Kevin Williams Interview

08/03

Interviewer:  Gene Ramsay

With Kevin Williams, The Purple People Eaters May Be Back

His teammates and his coaches have praised him on and off the field.  Coach Tice has repeatedly called him “the real deal”.  You would think that all this hype is for some player who has some seniority.  The fact is, he is Kevin Williams and he comes to the Vikings as a rookie and their first pick in the draft this year (2003).  Much is expected of the young defensive lineman, but he seems ready, willing, and able to get the job done and bring some defensive presence back to Minnesota where the famed Purple People Eaters reigned supreme in defensive football years ago..  When I caught up with Kevin, the Vikings had just finished up another week of camp and things were looking really good Kevin’s direction as talk was looming about using him as an every down lineman and not just in the nickel (which was the first thought about using him).

  GR:  Kevin, thanks for your time today.  I’ll get right to it.  How do you like being a Viking?

  KW:  It’s wonderful here.  The people are great and I really like it here.

  GR:  Are the Purple People Eaters back in Minnesota?

  KW:  I would say definitely.  That was one reason why I think they brought in E.J and me.  Definitely.

  GR:  Glad to hear that.  I’ll be looking forward to seeing that happen.  You seemed to have some pretty good plays the last day of camp for the week.  You flushed Daunte out of the pocket and really brought the pressure.  What was going on there?

  KW:  I’m not sure which time you are referring to.  It was probably just a blitzing situation or something.

  GR:  I guess there have been a few times you’ve had some good plays.

  KW:  I’m pretty sure that’s right.

  GR:  With Coach Tice calling you the “real deal” and the possibility now being that you will be an every down player, how do plan on getting better?

  KW:  It gives me confidence.  It shows that the coaches and the team have confidence in me.  I just have to try and fulfill their expectations as well as my own.

  GR:  1985 was the last year a defensive player was selected in the first round by the Vikings.  That was Chris Doleman.  Does that kind of expectation put too much on you or are you where you want to be?

  KW:  I’m comfortable with where I am.  I’m getting more comfortable here.  I just go out and try to do my best.  I’ll let the chips fall where they fall.

  GR:  The talk this whole off-season seems to be focusing on the defense.  You have not been with these guys when they were less than great.  What is your perception of the unit?

  KW:  We are great up front.  We have to get everyone up to speed.

  GR:  Do you do anything unique in your workouts?

  KW:  Not really.  I just work out and do the same things I always do.  Nothing special.

  GR:  What gets you “up” for a game?

  KW:  I picture myself making plays and on the field and making things happen.

  GR:  Who is the toughest guy on the team?

  KW:  Man, I don’t know.  I guess it would be Hovan.  He’s crazy out there on the field.  He’s real excited.

  GR:  Who has influenced you most in your life?

  KW:  My family.  They have always pushed me to do well.

  GR:  Do you play video games?

  KW:  Some.

  GR:  Anything in particular?

  KW:  No.  Sports games.

  GR:  Madden?

  KW:  A little.  I’ll play it more now.

  GR:  I guess you will now that you will be on there.

  KW:  Yea.

  GR:  What is your favorite type of music?

  KW:  I like rap.

  GR:  Anyone special?

  KW:  I guess right now I like 50 Cent.

  GR:  OK Kevin, last question since I know you are in a rush to get to lunch.  In one word, describe Coach Tice.

  KW:  Hmmm.  Man, I don’t know.  <silence>  I would have to say intense.

  GR:  I’d say that would be a good word.

  KW:  Yea.

  GR:  Kevin, thanks for your time and for your interview.  I hope the rest of your camp goes well and that your preseason is successful.  Do well and stay well.  I hope to see you on the field.

  KW:  Thanks.  You too.