When last we checked in with our dreadlocked hero Mike McKenzie, he spoke passionately about his charitable organization, the 34 Ways Foundation. He talked about his desire to partner the foundation with facilities that would make it easier to host year round camps and fundraisers. Over the course of my conversation with the Saints cornerback, it became blatantly obvious McKenzie has ambitions long beyond his football career to play a visible and active role in the community. And for that alone he would have gotten my props.

But when it came to moving up my list of Saints crushes, Mike McKenzie didn’t just do it through his passion for philanthropy. This guy is loaded with personality…enough to fill up a retired heavy duty Hollis Thomas “buffet-style” snack bowl. And as you’ll see after the jump, McKenzie didn’t hold back when I asked him your questions about life on and off the field.

Nola Chick: Who was your mentor when you came into the league?
MM: I had the likes of LeRoy Butler, Brett Favre, Ray Rhodes…a lot of my Green Bay community when I was drafted. I learned at an early age anything can happen. My first year in the NFL all my coaches were fired. It taught me you have to focus on what makes you an asset to a company and to a team and keep a positive attitude.
Nola Chick: So what do you tell today’s rookies?
MM: I’m not big on talking in a work environment. I’m big on my actions speaking for themselves. Usually if you observe someone you can see where they’re coming from.
Nola Chick: Which of the rookies have been standing out so far?
MM: Usama’s been having a great camp from his rookie year to this year. He’s done a great job of stepping his game up and having a positive attitude and being a great factor on this team. We have so many other additions this year from Jeremy (Shockey) to Bobby (McCray) to Jon (Vilma). We have so many guys that are gonna impact this team in a positive way this year.
Nola Chick: Last year, Jason David took a lot of heat for his performance from the fans and media. Do you think he deserved it?
MM: A lot of people don’t understand it’s a team game. A lot of times people want to single out a person on the team but I’m the first to say if one fails we all fail. In his case, it’s a matter of understanding what’s expected and bouncing back. A lot of the media attention has been focused on him, a lot of it unfairly. A lot of things aren’t his fault that looked like his fault. He’s a real good player…and he brings something to the table we don’t have. He’s one of the only guys who has a Super Bowl ring. This is going to be the year that we all redeem ourselves. We’re all getting better. He’s getting better… we’re getting better.
Nola Chick: How are you recovering from your injury?
MM: This whole season I’ve been ahead of schedule. I just have to make sure I don’t do too much too early. I’ve been practicing and getting more involved. And if God is willing, I’ll be ready for the big game.
Nola Chick: Any reason you’ve been able to recover sooner than most NFL players?
MM: For most high school and collegiate athletes, the recovery process for ACL reconstruction usually takes 4-6 months. I’ve seen female soccer players released for full participation in 4 months. But NFL athletes are paid millions, they’re a little older, and put their bodies through much more stress. Therefore, they’re not released so early. (Making his recovery speed fairly typical.)
Nola Chick: So earlier this offseason, we heard a lot of talk about the NFL banning long hair. Did that scare you? Are you like Sampson…is the strength in your hair?
MM: (Chuckles): Nothing really ever came of it. They put it out there to make it seem like an issue. If it comes that way from my owner or coach or something along those lines, it’s something I’d have to deal with at the time.
Nola Chick: Tell me about the best hit you ever had in the NFL. Who did you lay out?
MM: I’ve had a lot of great plays. I’m always looking forward to the next great play. I’m hoping it’s gonna happen against Tampa Bay in the dome.
Nola Chick: (Thinking: Yeah Mike…lay Joey Galloway’s ass out!)
Nola Chick: Who is the hardest wide receiver you’ve ever had to cover?
MM: (Sighs and chuckles…he’s thinking hard about this one people!) Chad Johnson, Terrell Owens, Santana Moss, Steve Smith, Plaxico Burress…I could go on for days. We’re playing against the best of the best every week at that particular position.
Nola Chick: So word on the street is that you’re a pretty big Hornets fan. Are the rumors true?
MM: I’m all the way in with the Hornets. I don’t care if they’re traveling to Alaska, if I’m available and I can make it I’m there to support the team and the guys.
Nola Chick: So after studying Chris Paul’s athleticism, think he could make it as a corner in the NFL?
MM: His speed, hands and attention to detail is on point. I know he definitely has what it takes to make something work. (Uh-oh Jason David…)
Nola Chick: Here’s a question from one of the ladies. (I promise not me, but he likely doesn’t buy it…) From whom did you get that gorgeous smile?
MM: (I can hear him smiling over the phone) My mom. She’s so full of smiles all the time.
Nola Chick: So what does Mike McKenzie like to do in his spare time?
MM: Kick back, pick up a nice lil’ book…get my read on. If not that, I like to shoot a lil’ pool. I’m not good at any of it so I don’t want nobody calling me up challenging me!
Nola Chick: ((I can’t help but laugh out loud at that one!) So what book are you reading right now?
MM: The Acts of Faith…I read that on a daily basis.
Nola Chick: Would you consider yourself a spiritual person?
MM: Oh definitely. Everything that I do I’m privileged to do due to the fact the creator just blessed me. Everyday I’m breathing, I’m trying to be achieving. (The guy can rhyme too!)
Nola Chick: Do you have any nicknames?
MM: Hmmm…nicknames. (Another long pause) I guess Tres-Fo. It’s a name that’s dice related.
Nola Chick: Do you care that Saints fans call you “The Predator”?
MM: You can call me anything…just don’t call me collect!
(I laugh so hard there’s a good chance I snorted…which is never cool, but alas.)
Nola Chick: Alright Mike, what’s your prediction for this season?
MM: 16-0.
Nola Chick: Day-um! (They hardly put it out there like this guy!)
MM: The Super Bowl is in Tampa, in my home state.
I’ll take a loss or two as long as we make it to the big one.
Nola Chick: What’s your favorite thing about New Orleans?
MM: The people and the food.
Nola Chick: What’s your favorite food?
MM: Mmmm…(like he’s tasting it right now)… that gumbo! That’s one of my favorite New Orleans dishes…and beignets
(At this point, I make him promise to let my mom hook him up with a bowl of gumbo sooo good, he’ll want to slap himself! He takes me up on the offer. Whether he’ll actually follow through with it is a different story…)
Nola Chick: Are you excited about the London game?
MM: Anytime you play a game worldwide, that’s exciting. People have been calling me up for tickets and everything. But I’m more focused on the game first.
Nola Chick: Well Mike, let me just say thank you for doing this. You seem so down to earth. It’s good to see a football player who hasn’t let the celebrity go to his head.
MM: I’m pleased to give folks an opportunity to see what Mike McKenzie has going on. I put my pants on one at a time.
Nola Chick: Do you realize you refer to yourself in the third person?
MM: (Laughs from the gut!) All the time! That’s how I do.
Nola Chick: (Grinning from ear to ear…) It’s all good. Just wanted to make sure you took note of that!