Wilson's attitude is mile high

Whether it's a stern look or an encouraging pat on the back, Wilson tends to be the heart of a team. Tennessee fans saw that first hand as he helped the Vols to a National Championship in 1998.

Wilson is entering his seventh season with the Denver Broncos in the NFL. The three time All-Pro linebacker isn't afraid to speak his mind on the field, or off it.

Q: Why do you think you're such a fan favorite among UT fans?

A: Being from the state, I think that might have had something to do with it. Also, just going out and giving the fans what they think players should give them. That's all you have every day, week in and week out and never complain about anything as far as when things don't go the right way.

Never make any excuses, and just go out and do what you do and hope for the best. That's what I always try to do. I always try to go out and give the fans what I thought they deserved and that's my all for just being supportive of me.

Q: What's it been like playing with Jerry Rice, who signed with the Broncos in May?

A: I definitely grew up watching him. Since I've been in the league I've had a chance to play against him numerous times. To finally have him on the same side of me is definitely an honor for me.

"The guy is over 40 years old and he still works like a 25-year-old. His presence brings a whole new mentality and attitude to our wide receiving core corps. We've had some war of words back and forth on the field but at the same time there is definitely a mutual respect.

Q: It doesn't seem like you get enough publicity. If you hit him during practice, would that get the spotlight on you?

A: For some reason, it seems that controversy and flamboyancy are the things that kind of put you in the spotlight. But that's not me. That's never been my mentality. I just love the game of football. I go out and play it for what it is.

Football has done a lot for my family and me. My way if giving back to the game of football is to go out and give all I have every day."

Q: Do you think you're underrated?

A: Maybe to the fans. I get my respect around the league, and that's all I need. When teams watch films to prepare for us, one thing they know is they have to block '56'. That means more to me than any accolades or any commercials - just knowing that my peers respect me and appreciate everything I do on Sundays.

Q: What did you think of cornerback Champ Bailey's play last year after the Broncos traded Clinton Portis to the Washington Redskins to acquire him?

A: He played well at times. But he also didn't play to the caliber at times to which we know he could.

The guy was in a new system. He just wasn't comfortable like they felt he should have been. But you can see the difference in him right now. This guy is really on top of his game and he looks like the Champ Bailey that we brought in. This guy looks like the best cornerback in the league in practice. It's amazing watching him practice.

Q: Who will be the starting running back this year?

A: It's Tatum Bell's job right now. No question about it. After him I believe it's Mike Anderson. They're two different-style runners but what they both bring is explosiveness that we need.

Tatum will hit them with the speed and Mike will hit them with the power. (Former Ohio State tailback Maurice) Clarett's looking good. The kid is going to be OK. He's picking up on the system and making sure he doesn't make a lot of mistakes because we're big on playing mistake free football around here. If he can pick up on it he'll definitely have an opportunity.

Q: Clarett was criticized for his attitude before the Broncos picked him in the third round this year. What do you think of him?

A: He's had a good attitude. He really is a good kid. He's gotten a bad rap for some of the things he's done and said. Some of the things may be deserved, some may not be.

Who are we to judge another man? From what I've seen and what I know about him, he's a worker. He's going to go out and give you what he's got. That's pretty much all you can ask for.

Q: He blew the whistle on Ohio State. Are you concerned he might be a whistleblower in Denver?

A: No, that doesn't concern me. I'm a grown man. I don't get into that. It won't be to the point where we're going to be hanging out all the time and he'll know all my business. I don't worry about that at all. But at the same time I think he truly learned his lesson from that.

I think we all have to go through certain things to really understand where we stand and what to do, what not to do. What to say and what not to say. I truly think he regrets some of things he said and did. But at the same time what's done is done. You can't go back and redo it. You just try to move on and make the best out of the rest of your life.

Q: Do you enjoy the pre-snap gamesmanship with your former teammate, Indianapolis Colt quarterback Peyton Manning?

A: I do. It's very challenging. I know when I go in to play Peyton that I have to give him different looks. We have to make certain adjustments.

These last few years we've done some things that he picked up on that we had done throughout the year. We learned from those games actually.

Playing against Peyton Manning is fun. Playing with him for three years at Tennessee, knowing his work ethic, knowing the kind of character the guy has, it's fun to watch him progress the way he has and go about the game the way he has as well.

There's more to it than just Peyton and myself. Now it's more of making sure the team is on point because if I'm not on point the defense does not operate. I feel like the quarterback of the defense so I definitely feel like I have to make sure I'm on top of my game at all times.

Q: What do you think of the Vols this year?

A: From what I've heard, I'm looking for big things. Aren't they like a pre-season No. 3 this year? That's definitely getting back to where I feel like we need to be. The crazy thing about it is, Tennessee finishing 11th, 10th in the country, most schools would love it. But the standards are so high around there just like they are here that you're not really used to that.

I'm just happy to see them back in the fold, seeing guys get excited about playing football for the University of Tennessee.

Q: What would you tell a captain about being a leader in college football?

A: One thing that you have to do is lead by example. When you lead by example, that's when guys start to follow you. You can't just talk about it and then not do it. Another thing would be when you feel something needs to be said, don't be afraid to say it just because your teammates are your friends.

You have to be willing to stand alone as a captain, as a leader. Guys may not like you at the time but they'll definitely have more respect from you. Just go about your business to where you feel like it should be. Never turn your back on any of your teammates. When I was there I felt like guys could come talk to me about anything.

Leadership is what coaches truly look for. Leadership is definitely underrated.

Wilson was interviewed on The Mornings Sports Animals on 99.1 FM, 99.3 FM, and 990 AM with Dave Hooker and Jeff Jacoby. The show can be heard weekdays from 6-9 a.m.