The Vikings acquired wide receiver Mike Wallace from the Dolphins last March in a trade. Expectations are the 29-year-old New Orleans native will add a deep threat to the passing game. Although Wallace has only one catch for over 20 yards in three games so far, he has a big play receiver reputation. Coming into this season his 47 touchdown receptions since 2009 ranked seventh best in the NFL.
Wallace was personable, easygoing and candid during a Sports Headliners interview following a recent practice at Winter Park. Here is what he said about various subjects:
Your first thought about coming to the Vikings: Man, it’s cold (in Minneapolis).
The secret to catching the deep ball: Giving them (the defenders) the late hands—waiting to reach up for the ball at the last second.
You can help this team the most by: Just being a leader, consistently bringing it every single day. Coming in every day with my hardhat on.
Your prediction for the Vikings final regular season record: 15-1.
Personal goals for this year: To win the Super Bowl. That’s personal and teamwise.
There’s nothing better to do on an off-day than: Nothing better to do than to do nothing. Just chill around the house, watch TV, play a game. Hang out with the fam. Just do whatever.
Why do you spend so much time playing video games? Because I am so good at it. I’ve just liked playing video games since I was a kid. It’s always been fun. …”
Do you have a favorite video game? NBA 2K. I am the best in the world.
You don’t lose much? Nah, not too often.
Favorite kind of music and artist? Rap music, probably Lil Wayne.
You get up everyday ready to do what? Take on a challenge of the world. Whatever that day is, whatever God has in store for me, I am ready for the challenge.
What have people misunderstood about you? How nice of a guy I am. I am an extremely nice person.
Better believe this about head coach Mike Zimmer: Oh, you will work. You better believe you will work every single day. No days off.
What gets your attention about offensive coordinator Norv Turner? Just the way he says things. He’s always cussing all the time. I probably can’t really say exactly the things he says. Just the pitch of his voice is always just funny to me every time I hear it, and the wordplay is always funny as well.
What surprises you most about quarterback Teddy Bridgewater? Just his calm demeanor. Just the way he’s always so cool about everything.
Four famous people you would invite to dinner: The President (Barack Obama), of course. Probably Beyoncé, Rihanna and J.Lo. I might take Obama out and get another beautiful woman. Obama might have to go.
There’s nothing better to eat than: I am from New Orleans. I love gumbo. My mom makes it.
The reason you wear a cross around your neck: Just to feel good, to stay blessed. Feel blessed up. Just always stay close to the Lord.
Do you have a church? Baptist. (Wallace attends services during the offseason back home in New Orleans).
Favorite saying about life: Life is like a box of chocolates. The old Tom Hanks (Forrest Gump quote)—you never know what you’re going to get.