Hayden Epstein Interview

By:  Gene Ramsay – Interviewer/football.com

June 3, 2003

Hayden “Determined” Epstein    

I had the opportunity to spend some time with Hayden Epstein.  You remember him as the kicker who came in to help us out after the debacle last year (along with Gary Anderson making his way back too).  You will probably know him best as the kicker who sacrificed himself for a touchdown save in 2002 and banged up his knee pretty well.  When I finally got in touch with Hayden, he was just coming away from a developmental camp day and a little physical therapy…

  GR:  Hayden, I hear you have been in therapy for your knee.  How is it doing?

  HE:  It’s doing real well, thanks.

  GR:  Are you kicking yet?

  HE:  Oh yea.  I’m kicking now.

  GR:  Tell me about the play that sidelined you.  What was going through your mind?

  HE:  Well, we were playing against Miami and the return man broke free on the kickoff.  He was heading down the sideline and I was tackling him from behind.  I caught his knee funny when I was tackling him and when I did I heard my knee pop as it hit the turf.  I knew I was hurt.

  GR:  Well, you have had the opportunity to be on the same team as the NFL’s leading scorer in Gary Anderson.  How does it make you feel to be around him?

  HE:  It is amazing being with him.  He is THE man.

  GR:  I can only assume that he has taught you some things.  What might they be?

  HE:  The biggest thing he has told me is to relax and hit the ball.  I mean, he has done this for so long.  He just does it.  He tells me not to worry about stuff while I’m out there.  Just relax and kick the ball.

  GR:  Speaking of kicking field goals, what is your longest game and/or practice field goal you have ever made?

  HE:  The longest one in a game was against Michigan State and it was 57 yards.

  GR:  How about practice or just goofing around?

  HE:  70 yards.  Keep in mind, there was a hurricane wind behind me and the ball was quite old.  I don’t even count that, but it was about 70 yards.

  GR:  How will the team utilize you this next year?

  HE:  I anticipate a full recovery on the knee.  I will be at a hundred percent and then I will be doing the kickoff and field goal duties.

  GR:  Excellent, glad to hear that.  We were talking about Gary Anderson before.  Any idea if he is coming back this next year?

  HE:  I really don’t know.

  GR:  Is he at camp now?

  HE:  No, he’s not here.

  GR:  As a kicker, what do you do during the game when you are not “doing your thing”?

  HE:  Work on the little things:  Fine-tune the kickoff.  Work on fakes.  When we are not doing things like that, we’re watching the game.

  GR:  You were a Jaguar and then came to the Vikings.  What is the biggest difference between the two?

  HE:  Atmosphere.

  GR:  Do you mean being with the Vikings is better or what?

  HE:  Just atmosphere.  I like being here.

  GR:  What is your off season workout like?

  HE:  Kicking balls about 3-4 times a week.  Of course I do some weight work and things like that.

  GR:  So do you go out and have a time frame.  Like, do you spend an hour or so just kicking or what?

  HE:  Usually it’s by the amount of balls.  I just go out and kick.

  GR:  Since being in the NFL, what is the biggest luxury you have done for yourself or others?

  HE:  It would probably be my car.

  GR:  What did you get?

  HE:  It’s a BMW 540i.

  GR:  Very nice.

  GR:  Where do you call home?

  HE:  San Diego.

  GR:  Of all the players in the league, whom do you admire the most?

  HE:  Gary Anderson.  He’s the best.  He’s Gary Anderson.

  GR:  What other sports do you enjoy watching or playing?

  HE:  I enjoy basketball and golf.

  GR:  Who is going to win the NBA Finals?

  HE:  If I have to pick, it will be the Spurs.

  GR:  What off-field organizations are you a part of?

  HE:  I do charity events.  I can’t think which ones right now.  Maybe JCC or the Cancer Association.  I just told the PR people to put me in anywhere they would need me and I would be happy to help out.

  GR:  What is your pre-game time like?

  HE:  I try not to get too focused.  It’s a long game and you will wear yourself out if you get too focused.  I try not to get into the same routine.  Each game is different and you never know what team things will be going on right before, so you have to stay flexible.

  GR:  What inspires or motivates you?

  HE:  Family, happiness and health.

  GR:  I guess the health thing is really important right now, huh?

  HE:  Yes, it is.

  GR:  Use one word that you feel best describes you.

  HE:  Well, considering I’m going through this knee thing right now, I’d have to say determined.

  GR:  If you were not playing football, what would you be doing?

  HE:  I have no idea.  I’m very fortunate to be where I am right now.  I guess if I was not playing football, I would be golfing or lying on the beach or something like that.  But right now I am very happy to be right where I am and I am very fortunate.

  GR:  What is something that would surprise most people about you?

  HE:  That’s a tough one.  I can’t think of anything.

  GR:  I guess you are just who you are.

  HE:  Yes, I am who I am.

  GR:  When people ask for your autograph, when is a good time?

  HE:  I don’t think too much about it.  Anytime.  I guess if I had to pick a time that might not be so good would be during a meal or something.  I have had people wait until the meal was over and that was good.  Anytime is usually good though.

GR:  What would be your greatest achievement?

  HE:  Making it on an NFL roster.

  GR:  What is the best advice you have ever received?

  HE:  You mean football or what?

  GR:  Any advice.  Could be football, personal…whatever.

  HE:  I guess in football it would be they’re always trying to replace you.

  GR:  That would definitely be good motivating advice.

  HE:  Yes it is.

  GR:  OK, now this one may be tough…what is one word you would use to describe coach Tice?

  HE:  Oh, see…now you’re trying to get me trouble.

  GR:  You can be diplomatic.

  HE:  Oh, don’t worry.  I will be diplomatic.  Let me think.  Hold on a second. (silence)

I have no idea.

  GR:  OK, that’s cool.  How about this one?  Have you ever played fantasy football?

  HE:  No, I haven’t.

  GR:  But you understand how it works, right?

  HE:  Yea.

  GR:  Well, let’s say you get the first pick in your fantasy football draft.  You can pick anyone you want in the NFL…who is your pick?

  HE:  Me.

  GR:  Really?  Starting with kickers a little early huh?

  HE:  I was just kidding.  I would probably have to say Ricky Williams.

  GR:  He had a monster year last year.  Good pick.

  GR:  Last question…who is the toughest guy on the team?

  HE:  What do you mean by tough?

  GR:  You know…dark alley scene.  Who do you want with you?  I can tell you that the selection has been unanimous from last year.

  HE:  Really, who was it?

  GR:  Can’t say.  I want to hear your pick first.

  HE:  Was the unanimous choice Chris Hovan?

  GR:  Yes it was.

  HE:  He is pretty crazy out there on the field, but if I’m in a dark alley McKinnie might not be a good choice.

  GR:  No, you’re right…he would be a good choice.

  HE:  I’d prefer the alley to be lit though.

  GR:  OK, it’s lit.

  HE:  I could always be funny and say Kelly Campbell.

  GR:  Not the toughest guy on the team, huh?

  HE:  Uh, no.

  GR:  Well Hayden, thanks so much for your time today and for answering all these questions.  It has been enjoyable getting to know you and about you.  Good luck with the knee as you continue to get ready for the season.  You better be ready too.  I’m coming to Minnesota on December 20^th to watch you guys kick the mess out of Kansas City.

  HE:  OK, thanks.