Exclusive: Q&A interview with Safety George Wilson of the Buffalo Bills

During this year’s off season I was able to catch up with Safety George Wilson, who filled RFT on the latest news surrounding his Captain plays on and off the field.  From what I read George has a very humbling spirit to not only football and his family but to the young lives he continues to make a difference in.

RFT: When did you first fall in love with football?

GW:  I fell in love with the game around the 4th grade when I was introduced to organized football. I’ve been working to fulfill and maximize that dream ever since.

RFT: Buffalo is a long way from Kentucky and Arkansas. How difficult was it adjusting to a new city while trying to make a NFL roster?

GW: Being in a new environment can be tough, but I refused to let the feeling of being homesick get in my way. I always thought that once I made the team, my family would be able to come see me play and they have.

RFT: As a team captain, which type of leader do you think players respond to more: a vocal leader, one that leads by example or a combination of both?

GW: Leadership is unique to the situation. Some people or instances may require a vocal message, but in my opinion, the most effective leaders are the ones who lead by example first and foremost. Anyone can get up and talk, but your words have merit and validity when you have walked the walk. Words without action before or behind them usually fall on deaf ears over time.

RFT: We read an interview where you described yourself as a “career underdog.” What motivated you to keep going when nobody except for love ones believed in you?

GW: Regardless of who you are or what you want to do, it all starts and stops with you! My desire to succeed is stronger than my fear of failure. Failure isn’t an option and I make sure that I put forth the work to see the benefits that I desire. Being an under dog, there are no expectations of you; therefore I have nothing to lose. That role has fueled my journey to where I am today.

RFT: Which position (WR or S) is more difficult from a mental aspect, as far as learning the position and scheme?

GW: I would say safety because as a WR I knew where I was going on the field, but as a safety you have to anticipate what your opponent is trying to do to you as well as react in a timely manner in order to make a play. Both positions have their difficulties, but as a safety you have to be up close for run support as well as be the last line of defense for your team.

RFT: Who are some safeties that you admire or say your style of play resembles?

GW: The biggest play-making safeties in my opinion are Troy Polamalu and Ed Reed, both are always around the ball. As far as players that resemble my play, I have my own style. I use my offensive background for a mental edge and my physical play from special teams to create my own. I’m still working towards being an elite, game breaking safety!

RFT: Most people don’t know you are a really good cook, what other hidden talents do you have?

GW: I wouldn’t call my cooking a talent, just something I enjoy doing. I wish I could play an instrument though, maybe the piano or saxophone.

RFT: After attending a tailgating party between the Bills and the Bengal’s, which the Bills won 49-31, I had the pleasure of meeting some of your family, like; your sister, mother, younger brother and grandfather; everyone was a joy to be around. Family seems to be extremely important to you and I was told your mother was your biggest fan. How does your family influence you on and off the field?

GW: My family is everything to me! They have molded me and invested themselves into me for me to be where I am today. They have always been there to support me from the beginning. I always come home when I need to be rejuvenated or re-energized because when I’m home, I’m just “Gee.”

RFT: What are your plans if there is an NFL Lockout for the 2011 season?

GW: Right now, my plans are to keep training and spending time with my family and working on my foundation.

RFT: What was it like acting as Mary J. Blige’s boyfriend in her music video for the song “Hood Love?” Was this your first time acting?

GW: Yes, it was my first time acting. Working with MJB was great! She was down to Earth and easy to talk to. I was a bit nervous at first, but after the first take the butterflies were gone. It was a great opportunity, hoping to be able to do it again at some point.

RFT: What are some of your future plans after football?

GW: After football plans are in progress now. I’ve done some modeling and acting, attending Broadcast Boot-camp this year, I have my foundation, and my business degree so I can keep my options open.

RFT: I’m sure a lot of your female fans want to know if you have someone special in your life or do they still have a chance? If no, are you dating?

GW: No, I’m single. I don’t do alot of dating, but I’m open to it though.

RFT: What do you consider a romantic evening?

GW: Lol, wouldn’t you like to know? Just know that service is my specialty.

RFT: Do you have a Facebook page and or a Twitter account? If so how can the fan’s search for your social media pages?

GW: Yes, you can find me on Facebook by searching my name and you can follow me on Twitter at GWilson37. Also, I have a couple of websites: www.gwsafety.org (foundation) and www.georgewilsoninc.com (branding).

RFT: Let’s talk about your foundation. Last year you started a foundation called, ‘S.A.F.E.T.Y. Foundation’ (Saving Adolescents from Everyday Trials of Youth), by the way I love the name! Please explain to the RFT fans what your program is about and how the community can get involved?

GW: I started my foundation because I wanted to create programs to help kids build solid foundations for their lives through different experiences. I target all kids, because we all need help at some point. This is a way for me to pay forward the investments that others made in me. You can read more about my foundation or donate at www.gwsafety.org.

RFT: Who does your foundation target? Most people know the old saying, “it takes a village to raise a child” and it appears that you have produced your village…Do you intervene with young males, females or both and what are some of the subjects that are being taught to the adolescents?

GW: I work with males and females. All of my activities are co-ed with breakout sessions to divide them when necessary.

That’s Life-my after school mentorship program that focuses on conflict resolution, financial education, ACT/SAT Test Prep, healthy living, visiting a colliery campus, and formal dinner etiquette.

Sportsfest-a football camp and cheerleading clinic to promote fitness and healthy living. I partner with my local hospital to fight childhood obesity.

Leadership Retreat-a weekend retreat for 40 middle school students. We have indoor and outdoor activities throughout the weekend to promote caring, faith, honesty, respect, responsibility, team work, and leadership.

I have other programs that I do throughout the year like a golf scramble to benefit the local Boys and Girls Club, feeding families during Thanksgiving, Christmas Wish List, and a Fun Day gameshow that quizzes students on healthy living, character education, and bullying.

Helping people is a passion of mine that has continued to grow more and more as I’m able to see how much of a difference a kind word of encouragement can make.

Thank you for taking the time out to converse with RFT, we look forward to appreciating more talent from your program and best of blessings this season with the Buffalo Bills.