Recent New York Post article:
SERBY'S SUNDAY Q&A WITH ... MIKE NUGENT
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KICKIN' UP A STORM: No. 2 pick Mike Nugent steps into one during Jets' minicamp.
Photo: Neil Miller '; document.write(caption); } //--> </SCRIPT>
KICKIN' UP A STORM: No. 2 pick Mike Nugent steps into one during Jets' minicamp.
Photo: Neil Miller
May 22, 2005 -- <!--start bodytext-->The Post's Steve Serby chatted recently with the kicker the Jets selected in the second round from Ohio State:
Q: Does it make you angry that some people consider kickers wimps?
A: I can't say it makes me angry. Just as long as they know that it doesn't apply to all kickers.
Q: You won't shy away from making the tackle on kickoffs?
A: It's not something you like to do, but if it happens I want the team to know it's not over ... I'm gonna do everything to make the tackle.
Q: Adam Vinatieri? A: Absolutely dependable. Good athlete. Not a guy who shows up, kicks and leaves.
Q: The Jets are praying you can be their Vinatieri.
A: That is my ultimate goal.
Q: What drives you?
A: To be the best in the NFL, and to be the best is to win the Super Bowl. It seems like the hardest worker is the one who comes out on top all the time.
Q: Has anyone tried to ice you before a kick?
A: Not in high school or college. No one would really say anything. I don't hear it or listen to it.
Q: How do you block everything out?
A: Just focus on the moment ... on what you have to do. Don't worry about good snap or good hold. Assume your team's gonna do the best for you.
Q: You wore No. 5 at Centerville (Ohio) High and No. 85 at Ohio State. Now you're No. 1 with the Jets.
A: I've always wanted to be No. 1. It's a cool number.
Q: You'll be playing in the media capital of the world.
A: I don't have any fear. It's still football. The game doesn't change.
Q: You've heard about the swirling winds at Giants Stadium. What were the worst conditions you ever kicked in?
A: We played in Illinois my sophomore year. Every two minutes the winds would change. The flags on top of the uprights were blowing in a different direction the whole game.
Q: How did you do?
A: Three-for-five. I hit the upright on the two field goals I missed. I hit them great, but didn't play the wind enough.
Q: You were impressed with Mike Vanderjagt's perfect (37-for-37) 2003 season.
A: Mike Vanderjagt proved you can go 100 percent. That's the ultimate goal, to make every field goal.
Q: You've never been to Manhattan. What would you like to see?
A: Times Square. The Statue of Liberty. The Empire State Building.
Q: Which kicker did you watch growing up?
A: Al Del Greco.
Q: When did you start kicking?
A: Sixth grade. Me and my brother always played soccer. I wanted to try something new. I was actually not too bad at it.
Q: Where would you kick?
A: In my backyard. We had a soccer goal back there.
Q: Your father added extended "uprights" when you were in high school. Did you break any windows?
A: We were kicking away from the house.
Q: Your parents had Bengals season tickets?
A: Me and my dad's favorite players were David Fulcher, Boomer Esiason and Ickey Woods.
Q: You've never been to a Super Bowl?
A: My parents went to the Bengals' last Super Bowl (Jan. 1989). Hopefully I can play in as many as possible.
Q: In your senior year at Centerville, you were an option quarterback and scored on a 50-yard TD run against Xenia.
A: We ran the option left. I saw the whole field wide open. A bigger guy had a great angle on me. He tried to grab my helmet and throw me down. I spun out and was still on my feet.
Q: Sources say you were fond of your miniature pinscher Dutchess.
A: We got her when I was in eighth grade and she got hit by a car my sophomore year in college.
Q: Describe your mother.
A: An unbelievable person. She's been a kindergarten teacher 33, 34 years. She works so hard but loves what she does.
Q: Your kid brother, Kevin, plays soccer at Ohio State.
A: He's gonna do everything he can to play in the MLS.
Q: Most embarrassing moment?
A: The first time I played golf. You know how there are people watching on the first tee? You try to crush it and completely whiff.
Q: Worst habit?
A: (Pauses) Bad habits are drinking and smoking. I don't do any of that.
Q: Why not?
A: To be the best, you gotta be in your best shape.
Q: Have you been mistaken for Ted Nugent?
A: People always ask if I'm related to him.
Q: Worst fear?
A: Heights.
Q: Three dinner guests?
A: Lou Groza; Michael Jordan; Babe Ruth.
Q: Best piece of advice from your parents.
A: Discipline and respect are the foundations of everything.
Q: Favorite movie?
A: "Gladiator."
Q: Favorite actor?
A: Matthew McConaughey.
Q: Favorite actress?
A: Jennifer Aniston.
Q: Favorite musical group?
A: Dave Matthews Band.
Q: Favorite food? A: Anything chicken.
http://www.nypost.com/sports/jets/47009.htm
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