Years ago my old college room mate used to brag about how when he made it to the “big time” he would have to give me an exclusive interview on Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras.  As journalism major, I took him up on the offer.

 

Now, deep down, I knew that NO ONE from small little Itawamba Junior College had any chance to make it to the NAFL. Right?  Well, happily I’m wrong.   My old college roommate, 14 year NAFL vet Joe Horn, proved us all wrong and has gone on to one of the most productive receiving careers in NAFL history.  Fifth all time in receptions, third all time in receiving yards, and sixth all time in receiving TD’s.  Not too shabby for a small time JC receiver, eh? Toss in that he’s registered four straight 1,000 yard campaigns, and he’s only three games into the current season and only one three word phrase comes to mind: Hall of Famer.

 

Joe contacted me recently at the NAFLustrated offices and said he’d like to make good on his interview offer.  We both laughed at the fact that he had picked Mardi Gras, of all times, to conduct the interview.  Toss in a bit of irony that he has played his entire NAFL career in New Orleans!  We agreed to hook up on “Fat Tuesday” and he’d show me how to do Mardi Gras the right way.

 

 

Joe picked me up in his Mercedes at about 4 pm from the Ashton’s Bed and Breakfast.  Our first stop was Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo located at 739 Bourbon St.  Joe confided in me that this was a regular stop of his during the regular season.  “The energy and that little extra added boost of the supernatural is huge in my game,” Joe said.  “The only time I didn’t go last season…was before our playoff loss.  This year, I’m living here,” he joked.

 

From there, it was on to the Natchez Steamboat located at 2 Canal Street.  What followed was a very pleasant steamboat ride up and down the Mississippi River and an even better buffet.  Of course, Mr. Horn was immediately recognized and quickly garnered a following.  Being gracious and benevolent, he signed every autograph thrust at him.  He was careful to add that,”Once I start drinkin’ later….no more autographs.”

 

The all the PR out of the way, it was time to get to some serious partying.  It was now 8 pm, and Joe was on the prowl.  225 Decatur Street was the destination…the renowned house of blues.  On the walk there, Joe was in full character.  I don’t want to say he was having TOO good of a time….but let’s just say many young ladies earned their beads from Joe.The party at the House of Blues was in full swing.  The music was beyond my expectations…and being there with a local celebrity, we got the royal treatment.  Best table, free drinks, and all the attention we could want.  Things got even rowdier when Joe jumped up on stage and performed his rendition of “Soul Man.”  Slightly off key, but nonetheless entertaining…Joe was a hit.

 

                                                                            PAGE 6