Q&A with New Orleans VooDoo WR Quorey Payne
Published on July 23, 2012 under Arena Football League (AFL)
New Orleans VooDoo News Release
NEW ORLEANS (July 23, 2012) - Late last week, intern Jake Weinstock sat down with New Orleans VooDoo wide receiver for this week's VooDoo Question and Answer. Payne is in his third season in the AFL and first with the VooDoo, and is one of three receivers on the team this season to record over 1,000 receiving yards.
JAKE WEINSTOCK: Did you have a favorite sports team growing up? If so, why?
QUOREY PAYNE: I always loved the (San Francisco) 49ers because of Jerry Rice.
JW: What has been your greatest sports achievement?
QP: Helping turn my college program around (at Southern Illinois University). The year before I got there I think they won just one game. My first year there we won four games, and then we won the conference in 2003, 2004, and 2005.
JW: What was your first impression of Coach O'Hara?
QP: I didn't know him personally, but I had played against him and I liked him. I didn't really know what to expect though, because he seemed quiet. He's a players' coach, he's very friendly, and he's always quick to congratulate me when I score or when I do well. For instance he'll run up and chest bump me after a touchdown.
JW: Who was your favorite athlete growing up?
QP: Definitely, Jerry Rice.
JW: Who's your favorite athlete today?
QP: I'll say LeBron James.
JW: Do you have any pregame rituals on game day?
QP: Not really, I'm not superstitious and I'm very laid back. I just put my headphones on, turn Pandora on, and listen to whatever's on. It doesn't take a lot for me to get my mind right and get focused on the task at hand.
JW: What got you started playing football?
QP: I'm from Florida, and in Florida, everyone plays football. I remember playing sandlot football from a very early age. By the time I was in second-grade, I was playing organized football and I haven't stopped since.
JW: For you to improve as player, you need to do what?
QP: I need to keep taking in the information Coach (O'Hara) is giving me. I need to keep learning from him and Josh Bush. I've learned a ton from both this year and I feel like it's helped me out tremendously.
JW: Who's the best player you've ever had to play against?
QP: Anquan Boldin. In high school, he played quarterback against us when I was playing safety. He was a great player then and he's still great now.
JW: What do you feel are three characteristics that a good teammate should have?
QP: He should be accountable, trustworthy, and dedicated.
JW: Have you ever thought about quitting football for any reason?
QP: Yea, it's crossed my mind before. In high school, I never had any injuries. When I went to college, I had a few, but nothing too major, but the past few years, I've been getting more and more banged up. I've thought about it, but then I go to a workout or a practice, I perform like one of the best guys out there, so I feel like that's God telling me not to give up.
JW: If the VooDoo win the ArenaBowl, the first thing you'll do is...?
QP: I'm going to celebrate with my teammates. I don't like to go out, I don't drink, I don't like to party, but if we win it all, I'll try to have a good time with those guys.
JW: Which superhero would you most like to be and why?
QP: I've always liked the Flash because his power is super-speed and I've always been pretty fast, so I'll say him.
JW: Which celebrity would you most like to meet?
QP: I've been fortunate enough to meet a few, including Lil Wayne. At this point, I'd most like to meet Beyoncé, because she's so beautiful.
JW: What's your biggest fear?
QP: Failure. I hate failure, I just hate it.
JW: What do you like to do on your off days?
QP: I like to get as much rest as I can. We're practicing and working out so much; I like to just relax during my time off.
JW: What's your favorite city in the United States besides New Orleans?
QP: Well New Orleans is definitely great, but if I have to pick another one, I'm going to say Miami.
JW: What's the best advice you've ever been given?
QP: Never give up, never die easy. You have to keep trying and you have to keep fighting.
JW: What is your favorite style of music?
QP: R&B, with Rap being a close second.
JW: Who's your favorite recording artist?
QP: I've got a ton, but if I had to pick just one, I'll go with Lil Wayne.
JW: Did you play any other sports growing up?
QP: Yea I did, I played track and basketball. I actually won state in track my junior and senior years of high school and was recruited by colleges. I love to run, but not that much. I decided to stick with football.
JW: What was your reaction when you found out you were joining the VooDoo?
QP: I was relieved. I was supposed to go back to Cleveland, but they were a little hesitant because of my injury. I was very excited to get this opportunity from the VooDoo and from P.O. (Pat O'Hara). I was excited to have a job.
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- Q&A with New Orleans VooDoo WR Quorey Payne - New Orleans VooDoo
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