Post by TheShadow on Feb 3, 2006 22:23:37 GMT -5
www.raiders.com
Phil Villapiano played linebacker for the Silver and Black from 1971-1979,
causing havoc against opponents, and he participated in some of the greatest
games in Raider history. The four time Pro Bowl selection forced a fumble
during Super Bowl XI, which helped the Raiders win the first of three Super
Bowl titles.
We caught up with Villiapiano for a question and answer session for our
Whatever Happened to... series.
Q: When did you start playing football?
Phil Villapiano: I must have been about four, playing in the neighborhood
with the older kids. They use to beat the hell out of me. It was great. It
definitely had a long-term effect on me and my playing.
Q: How did you become a Raider?
Phil Villapiano: I was drafted in the second round out of Bowling Green . I
actually met Al Davis at the Senior Bowl that year. I had played a good
game, and he came up to me and shook my hand and told me that I had played
well. I never heard from him again until I got drafted.
Q: After meeting Mr. Davis, did you think that you would get drafted by the
Raiders?
Phil Villapiano: No, not at all. I didn't really think about it too much. I
heard that Cleveland and a couple of other teams were looking at me, but I
really had no idea.
Q: What is your greatest memory from playing with the Raiders?
Phil Villapiano: Winning the Super Bowl. As I get older, it becomes more and
more of a highlight in my life. You become a member of an elite club. Out of
all the people who played in the NFL, how many of them actually win it? Not
that many if you think about it.
Q: Is there any one moment or play that stands out from your career?
Phil Villapiano: Covering Franco Harris on the Immaculate Reception. It was
an unbelievable play. It was a fluke play man. I still think about it and
all I do is just shake my head.
Q: Do you keep in contact with any of your former teammates?
Phil Villapiano: All the time. We get together all the time at different
events and on our own. John Vella gives me a call from time to time. Ted
Hendricks…hell yeah. I talk to all those guys.
Q: Did you have any nickname as a player?
Phil Villapiano: Foo.
Q: Where did that name come from?
Phil Villapiano: A teammate named Duane Benson. We were out drinking some
beers one night and our eyes were getting pretty watery. After a while he
couldn't say Phil, so he was calling me Foo. It was a great night.
Q: Do you still attend any Raider games?
Phil Villapiano: Oh yeah. I always do a couple of games a year. I live in
New Jersey so I'll go to the Jets game this year in Jersey and I'll probably
make it to Oakland for the Cleveland game. I'll see what else I can do.
Q: What are you doing now?
Phil Villapiano: I'm in the shipping lines. I've been doing this for 20
years. I basically sell container space for ships that are going across
seas. Who would of ever thought me doing this for 20 years?
Q: Are there any messages you would like to pass along to the Raider fans?
Phil Villapiano: To the players; Win Baby Win. To the fans; I love you and
stay crazy!