It was about this time however….about six drinks into our stay, that I realized that Joe still owed me an interview!  He, being well lubricated with drinks, made arrangements with the club manager to get us an area where we could be undisturbed.  Knowing that his answers would flow even more freely with the drinks on board, once the interview started, I went right for the good stuff.

 

“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.”

Skip Dekeman (SD): Joe! After all these years, and after a spectacular career in pro football here we are.  In the back room of a night club during Mardi Gras no less.

 

Joe Horn (JH): Hey, when Joe Horn gives an interview…he gives the royal treatment! (laughs)

 

SD: Now, I didn’t want all these years to give a wimpy interview….so I hope you’re ready.  First question: Is this Joe Horn’s final NAFL season?

 

JH: In 14 years on the battlefield, I’ve never given a “wimpy interview”…so get that thought out of your head.  Now, as to your question…we’re only three games into THIS season so I really can’t answer that.  My body, though it is the most pretty in the NAFL, is getting tired.  You can’t play 14 seasons of going over the middle with some….how should I put this….low caliber QB’s and not feel it.  I also haven’t accomplished all that I’ve wanted to do in this League.  If the season ended tomorrow, my answer would be a big NO.  But there is a long way to go.  I want to win, and I want to play. There’s still money to be made for Joe Horn in the NAFL.

 

SD: Low caliber QB’s?  Can you elaborate on that a bit?

 

JH: It is no secret that (Aaron) Brooks held us back and made us the laughing stock of the entire league.  The man has no business being a pro QB.  Hell, he barely knew what team he was on due to the amount he turned the ball over while he was here.  I mean, look at his career record as a starter!  He’s in San Diego now…and that’s a good place for him.  In California, the land of fruits and nuts.  His days of making us the ‘Aints are no more.

SD: So, how’s your relationship with Phillip Rivers?

 

JH: Phil’s got game.  In one season, he took us from 6-10 to 12-4.  Now that the management has their heads out of their…well, you know….we can start winning ball games.  Phil knows who his go-to guys are and knows what color our jersey’s are.                               He’ll be joining me in the

contract.  You’re making a healthy sum this year and are once again the Saints starting Split-End.  Do you think there is any room on the Saints, or if they don’t re-sign you, another team’s roster for a 15 year wide receiver?

 

JH: It’s no secret that I’d like to finish my career in New Orleans.  But, if they don’t recognize what I have to offer and don’t re-sign me, it is their loss.  And, though I love the city and the team, I’d love to opportunity to put them in their place each time I play them.  Now, as to my age….if I wanted to, I could play 20 or more years in the NAFL.  And each of those 20 years would be better than the previous year.  I’m the kind of receiver that you can build your passing game around.  Hell, I bet Phil would cry like a baby if the Saints didn’t re-sign me!  Just kidding Phil (laughs).

 

SD: Any idea what kind of contract a 15-year veteran wide out can get?

 

JH: You pay for quality, you get quality.  You pay for crap, you get crap.  It is that simple.  Joe Horn is quality.  You have to give him quality money?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                             PAGE 7

Hall of Fame someday.  Mark my words.

 

SD: We’ve already asked about retirement.  But, even if you don’t retire, you are in the last year of your