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Consider 2007 the year of the wake-up call for Saints fans. Just when we thought our offensive worries were over, we got off to an 0-4 start, lost Deuce McAllister in the third week of the season, and found ourselves wondering why Reggie Bush in real life was nothing like “Madden Reggie” who scored every time he touched the ball. And just when it seemed like the season would end with all of us racing for the liquor cabinet, a bottle of pills, and a bootleg version of “The Happening” to ensure a slow and painful death, a rookie running back named Pierre Thomas stepped in and gave us something to believe in.

In the Saints’ last game of the season against the Bears, a game that could have determined their playoff fate, Illinois native Pierre Thomas made a homecoming worthy of an afterschool special. With his team seemingly content to demonstrate the principles of Murphy’s Law, Pierre decided to carry the struggling offense on his back, literally. He feasted on the Bears’ defense, averaging 5.3 yards a carry and racking up 121 receiving yards and one touchdown. Even though the Saints didn’t win, Pierre could walk off the field with his head held high, knowing he’d made his team and his family proud.

For many Saints fans, Pierre’s moment in the spotlight was long overdue. Weeks after his strong showing in preseason and Deuce McAllister’s season ending injury, loyal fans found themselves confused by the decision to keep Pierre out of the regular running back rotation. Or as my dad would put it, “Why the hell they ain’t puttin’ Thomas in?!” One can only imagine that breakthrough game put the Saints’ coaching staff on notice on just how much talent they had on the bench.

So can we expect more Pierre in ’08? How did he feel about that big game in Chicago? And more importantly, what happened during training camp that proved this rookie had the balls to make it in the big leagues? Below I go one-on-one with the Saints’ rising star.

Nola Chick: So Pierre, how have things been so far in OTAs (Offseason Training Activities)?
Pierre Thomas: We’re all about getting the rookies settled. It’s really gonna turn up at camp and we’ll get to see where guys are at.
Nola Chick: We made a lot of big moves this offseason. Which of the Saints’ acquisitions are you most excited about?
PT: Tracy Porter, the corner back. I’m really excited about him. He looks like he can play some good ball, a guy who could get a lot of playing time. I like his style; he works hard and shows the players he wants to play.
Nola Chick: So you’ve been through the whole rookie thing. You know what they’re going through. What’s the most memorable thing the players did to you during your rookie year?
PT: (Laughing hard…a clue this is about to get good!) During camp they made me stand up and hold my …(awkward pause)…private area and sing a song in front of everybody in the cafeteria. The first thing that came to my head was a Musiq Soul Child song (Just Friends).   That happened to be what I was listening to when I was walking into the cafeteria.
Nola Chick: (Laughing and snorting like a dork) Were you embarrassed?
PT: Nah, I started getting everybody into it. I told everybody to start clapping their hands. This was a concert for me.
Nola Chick: (Still laughing uncontrollably and slowly falling in love) So what are you going to do to get revenge on this year’s rookies?
PT: I don’t think I’m gonna do anything. I might have them get me something to eat. That’s something else they used to always make me do.
Nola Chick: (Speaking of food…) What’s your favorite New Orleans restaurant?
PT: I’d have to say Dragos but I like all the Emerils restaurants. Oh, and there’s a nice lil spot where I love to get my poboys. It’s the sliced pizzeria on St. Charles. They’ve got the best BBQ shrimp poboy.
Nola Chick: Is it hard for you not to cheat on your diet with all that good food in New Orleans?
PT: Diet? That’s what them guys do…I don’t. I basically almost eat just about anything.
Nola Chick: Was this first season in the NFL what you expected?
PT: It was kinda what I expected. I just thought whenever they call me, I’m going to go out there and do my best job. I know I still have room to grow.
Nola Chick: What are your goals for this season?
PT: I’m just trying to be more comfortable with all the plays. I want to show I can compete a full season.
Nola Chick: Do you think you’ll have a bigger starting role at running back?
PT: I don’t know… I think we all have different roles and talents and different skills and we can all be used to work together.
Nola Chick: That last game in Chicago, you were a beast! How did it feel to play so well in front of your hometown crowd?
PT: I felt like I won a championship game.
Nola Chick: What motivated you in that game?
PT: The excitement for me was playing in front of my family and friends. I felt ecstatic but deep down inside I was like, I wish we would have won the game.
Nola Chick: What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten from a coach or teammate.
PT: The best advice I’d have to say that really stuck with me came from my mother. She gave me all the advice and all the confidence. She said always remember to have fun.That’s what I tell myself all the time. Don’t take it personal.

Anybody else wanna have this guy’s baby…or at least be the godfather to the beautiful child he and I could make? If you’re still not convinced, come back tomorrow for part two of my interview with Pierre. We talk about his passion for fashion, Saints forums, and the nickname I can’t wait to yell at him in the Dome.

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