Many professional athletes are duds to interview. They speak in whispers, uttering clichéd responses. Sometimes they won’t even talk to the media. Not so with 6-foot-8, 310-pound offensive tackle Alex Boone who is in his first season with the Vikings after seven years with the 49ers.
Boone is a sportswriters’ dream, at times outspoken and usually entertaining. The tattooed Ohio State history major talked one-on-one with Sports Headliners about his wife Dana, their three young children, the world’s rhinoceros population, and even football.
How do you like Christmas shopping?
I hate it, so I let my wife do it.
What’s the most interesting gift your kids will receive for Christmas?
We got them little teepees that have lights on them so they can go in there and play, and be left alone, and stop bothering us.
How does your wife feel about the Vikings and Packers having a game on Christmas Eve day?
She’s pissed. But then again she really has no say, so I think she’s cool with it.
What was your reaction to having the zoo in San Francisco name a rhinoceros after you?
I was thrilled, ecstatic. Still am.
Why?
Because it’s a rhino. There are only 800 of them in the world—and one is Alex Boone. You’re welcome.
Why are you such an outgoing guy?
Because I just don’t care enough. I mean I care about everybody in this locker room. I care about football. I care about my family, and after that I have no cares.
Who could you beat in this locker room in a footrace?
Beat in a footrace? For sure (Brandon) Fusco. Definitely Berg (Joe Berger), probably Linval (Joseph). I mean I can beat a lot of guys in here. …I am faster than everybody.
What did you learn from your brother who served in the Marines Corps?
I learned that you gotta be very selfless in this world. You gotta be able to protect those around you.
What’s the wildest thing that has ever happened to you in football?
I was playing defense in high school and…some kid speared my elbow, and it completely dislocated it, popped it up the other side.
What was it like playing for coach Jim Harbaugh with the 49ers?
It was great. I love Jim. He’s awesome. Funny guy, (who) tells the truth all the time. He’s not afraid to hurt your feelings. True man.
Will the Vikings be one of the teams when Minneapolis hosts the Super Bowl in 2018?
You’re God damn right we will.
What’s your favorite Christmas dinner?
Ham, cheese potatoes, baked beans, cornbread…and lots of ice tea.