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Chat Reel: Samari Rolle

Titans' cornerback predicts an FSU national title

Tennessee's Samari Rolle had seven interceptions this year for the Titans. Scott Halleran/Allsport

Tennessee Titans Pro Bowl cornerback Samari Rolle had a couple things on his mind Wednesday, Jan. 3.

His main focus was on the Baltimore Ravens, more specifically, the Titans' Divisional playoff game Sunday against the Ravens. Still, there was another little contest going on that concerned Rolle. His alma mater, Florida State, was three hours away from taking the field against Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl when he joined CNNSI.com users for a chat.

Was he nervous?

Puh-lease. Rolle not only was not worried, he gave his prediction for an FSU victory during the chat.

CNNSI Host: Welcome Samari, thanks for joining us. Are you nervous about the Orange Bowl tonight? How about a prediction to get us started...
Samari Rolle: No, I'm not nervous at all. The score will be Florida State 31, Oklahoma 17.

From a guest in Kinder, La.: Do you guys get tired of hearing about the Ravens' defense? It seems that the Titans' defense has been overlooked all year. And do you favor a playoff system in college football?
Samari Rolle: We don't have any animosity toward getting overlooked. All the Ravens' stars are on defense and they have earned their claim. For the second part, yes, I favor a playoff system. Especially, when you look at how well the Pac-10 played and how well Miami played.

From a guest: Samari, I believe you are a free agent after this season (which should end in Tampa). Do you feel you will be back with the Titans next year?
Samari Rolle: I certainly hope so. All of that is out of my control, but this the place I would like to be.

From a guest: I saw a photo of you jumping in a quarterback's face last season and it seemed like you were five feet off the ground. What is your vertical jump?
Samari Rolle: It is about 39 inches.

From Kent Wetzel in Frederick, Md.: Samari, what goes through your mind when you make an interception, are you immediately trying to turn it into a touchdown? I was at the Redskins game where you made all the right moves to score.
Samari Rolle: I think I can play some offense and when the ball is my hands I just try to make something happen

CNNSI Host: From a guest: Was that interception on Monday night, with no time left, the highlight of your career, so far?
Samari Rolle: Yes, without a doubt. That, and my first career interception against Jacksonville.

From Axyl: For all intents and purposes, Pittsburgh beat your team twice. You guys are not that good. Care to comment?
Samari Rolle: Pittsburgh is at home right now. And they haven't been to the playoffs in three years.

From mikey68: How is Steve McNair's health right now?
Samari Rolle: McNair is a warrior. He is never going to be 100 percent with the style he plays. But on Sundays, we can count on him.

From Slim: Who is the toughest receiver to defend in the NFL?
Samari Rolle: For me, I would say Jimmy Smith from Jacksonville.

From Brett: Who is the best running back in the AFC. Eddie George or Fred Taylor?
Samari Rolle: I'll have to say, "no comment." Both of them are great.

From Ranch: Samari, how do you feel about the Super Bowl? Many predict you guys to be the favorites, and so do I. Who do you think would be your toughest challenge?
Samari Rolle: I think the toughest challenge for us is ourselves -- just getting there, not really one opponent.

From nbdogg2003: Why have you guys played so well against Jacksonville over the past two years? Any particular reason?
Samari Rolle: We are familiar with them and what they try to do.

From mikey68: What is the worst and best field, in your opinion, in the NFL?
Samari Rolle: The Redskins' field is pretty nice, and the worst has to be Philly.

From Regicide: Who do you see coming out of the NFC to possibly face you guys in Tampa?
Samari Rolle: If the Giants win this weekend, I would say they have a pretty good shot.

From Mark B. in Durant, Okla.: Which player on the Baltimore offense are you most concerned about? Will you be receiving any help on your receiver?
Samari Rolle: Jamal Lewis is the guy we are most concerned about. And I won't receive too much help.

From Roo: Do you think Bobby Bowden helped your career?
Samari Rolle: Without a doubt, he did. With examples he set with his honesty. He is always honest.

From Jeff Trainor in Barrington, R.I.: How do you feel about being called the next great cornerback, and the next Deion Sanders?
Samari Rolle: The Deion Sanders thing is something I've always had to deal with. I'm just trying to create my own identity. But it is flattering to be compared to the greatest man to play the position

CNNSI Host: That's all the time we have today with Tennessee Titans Pro Bowl cornerback Samari Rolle. Thanks again for your time, Samari. Good luck in the playoffs, and good luck to your Seminoles tonight!
Samari Rolle: Thanks for having me.

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