Cowboys WR, Jesse Holley Interview

Jesse Holley grew up in New Jersey playing both basketball and football in high school. He went to the University of North Carolina to pursue both of these interests. Holley played during all four years at UNC-Chapel Hill. JH entered the 2007 NFL Draft, but was signed as a UDFA with the Cincinnati Bengals. He was cut, but later picked up by the Dallas Cowboys. He was cut again, but earned another chance after winning Michael Irvin’s Fourth and Long show. This interview was conducted before the 2010 season.

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Strauss : So, Jesse, why do you make it important to connect to the fans?

Holley : Because without fans, Holleywood would not even exist. No Fans, No Football, No “Let it Fly”.

Strauss : Who was your childhood star?

Holley : My Grandma – She is my star now also.

Strauss : If you could meet anyone in the world, who would it be?

Holley : Mike Jackson, because I listen to him before every game and I just marvel at how great he was at his craft!

Strauss : What is your favorite artist to listen to before a game?

Holley : Mike Jackson……..lol

Strauss : What is your favorite movie of all time?

Holley : Coming To America.

Strauss : What is your favorite TV-Show?

Holley : SportCenter or Martin

Strauss : What is your favorite video game?

Holley : Believe it or not, I dont play Video Games AT ALL.

Strauss : What is the one thing you can’t leave your house without?

Holley : My Cell Phone.

Strauss : What was your favorite NFL team growing up?

Holley : I never had a favorite NFL Team growing up.

Strauss : How long have you played football?

Holley : I’ve been playing since thirteen years old.

Strauss : Did you play any other sports in high school?

Holley : Sure did. I played basketball and it was my favorite.

Strauss : What is your favorite experience of playing a sport other than football?

Holley : In basketball, definitely winning the NCAA Championship at UNC.

Strauss : At what age, did you realize that you were going to play football in college and in the NFL?

Holley : I was a sophomore in high school when my coach told me I should to go to college and play football.

Strauss : If you weren’t playing in the NFL (or after retirement), what would you want to do?

Holley : I would love to work for ESPN or be a sport analyst for the NFL or a College sport.

Strauss : When did you see your first live NFL game? Who played? Who won?

Holley : I never saw a NFL game live as a kid growing up. The 1st game I saw live was my rookie year when I was with the Bengals in 2007.

Strauss : What impact did your high school coach have on your college and professional career?

Holley : He allowed me to grow as a leader.

Strauss : What is your favorite memory from UNC?

Holley : That’s easy and does not need a long story. Winning The National Championship

Strauss : What impact did your college coach have on your career?

Holley : He showed me that just because you’re talented. You still have to work harder then everybody else.

Strauss : Why did you choose to wear the #16 in the NFL?

Holley : Nope, I didn’t choose it. That is the number the boss (Jerry Jones) gave me after winning the show [Fourth and Long].

Strauss : What was it like to win Michael Irvin’s Fourth and Long?

Holley : It was an opportunity of a lifetime, and it gave me a 2nd chance at living my dream out!

Strauss : What is an experience you have had that changed your life?

Holley : Having Football taken away from me and realizing that being in this league [NFL] is a privilege and an honor. It is not something to be taken lightly.

Strauss : For someone aspiring to play football in the NFL, what’s the best advice for them?

Holley : Faith and hard work overcomes all odds.

Strauss : Thank you for your time.

Holley : Thank you!

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