them, I was like, "That's it?" My first time playing against the Super Bowl champions, and I was expecting big, great, miraculous plays. It's just a matter of them tuning in to the little things, which we have to pay a little more attention to.

What was your rookie year like in New York?
Since everything has been going good for me the city has really just embraced me. But I know that there's going to be rough times. The fans are hard, the media's hard, but that comes with the territory. The one thing that I do like is they're passionate—win, lose, or draw.

When you are playing in Giants Stadium, do you guys feel like a couple of squatters in a warehouse waiting for the cops to come?
It's a little tough. This is my first time in a situation like that. I hope we get a new place soon. It's always great to be home, to feel like you're at home, and not have to worry about another team playing in your stadium.

Why aren't there Jets cheerleaders?
Good question. You're going to have to ask boss man Woody on that one. It just adds to the fun of the game. If we win, you have the nice cheerleaders around. I wouldn't mind having them.

Which feels better: sacks or interceptions?
Interceptions for touchdowns feel better. But for getting the rage out, sacks are always great. When you get to the quarterback, lay it on him, it feels good.

Who's the toughest running back to tackle?
Corey Dillon. I just try to keep fast and run after them, and make sure they go down when I go down. LaDainian Tomlinson—I call him Mighty Mouse because he's not as big as the other backs, but he gets it done. And he likes to talk about it. He talks a whole lot of trash.

You speak four languages. Do you trash-talk in other languages?
No. When I insult you, I want you to understand what I'm saying to you.

Will time travel be possible in our lifetime?
I don't know. But they could put me on it—I'd be the first one to go. I'd go to the future.

You went to the Miami. Are the women hotter there?
Miami women are beautiful, but New York women have a little more charisma, a little swagger. And they know how to dress.

What about the football at Miami? Could a team of Hurricanes beat the Dolphins?
You mean, current Hurricane players? [laughs] Let me see how the Dolphins look in training camp. I'll get back to you on that one.

You're an Academic All-American with a degree in finance. Got any tax tips for April?
[laughs] None that are legal!