Interview with Torry Holt

Thanks to Reebok for getting me on the phone with Torry Holt, who hasn't lost his killer instinct, even after nine seasons in the league: "I'm lining up against defensive backs with the approach that I'm going to win. I'm going to defeat you no matter what."

Holt still has plenty of game. Last year he started 16/16 games for the eighth time in nine seasons, and he ended the year with 93 receptions for nearly 1,200 yards. His seven touchdowns probably matched Baltimore's team output for the entire season.

My zero-evidence-gut-reaction take on the Rams' best wideout is that he's a cool guy. It seems like he has his head screwed on straight, and he spoke in a way that suggested something other than canned answers. So that's cool. But take my opinion for what it's worth: $$$$$ nothing.

Holt and I spoke about Ocho Cinco, Roger Goodell, the evolution of the WR position, and also what both he and the Rams did during the offseason to improve upon the team's 3-13 record last season. At the end of our call, I wished Holt luck, with the caveat that said luck does not apply whenever the Rams play the Ravens, to which he replied, "I'm going to destroy the Ravens."

With Baltimore's secondary in shambles, I'd have to agree; unfortunately, the only way a Ravens/Rams matchup is going to happen this season is if both teams reach the Super Bowl, which seems like a stretch. A big stretch. But crazier things have happened. Like Pacman Jones going 48 hours without making it rain. Or the Knicks finally firing Isiah.

Holt wants to thank fans for their years of support, and he also wants you to visit Dick's Sporting Goods and pick up some new kicks, specifically the Hex Ride Rally, which he says is a "training shoe that is flexible, light and durable." That's my quid-pro-quo plug for today. Enjoy.

Evolution of the WR position
"The wide receiver position is a highly developed spot on the football team. There is more attention, and guys today are bigger, faster and stronger. Some of the bigger guys -- Plaxico Burress, Randy Moss -- are running better routes now than the smaller guys."

Chad Johnson's offseason antics
"I don't have a problem with it. His style is his style. I've done similar things. Not as much as some other guys, but what they do is what they choose to do. If you play at a high level consistently, you can write your own ticket. That's what I believe. Chad, T.O. and Randy... it's up to their discretion what they do."

Life beyond St. Louis
"I plan to play out my two years out in St. Louis. If it doesn't work out with regard to an extension, then I would love to play in my home state of Carolina. But I'll cross that bridge when I come to it."

How he spent the offseason
"After the Pro Bowl, I didn't do anything. I drank some wine. I like Merlot and Chardonnay: Kendall Jackson, Opus One, Sonoma Reserve."


No amount of Chardonnay can erase the memory of last season's 3-13 record

"I also read books: fiction and non-fiction, and also some magazines. Right now I'm reading, "The Inner Game of Tennis." I can't remember the author. Tennis and golf are individual sports, unlike football, which of course is a team sport. I have a lot of respect for those guys because they're able to focus and channel their energies. They compete against themselves. They don't have teammates to keep them focused. Anyway, I got away from football, and I spent time with my family. I refreshed and let my body heal up. At minicamp last week, I was still able to create separation, still able to catch some balls."

Improving the St. Louis Rams
"New offensive coordinator Al Saunders is going to open things up a bit. The first thing Rams fans will notice out of the gate is the speed with which we're playing the game. Also that we're having fun, and of course we need to execute plays. Minicamp was very vibrant, a lot of energy. Lots of attention to detail. Coach Saunders is teaching us how to play the game. It was a very promising minicamp."

Disciplinarian Roger Goodell
"He sent a message in his first year: Straighten your ass up. Do what you're supposed to do. Don't be tired of doing the right thing. Stay within the code no matter who you are. Just stay on the straight and narrow. Don't hurt yourself, your team or the league. What he's doing, the impact that he has had, it's outstanding."