NFL DraftProspect Interviews

2020 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Chase Vinatieri, K, South Dakota State University

Chase Vinatieri is one of the best kickers in the entire 2020 NFL Draft. Our owner Damond Talbot had the honor of sitting down with him.
  • Name: Chase Vinatieri
  • Height: 6020
  • Weight: 220
  • Position: Placekicker
  • College: South Dakota State University
  • Twitter: @ChaseVinatieri

Tell us about your hometown, and what you love most about it?

• I’m from Sioux Falls, SD.  It’s a perfect city to live in because it’s not big city but it also isn’t small town. It’s right in the middle. 

List these three in order of importance and why: Film Study, Strength and Conditioning and Practice?

• Practice, Strength and Conditioning, then film study. As a specialist, consistency is key which is why I think I would put practice on top but but being strong definitely helps.

What do you worry about, and why?

• Honestly, I don’t worry about much. I truly think everything happens for a reason. 

Give me an example of when you failed at something. How did you react and how did you overcome failure?

• I’ve failed multiple times on the field with missed field goals. Being a kicker, you have to have a short memory, forget about the previous kick and focus on the next one. 

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

• I would have to say my leadership. It is tough to lead as a kicker because we aren’t on the field very often but I feel like I lead through hard work and example.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?

• Carson Wentz. I didn’t really play against him personally but my team did. He is a great player.

What would your career be if you couldn’t play football? 

• If I couldn’t play football, I would like to be a Nurse Anesthetist. 

Room, desk and car – which do you clean first?

• Desk. School work gets done first and is most important. My room and car are always clean. I can’t deal with dirty/messy rooms or cars.

If there was a disaster and you could either save three strangers or one family member, which would you choose and why?

• I’d have to save a family member because they do a lot for me and I’ll be forever thankful for them.

If you could be any television or movie character, who would you be and why?

• I think I’d be John Wick because he’s a highly skilled, trained professional.

Tell me about your biggest adversity in life and how you’ve dealt with or overcome it?

• As a senior in high school, I dropped a  touchdown pass, on 4th down, in the end zone, which ended up costing our team the state championship. It hurt me for a while but it also made me work harder for my future of college football. 

What is your most embarrassing moment?

• I had to run to the bathroom in the middle of conditioning during my first collegiate  summer workout ever.

What was the most memorable play of your collegiate career?

• Scoring the go ahead/game winning  touchdown against Montana State my sophomore year on a fake field goal.

What song best describes your work ethic?

• That’s a tough questions because I love to listen to music but I’d have to say: Work Hard, Play Hard – Wiz Khalifa

What is the most important trait you can have (Physical or Non-Physical) to help you succeed at the next level? 

• A strong mental game. It’s very important as a place kicker.

If you could bring one person back from the dead for one day, who would it be and why?

• Chris Kyle (American Sniper) because I would love to talk to him about his stories first hand.

If you were to open a dance club, what would you name it? 

• VDC (Vinny’s dance club)

Who is the most underrated player in the NFL? 

• I don’t really watch many games besides when the Colts are playing but I’d have to say Dallas Goedert. He will make a big impact in the upcoming years!

Would you rather be liked or respected, and why?

• Respected; however, Respect is earned.

What player who had his career derailed by off-field issues do you feel for the most and why?

• Johnny Manziel. He was talented and fun to watch but couldn’t stay out of trouble.

Do you love to win, or hate to lose?

• Absolutely hate to lose. 

Who has been the biggest influence on your life and explain why?

• My father. He has taught me everything and has always been there for me through thick and thin.

Damond Talbot

NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com

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