Vishante Shiancoe | #81 | Minnesota Vikings | Tight End |

Vishante Shiancoe is a tight end who was drafted into the NFL in 2003 by the New York Giants and then got traded to the Minnesota Vikings in 2007. He was part of the two man Barber-Shiancoe team that played so well together on the Giants team. Many people credit him with helping Tiki Barber achieve his record rushing yardage and they say he is doing the same for Adrian Peterson. Jamati caught up with him to find out more about what makes him so good.

Jamati: You started with the NY Giants in 2003 and traded to Minnesota Vikings as a free agent in 2007. You seem to have gotten more receiving yards in one season with the Vikings than you did the entire season with the Giants. What do you attribute this change to?

The Vikings had me start and used me more as a pass receiver. You get more time, you get more chances to perform.

Jamati: You played with Jeremy Shockey who was somewhat of a mentor for you. What did you learn from him?

Me and Shockey used to talk about plays and about the games. He was a good mentor and he taught me a lot.

Jamati: He seemed to have a lot of respect from the other players.

He was one of the best tight ends in the NFL and he was a positive person. He wanted to see you do well. You don’t have too many people that do that.

Jamati: It’s no mistake how Adrian Peterson, Associated Press NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, and Tiki Barber, the Giants’ all-time leading rusher, got to where they are. Some people said that you were instrumental in Tiki Barber, the Giants all time leading rusher, getting the yardage that he did. You are now a tight end that is working with Adrian Peterson, and your strength is seen as your ability to block effectively and enable others to get their yards. How is blocking for Adrian Peterson different from blocking for Tiki Barber?

It’s not just Shiancoe; it’s the offensive line and the wide receivers that make the difference. We work as a team and make that difference together. Also both of them set up the block for me which makes my job easier. All I have to do is block.

Jamati: How does blocking for Adrian Peterson, Associated Press NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, compare with blocking for Tiki Barber, the Giants all-time leading rusher?

They both make my job easier by setting up the block and then when the receiver comes forward, it’s my job to block them.

Jamati: Some people have named Tavaris Jackson the future QB of Vikings. What are your thoughts on that? How do you see him performing in the New Year?

Tavaris is a good quarterback and a good player and I think that he will only improve as he continues to play.

Jamati: We’ve seen you on the AfroKicks ads and you mentioned that you express your pride in your country by wearing them. Have you found that wearing the shoes make people ask you questions about your country?

Surprisingly, nobody seems to know that I am African until I tell them, then they ask me about Liberia and about Gibril.

Jamati: How did you connect with AfroKicks?

That’s my cousin and I am trying to support family. You can’t go forward without bringing others up.

Jamati: What do you like to do for fun?

I do absolutely nothing in my free time. I also go to Best Buy a lot and I end up with a lot of things I am probably not going to use. I like to relax because I am always ripping and running, and I love to workout.

Jamati: What do you consider romantic…what romantic things do you like to do?

I like to go with the flow and do whatever it is we decide to do at the time. I don’t really plan anything…just go wherever the wind blows. I am flexible and spontaneous.

Jamati: Do you have a girlfriend?

I am seeing somebody. It’s almost at the girlfriend stage.

Jamati: What is it that you like about her?

She’s a beautiful person, inside and out, and she is responsible, independent, and has high morals. She is busy and has her own life and I like that. Time spent together is rare so the quality time is better.

Jamati: What should a woman who wants to date you need to know?

I think it takes a special woman to date a football player. She has to understand what you do. A rare woman understands that we can be selfish because we have to be. We can’t dwell on a fight we had the night before. We have to focus on the game. There are people who depend on us to pay the bills and feed their families and we depend on them for the same thing so the game and the team comes first.

Jamati: You are originally from Maryland but now play for Minnesota. Do you miss home and do you visit often?

I do, and I spend time in New York too, but mostly in Maryland.

Jamati: We watched that snow-filled Green Bay match and it seemed to make a difference in the way some players performed. Does temperature make a difference in your game?

I like to play in cool or cold weather as opposed to hot weather. When it’s hot you get tired quicker and I am just more comfortable when it’s cooler.

Jamati: Are there any special challenges for the African players in the NFL?

I don’t think the challenges are any different for the African players in the game. They are a little closer than other players because they know their struggle and their heritage. Other than that, the challenges are the same as any NFL player’s.

Jamati: Do you think that having more African players in the NFL has led to an increased African fan base?

Definitely. I think it is natural for people to show up to support their own. My dad watches the games and supports me.

Jamati: Thank you very much for your time and for granting the interview.

You are welcome.