BillyCarpenter1

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The 60-Second Interview

AARON BROOKS


Saturday October 25, 2003


Chris Rose


No introduction necessary, really. He's our quarterback. If you haven't heard of him by now, well . . .

Love him or loathe him, the Saints season is on his back, fairly or unfairly. He's still a kid, just in his 20s, and a newlywed, married to college sweetheart Tisa Parker this past summer.


From Our Advertiser




Brooks nursed a Heineken while we talked Monday at the House of Blues Foundation Room, where a handful of players gather once a week to meet and greet fans.

After an early season filled with little but low points -- and calls by some fans for his head on a platter -- I caught Brooks after his best game in years.

This week, you're King of the Hill. How does it feel?

I don't feel like the King of the Hill. I take things for what they're worth. I'm even keel. I'm the quarterback. Love me. Hate me. Leave me alone.

Does the criticism hurt?

It's tough to deal with.

How do you deal with it?

You have to have support from your friends and family. I lean on my wife.

Does she take it all personally?

Sometimes. She's in the stands; she hears everything.

There's something I've been wondering: What, exactly, does Joe Horn jabber about in the huddle the whole game?

He talks some trash, mostly about the other team but sometimes about us. It's a form of self-motivation.

You ever want to tell him to shut up?

Some guys do.

What do you do off the field to relax?

Enjoy my wife, mostly. I love being around my wife. We're a very passionate couple with a great friendship. We play golf together, shoot a little pool, just hang around the entertainment center. Sometimes we read.

What book is on your night table right now?

Man! I just finished "The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership" by John Maxwell, but there's a new book my wife just gave me on the table right now. Hold on. (Dials cell phone. Talks to wife.) It's called "The Power of a Praying Husband." She's reading the match to it, "The Power of a Praying Wife."

You've got religion?

Playing sports, you need it to not go insane. It's something to fall back on.

Do you have a pregame ritual or superstition?

My wife gives me an inspirational card before each game. I read that.

What's in your CD player?

Sheek Louch.

Got me there. What's in your DVD player?

"Beverly Hills Cop." It's always a comedy, something to help relax.

What's your favorite restaurant?

Emeril's. Truth is, I've only been there once, but I think it's gotta be my favorite.

Care to make an endorsement in the governor's race?

Nope. I'm not getting into that with you.

You've got the most famous smile in town. I must ask you: Who's your dentist?

The team dentist. I've been blessed with good teeth. They're important if you're in public life.

What's your maintenance routine?

Just scrub 'em.

Good advice. OK, three predictions: You gonna beat the Panthers?

Yes.

You gonna make the playoffs?

Yes.

Super Bowl?

(Pause) Yes. Got to say yes.

Why, because you believe it or because you feel like you have to say that?

(Pause) Both.

billybignuts

Great article BillyC. Reading it makes me respect Aaron Brooks alot more.

tweeky

No wonder he\'s smiling all the dang time!