Exclusive Interview Under The Helmet of Vincent Jackson

He’s one of the few true freshman ever to play for the University of Northern Colorado, earned All American Honors as a punt returner, scoring the first time he ever touched a ball on a punt return against Adams State College (CO). He rewrote the record books on the way to becoming Northern Colorado’s all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards (game & season), KR yards, PR yards, receiving touchdowns. His senior season was highlighted by a 13-catch 249-yard, 3-touchdown effort against Florida Atlantic. He’s 6’5”, 230lbs, runs like a thoroughbred in the open field and has stickier hands than Spiderman.  He’s Colorado’s own, Vincent Jackson.

TS: Vincent Jackson, What Da Dizzle?

VJ: Haha, what it do?! I appreciate “Da Dizzle” taking some time to find out a little more about the man under the helmet.  I am feeling blessed and excited about the upcoming 2011.

TS:  A lot of people don’t know that you’re from Widefield High School in Colorado Springs, is there talent like that out there in Fountain?

VJ: I am very proud to be representing Colorado Springs.  Being a military brat, my family and I moved to the Springs when I was about 11yrs old.  Growing up in that community, I found there to be a lot of athletic talent.  I’m not sure if it was due to the large amount of military families that resided there or what.  We grew up playing against rival schools in the city, it was a very competitive environment.  And as long as I can remember, there was always a good amount of high school athletes from Colorado Springs that went on to play at Division I or  Division II schools on scholarship.

TS: You were also a standout in basketball. What made you choose football?

VJ: I really loved basketball as a kid.  I actually played more basketball than football over the years leading up to college.  However, my size and athleticism on the football field was more rare than my skills on the hardwood.  I was being recruited in H.S. by better schools for football than basketball, that’s when I decided to go with football.  Even though, I believe basketball helped many of my football skills develop.  Fortunately, my basketball skills did not go unnoticed.  Some other guys on my college football team and I joined an intramural basketball league after the season.  I played really well and work got around campus about my ability.  The UNC head basketball coach called me and invited me to a private workout with some junior college players.  Thirty minutes of some pick-up games and I was offered a basketball scholarship.  So I played basketball and football my sophomore and junior years.  Pretty difficult to play two sports and be a student full time, but I loved every minute of it! Great experience.

TS:  The atmosphere at your house on NFL Draft day was electric.  How did you feel when the San Diego Chargers called your name?

VJ: It is an unbelievable feeling.  I had no idea when my phone was going to ring. I was just enjoying a beautiful spring day at my parent’s house in Colorado Springs with friends and family.  I was surprised and excited when I heard Marty Schottenheimer’s voice on the other end of the phone.  It is the dream of so many young boy’s to grow up and play a professional sport.  All the years of try-outs, bumps and bruises, sleeping on buses or in a car for road trips, my parents taking me and picking me up from practices, running hills in the summer in high school by myself, getting that extra hour of workout in after practice in college when others left, believing in myself when it seemed like the most unlikely outcome…all those emotions came to me and I felt like I was floating!

TS:  You made your first Pro-Bowl as an alternate replacing the Indianapolis Colts, Reggie Wayne, I felt you were a shoe in based off production. You showed up big time, how was it to play in the Pro-Bowl and how did it feel to play Special Teams?

VJ: The Pro-Bowl was a great experience!  It was nice to be recognized by not only the fans around the country, but by my peers (other players around the NFL) as one of the elite Wide Receivers in the game.  Having a great game with over 100yds and a TD was just a plus.  I’ve played special teams since I came into the NFL so it was no big deal to do so in the Pro-Bowl.  Even to this day I am a back up on the Chargers special teams and practice it every week during the season.

The week was full of enjoyable events for the players and their families.  One event I liked was the ‘NFL Play 60’ day, where we went out to a local community center in Florida and got a bunch of kids together to play/exercise and educate them about eating healthy.

TS: Now that you’re a NFL star, do you feel your education at UNC has enabled you to make some good business decisions?

VJ: Absolutely!  Being a business major, I have always had an interest in developing and managing a business.  I have invested in a few different restaurants in the Southern California area.   I continue to learn in my time away from work about investments in real estate, private businesses, and how to become a better entrepreneur.  Even though I love the football, I understand there is more to life and I have to plan for a career after football.  I still want to be doing something I love.

TS:  Everyone deals with adversity, but how you deal with that adversity is what helps define you. You’ve had a few bumps in your NFL career off the field, how did you deal with that adversity?

VJ: The only way to deal with adversity is to face it. That’s exactly what I did. I took responsibility for my mistakes, I corrected them, fulfilled any obligations that were required of me and moved forward.  My greatest strength has always been my character and mental toughness.  I will never let a mistake define me, only use it as a tool to sharpen me.  I have worked too hard and done too much positive in my life and career to succumb to negative nonsense from “un-informed sources.” My coaches and teammates have always supported me and told me I have such a positive influence on the team as a person, not just a player.  The past is gone and I am very happy and excited about the future.

TS: November 28 was a huge day for you returning to the field. How did it feel?

VJ: It was fun getting the opportunity to make big plays.  I have been working hard in practice as always and it is nice to be able to showcase that effort in the games.  A personal best in TD’s, but I was still able to go back and evaluate the film for corrections. Always looking to improve my game.

TS:  Your father Terence is very involved in the community and nonprofit organizations.  Do you follow in his footsteps, and what are some of the charities you support?

VJ: Indeed, I am very proud of my Father’s philanthropist persona.  From childhood, he has always instilled in me the importance of helping your fellow man and improving our communities.  I enjoy working with kids (Boys & Girls Club), the homeless (Salvation Army), community clean-ups, and a variety of other organizations.

TS:  Anything you would like to say to your fans?

VJ: I always appreciate the love and support I receive around the country.  I am simply a man doing what he loves, my job just happens to be broadcast on television.  I am thankful for everyone that has helped me along my journey and will always give my best on the field not only for myself, but for them.

[EDITORS NOTE: photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images]