Q&A with Defensive End Quincy Hipps
Sept. 14, 2000
Coral Gables, Fla. (www.hurricanesports.com) – Your house has caught on fire, but your family has already gone outside and is safe. What do you run back in to save?
I would want to save my Bible and my UM jersey. I need the Bible, because I need the Lord in everywhere I go and everything I do. I need my UM jersey, because I bleed orange and green.
With your soul on the line, is there a player that you do not want to line up against?
My answer would be any UM defensive player. Our whole defense is “nasty” and “out of control”.
How often do you feel like you have left it all out on the field?
I would say a good 90 to 95 percent of the time. There are always those days in practice that no matter how hard I try I can’t leave everything out there. Sometimes I have too much going on with family, school or football.
Who in your family do you idolize?
I have always looked up to my father, Ed. He has been through a lot, seen a lot and done a lot. He has fought in a war. He was the oldest in his family, so he had a lot of responsibility. He practically raised his family. He has always been my idol. He knows so much, that I like to just listen. I have avoided a lot of problems in life by listening to his advice.
Some people would be surprised to learn this about you?
I like to cook. My favorite meal to cook is country-fried steak with mashed potatoes, white gravy and sweet peas. If I am barbecuing on a Sunday and I have teammates over, they know that Quincy’s doing the cooking. A lot of people think I can’t cook, because I play football. This is not true. I am a very good cook.
Last time you were amazed about one of your accomplishments?
I graduated early from the University of Miami. I have reached a milestone in my life. I can always count on my education later in life, because football cannot last forever.
Who do you think is the best player ever at your position?
Lee Roy Selmon is probably the best defensive end to ever play the game. When he played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 1970’s and `80’s he was relentless. That was when football was football. It wasn’t about all the trash talking or the money. They played for the love of the game.
How would you want the fans to remember you after you leave UM?
I want people to remember that I left everything out there. I am not about how Quincy Hipps is going to do today, bu how my team is going to do. I always cared about my teammates. I would also want people to remember how I went and helped out in the community. I was willing to give back, more than just on the football field. Whether it was autographs or speaking with kids, I always enjoyed getting around the communities that support us.
Worst feeling you have ever had in football?
Anytime when I lose. There are no particular losses. Anytime we lose I can feel it inside and it hurts.
Worst feeling you have ever had in life?
Again, anytime we lose. Whether it is on the football field or off, I don’t like to lose. I strive to win, no matter what it is.
Three traits that you would like to borrow from other teammates?
I would like to get some speed from (wide receiver) Santana Moss. I would like to go to (wide receiver) Reggie Wayne and borrow some of his work ethic. He is a real hard worker. Don’t get me wrong. All of us are hard workers, but Reggie always works harder. I don’t think he has ever had an off day. His off day is like giving only 100 percent. I wish I could borrow just a little of that. Some days I can only give 90 to 95 percent and that is just not good enough. The third trait would be (running back) James Jackson’s laid back attitude. Not too much bothers him. It is hard to press his buttons on and off. He has the same smile on his face no matter what happens. He is real patient.
You are stuck on an island forever. Pick one CD, one book and one woman who is not your girlfriend?
The CD that I would want is Tupac (Shukur). His lyrics are so deep and interesting. In the songs he talks about what is going on in everyday life. That would help me keep my head up and give me the faith that I could get off this island. The book would be the Bible. At the same time I know that I am going to be getting on my knees and praying every night. I would use it to read and reflect on my life and also give me the faith that I could get off this island. I would want my Grandmother with me. She has always been able to make a good situation out of bad ones. She is a survivor.
What would be your one question for God?
Is the University of Miami going to get a National Championship ring this season?
Best sports memory at UM?
When we won the Gator Bowl last season. I think it was the first time we really went out and accomplished something so big. We hadn’t been to a January 1 bowl in a while, so winning was real special for us. Especially on the defensive side. We really showed up for that game. The whole bowl week experience in Jacksonville was very enjoyable for all of us.
What do you think was the greatest sports moment of the past century?
No one thought Buster Douglass had a chance to beat Mike Tyson. And he knocked him out. It was the perfect story of the underdog.
I have another great sports moment
When the Minnesota Twins came back to win the sixth game of the 1991 World Series over the Atlanta Braves. The Braves had gone up 3-2 in the series and were one out from claiming the title. I can remember seeing a lot of premature celebration. That is when Kirby Pucket hit an 11th inning home run to steal the win, 4-3. The Twins, I believe, went on to win the World Series.
Where are your favorite hot spots in Miami?
My house and several fishing areas off the Tamiami Trail are my most frequent stops. We don’t get to go out a lot, so my house has been my latest hot spot. I also love to go deep into the Everglades and go bass fishing.
What is your favorite TV show?
I enjoying watching sitcoms. I like Martin and Oz.
What player did you pretend to be while growing up?
I use to pretend to be Charles Barkley when I played basketball. I always tried to mimic Charles. I would like to argue and play with a nasty attitude.
Do you have any regrets?
That these five years at UM have gone by too quickly. I wish it could have been 10 years.
