Getting “Freaky” with Carolina’s Wes Stephens
Chuck DiLullo
Thursday March 4, 2004
ArenaFan: Where did the name “Freak” come from?
Stephens: I had a shaved head when I started at Tennessee Valley and when I came in the next year after not seeing the coaches and everyone for seven months I came walking in with hair down past my ears and it was colored different. The owner said I looked like a freak and I guess it stuck because I was introduced before the first game as Wes “The Freak” Stephens.
ArenaFan: How have you enjoyed your stay in Charlotte so far?
Stephens: I come from Nashville and I think it is a lot like Nashville. It’s great. It’s fun.
ArenaFan: What is the biggest difference you have seen going from af2 to the AFL?
Stephens: Down there you had to only watch out for one or two main guys on each team, but up here there is so much more talent. It is just like going from high school to college, and then from college to professional ball. There is a different level of talent as you move up.
ArenaFan: What was the attraction that brought you to the Cobras this year?
Stephens: Actually the main reason I am here is coach (Eddie) Khayat. I spoke to him on the phone and he shot it to me straight that you won’t be a starter and you’ll have to work hard. He also will tell you like it is.
ArenaFan: What has been your best football moment?
Stephens: Winning af2 Lineman of the Year was my best professional moment. In college we were co-champions of the Sun Belt Conference, but winning the lineman of the year award tops it all.
ArenaFan: What strengths do you think you bring to this team?
Stephens: I am a young player and I still have a lot to learn about this game. I think I have a lot of stamina and can play all day. There are a bunch of veterans on this team that are helping me develop my skills. I think I am a lot better defensive player than offensive player, but I will learn to improve myself by watching film and listening to the veterans. I try and excel at special teams because I had a coach in college that said you win football games by winning the special teams battles.
ArenaFan: Do you often approach the veterans on this team for guidance on becoming a better player?
Stephens: Of course. I was a wide-eyed rookie coming into camp. We have Otis (Moore) and Stew (Robert Stewart) along with guys like Travis Reece, Chris Pope and Sean Tremblay who has taken me under his wing almost like an older brother and has shown me the things I need to do to become a better player in this league.
ArenaFan: What’s it like to play for a coaching staff with the level of experience and success like the Cobras’ staff has?
Stephens: It’s amazing. You have a coach (Eddie Khayat) that has been in the NFL and the Arena game for years and years. He knows what being a football player is all about and it is great having him watch over you and tell you what to do. You have an offensive coordinator (John Gregory) who has won numerous Grey Cups in Canada. You have coach (Ron) Selesky, whose defenses have always been near or at the top no matter what team he has coached. You have a guy like Mo (Maurice Blanding) who is up-and-coming and already knows an abundance about playing in the AFL. It is a great opportunity for anybody.
ArenaFan: What is special about this team and how far do you think this team can go?
Stephens: I think this is one of the best teams I have been on. Every guy on this team has either been on or associated with a championship team. The mix of veterans and young guys gives us an advantage over other teams. We think we can win. This a great group of guys that has gelled and when you are on that type of team you know you can get throw the ups-and-downs.
ArenaFan: What does Wes Stephens like to do when he is not on the playing field?
Stephens: I am just a normal guy. I love going to the movies. I am a big movie buff. I’ll rent a movie and watch it to relax before the game. I love comedies because I love to laugh more than anything.
ArenaFan: What would you say to the Cobra fans?
Stephens: Stick with us. It’s a long season. We are going to get a win for them at home. They’re almost like our family. This is league is built for the fans; they have access to us. When you go to the NFL there is an invisible barrier there. Not so here. They pay our salaries. I love getting with the kids after the game. I love that aspect of the game to sit there and talk with the kids after the game.
The Cobras travel to Austin on Sunday, March 7th to play the expansion Wranglers. The Cobras look to keep pace with the division leading Dallas Desperados. The Cobras next home game is Sunday, March 14th versus the Desperados.
Chuck DiLullo works for a manufacturer of process control instrumentation as a sales engineer. He has been a fan of professional, college and high school football since he could walk. Chuck is originally from Philadelphia and he became a huge Arena Football League fan while living in Buffalo. Chuck has lived in Charlotte since 2000 with his wife & three children.
