This Willie Colon will give 'em Super Bowl Salsa

NEW YORK- Growing up, Willie Colon's adversaries were an environment filled with the temptations of so many inner-city youth in the South Bronx. Colon could have easily taken a different route but fortunately, growing up in the Melrose projects, his mother saw a different future for her child. That future wouldn't be in the streets but on the football field.

"I remember getting the phone call and on the other line was Coach Cowher telling me welcome to the Pittsburgh Steelers. I had to pull over in my car and I started to cry," said Colon.

Drafted in 2006 in the fourth round, Colon's big moment has come a little early in his career because this Sunday, the moment of every player has finally arrived for this starting right tackle. Colon and the Pittsburgh Steelers are in the 'BIG GAME'...the Super Bowl!

Colon spoke exclusively to Danny Torres on the upcoming game, his thoughts on preparation, the only two NFL head coaches he's known and the one word his dear mother has recounted to so many reporters about her 315lb. son:

DT: Willie, firstly, congratulations. Talk about what it's like to be a kid who grew up in the projects and peering out the window wondering would this dream be a reality?

WC: Wow..."It's a long time coming, I'll tell you that. Every kid dreams about one day playing in the Super Bowl especially if you've been involved in football as much as I've been. It's been a long, hard road and I'm extremely blessed to be here."

DT: If you would, describe what's your preparation like going into the biggest game of your career? Anything different since it is the Super Bowl?

WC: "You know it's really all mental. I think at this point, everybody including the Cardinals fought long and hard to get to this point. I think it's the ability to have the mental edge and figure out schemes on both sides. Understand that you want to have fun, enjoy the moment because it's just a game, but an important one."

DT: If there was one game this season that was a turning point, what would that be?

WC: “I think it would have to be the Patriots game (Steelers won 33-10). For us to go into Foxboro, still being the underdog and Matt Cassel playing well, we went in there, executed our game plan and came out with a win. I also think you have to say the Cowboys game as well. They were favored to beat us on our home field but we came out on top."

DT: I have three questions for you from some fans that have followed your career up to this point, question one, from Paul K, in Newark, DE; is there a specific game plan on what your plans are for opening up some holes and protection for Ben (Roethlisberger) in the pocket?

WC: "I think it's a personal thing with us. We all have to be accountable on the field. You have to understand that when you have guys like Ben and Willie (Parker) you want to put your best game on the field. Take your best five guys up front and the rest will take care of itself."

DT: This question comes from Richard W. in West Orange, NJ. Talk about your coordinator and anything in particular he has stressed about the team's responsibility in the game?

WC: "It's simple. We can't give up penalties including myself. No false starts, things like that. We have to be on top of that and max their intensity as well."

DT: This question comes from Jose T. in your hometown, the Bronx. What are the similarities and differences of Coach Cowher and Coach Tomlin?

WC: "I think Coach Cowher is very intense. He has an aura about him. He was the head general. Coach Tomlin is more of a player's coach. He understands when he has to lay down the law. When he has to put his foot on the gas and take it off. He's extremely intelligent. He doesn't yell. When he talks, he gets his point across. They're both extremely competitive and there's no losing in their vocabulary."

DT: What's your advice to that young boy looking out the Melrose projects in the Bronx dreaming is there a way out?

WC: " Bottom line, you have choices in life. If you believe and persevere, you can make it. Nothing can stop you but yourself. For any kid looking outside those windows in the projects, keep your head on straight because anything is possible."

DT: Finally, what's the one word that your dear mother describes to people about you?

WC: “Wow...PRIDE. She's extremely proud of me and I'm proud of her too.

She's been great to me and every one of us. You couldn't ask for a more supportive mother than her."

DT: Thanks Willie, good luck this Sunday. Take care and win one for the Bronx.

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