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Hilliard Would Pick Pizza In A New York Minute

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 6, 2008

TAMPA - New York is regarded as one of the most interesting and appealing cities in the world.

Sorry, Plant City.

It is one place most people want to visit at least once in their lifetime, yet one city everyone in Florida seems to be from.

Have you noticed New York's crime rate is decreasing while Florida's increases? Coincidence? Bet your transfer pass it isn't.

With Tampa Bay hosting the New York Giants in today's NFC wild-card playoff game, I spoke with Bucs receiver Ike Hilliard about a city that never sleeps, much unlike the receiver who played eight seasons in New Jersey and enjoys his rest.

Anwar: Can you name the five boroughs?

Ike: Do I really have to do that?

Anwar: Yes.

Ike: Queens, Brooklyn, Long Island, Manhattan and ... hmm. Queens, Brooklyn, Long Island, Manhattan and ... Staten Island.

Anwar: Pretty good, man (although you forgot the Bronx).

Ike: I was only there eight years.

Anwar: Which is the only professional football team actually located in the state of New York?

Ike: Buffalo Bills.

Anwar: Isn't that crazy? Isn't the New York Giants playing in New Jersey like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers playing in Georgia?

Ike: It is crazy. The Giants still have an office in New York, but that's another story. We have to pay their taxes.

Anwar: You had to pay New York taxes even though your team played in New Jersey?

Ike: Yes. That's a long story. We'll have to get into that another time.

Anwar: Who is the biggest New York villain - Alex Rodriguez or Isiah Thomas?

Ike: Ah, man. I hate to say something bad about Isiah. I'll say A-Rod because I can't go out on Isiah like that. Zeke was my favorite growing up. I'm biased.

Anwar: Have you ever wondered why David Letterman doesn't get braces?

Ike: I don't even watch "Letterman," to be honest with you. I'm not an avid watcher of his show.

Anwar: So, was the last late-night show you watched "Arsenio Hall"?

Ike: Yes, but I was young then. I'm an old man now. After I put my daughter to sleep, it's time for me to go to bed. About 8:30 p.m. or so.

Anwar: Could you ever wake up at 4 a.m. to be in the "Today" show audience?

Ike: I could, but I don't think they would want me on there. I'm not that interesting of a guy. If I had nothing better to do, maybe I would go out there.

Anwar: Is Lawrence Taylor the best linebacker ever?

Ike: You can make a strong case for it. I'd have to say if not the best, in the top three. Best in Giants history, no question.

Anwar: Which is better - New York pizza or Nathan's hot dogs?

Ike: Hmm. The original oven pizzas are hard to beat. It's the pizzas. Not really close.

Anwar: What's the state capital of New York?

Ike: Albany.

Anwar: When you lived in New York, did you ever want to become an actor?

Ike: No, but my wife wanted to be an actress. From the time I was able to really understand what was going on, I wanted to play basketball. That was my first love. There wasn't anybody who could tell me I wasn't Isiah Thomas. That was my guy. I fell in love with Zeke. Then I fell in love with Gary Payton. Since he has retired, or hasn't been picked up, I have to find another point guard now.

Anwar: What was the best thing about living in New York City?

Ike: The city is great. There is a lot to get into. The change of seasons was awesome. You could go somewhere different every day in Manhattan alone and never get bored. It was just a pain in the butt trying to find parking. You would have to pay an arm and a leg.

Anwar: You even rode the subway?

Ike: I did. Why not? If something is going to happen to you, it's going to happen regardless of where you are. I love the city. I tell my wife that at some point we should go back there and live.

Anwar: I thought you wanted to coach football at Florida International University?

Ike: Maybe after I'm done there. First things first.

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