FLORIDA MOM MAGAZINE - August '08 - Vicki Kelley - Football and Moms InterviewBy: Robert Candler Photos: Robert Candler and Deborah Caltrider
 understand that you’re a true Jaguars football fan?
I love the Jaguars. I watch them every week during the season, attend games when I can, listen to sports talk on the radio daily, and go to training camp.
So what’s this stereotype about ladies and moms not enjoying football?
I don’t like it when people say the wives should go shopping or something during a football game. I want to listen to the pre-game, watch the game and listen to the post-game.
Do you have a pre-game preparation, when you're going to a game?
I have to get the kids watched whether it would be a babysitter, my parents, friends or my husband. That usually takes up all my pre-game time except of course listening to the pre-game show on the way there.
Do you take the kids?
Jack and Ty are 7 and 4.  They have not really been old enough yet to sit through a whole game. They have been to training camp and the pre-season scrimmage. Jack really started to take an interest in the rules of the game last year, and he will probably get to go to a game this year even though he is more of a college football fan, Go Gators!
What are some of your favorite football munchies and drinks at the game?
I pretty much like all of the munchies at the game, but nachos, popcorn and mixed drinks would be my favorite.
What’s you favorite part about the game?
Winning!! I love to watch the defense stuff a play or the receivers catch a long pass.
Who do you think is the biggest Jag rivalry??
The Indianapolis Colts, of course!! We have to beat them to get to the Super Bowl, but I don’t think they think of us as a rivalry.
Do you like Monday Night games and why?
The atmosphere at Monday Night games is great, but they are a little late for me.
Do you tailgate at all, and if you do, what do you make?
Before we had kids, we used to tailgate a lot with beer, mixed drinks, deli sandwiches, barbeque, and anything else we could have that was easy.
 College vs pro and why?
I am the pro fan in the family and my husband is the college fan. I like pro football because you can follow it year-round with training camp, draft, and the season itself is longer.
What are some of your favorite foods and drinks?
I like Tiffany’s pasta salad, cheese dip, anything chocolate, and
Who likes to watch the Jags more, you or your husband, Alan?
Me, definitely! Alan is the Gator fan. When the kids were younger I would take care of them on Saturdays while Alan watched the Gators, and he would take care of them on Sundays while I watched the Jaguars.
During the playoffs, do you have any rituals?
I try not to think about the game too much before it happens, because I get really nervous. I also make sure not to be overconfident the Jags will win because anything can happen.
When did you realize that you loved football?
I was a cheerleader in high school and did not know anything about football. It amazes me we did cheers at the right time regarding offense and defense. I began to like college football when I was in college and realized games were more fun if you knew what was going on. I really began to like pro football when I moved here ten years ago and started going to Jaguars games.
 Any word of advice for future mom football enthusiasts?
Get the kids involved, because then it becomes a bonding family experience.
Who are you favorite players?
Fred Taylor, Maurice Jones-Drew, and Rasheen Mathis,
How did Atlanta like our old quarterback, Byron Leftwich?
They liked him about as much as I did. I was mad when they replaced Mark Brunell with Leftwich and overjoyed when they replaced Leftwich with David Garrard.
Is Atlanta's old quarterback, Michael Vick coming back?
No. I don’t think the fans in Atlanta would let him even though they don’t really have a great quarterback right now.
Super Bowl this year?
I can only hope because then the season continues as long as it can! |
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