Celebrity Tailgate: Sean Salisbury

01/08

Former NFL quarterback Sean Salisbury joined ESPN in 1997 as sideline reporter for college football games on ESPN2 and now is seen on a wide variety of roles as an NFL analyst.

In 1997, Sean Salisbury, a USC standout and former NFL Quarterback joined the ESPN media empire. Professional football media in America had lassoed themselves an outspoken and articulate personality.
Whether he’s butting heads with co-analyst ”The Professor” John Clayton, or pounding the pavement for his charity foundation, Sean “Big Mouth” Salisbury is all about one thing: passion. So we grabbed a couple of moments with a guy who is just as passionate about what’s on the grill as he is about the play on the field.

Q: Who is the most electrifying personality you’ve worked with at ESPN?
A: Michael Irvin. Though he’s no longer with ESPN, Michael loved his job and was a tremendous spark to the Sunday Countdown. He was electrifying, and sometimes you disagreed with him, but he always sparked conversation. I tell you another. That’s Mike Ditka. He doesn’t care what you think, and doesn’t care if an executive disagrees with him.

Q: What’s your most memorable tailgating moment?
A: I get going when I am closest to the action: the fans. Whether I’m walking through the nighttime tailgate at LSU playing Ole Miss, or Alabama-Auburn, there is absolutely nothing better! I can’t put my finger on any one, but I do get most charged Super Bowl week. My season does culminate with Super Bowl, and I love the whole thing! I work for the fans and the hardcore football tailgaters.

Q: Tell me about Cancer Blows and the Sean “Big Mouth” Salisbury website.
A: The biggest influence of my life, and my biggest hero, was my dad. There was never a better husband, or a better worker! My dad taught me an incredible work ethic. Asbestos lung took his life.

He never smoked a day in his life. And just like that our close-knit family was torn apart. I want to help make a difference for families who are going through this. Cancer doesn’t know gender or health. Apparently cancer doesn’t even know when someone doesn’t smoke.

I want to carry on my dad’s legacy because I love him and he was a hall of fame dad. We named it Cancer Blows because I can’t describe it any other way. We developed Seanbigmouthsalisbury.com to create awareness. I want to make it a great time for the fan. I want fans to feel like they are going to get information from me right from the locker room. I want people to understand football inside and out. And at the same time, lets bring more awareness to cancer and how it damages life. I think it’s a great marriage.

Q: What’s in your cooler?
A: Peanut Butter M&M’s, selected Cold Cuts, Rye bread, and a cold selection of beer.

Q: Propane or Charcoal?
A: I’m a charcoal guy.

Q: Beer or Bourbon?
A: Beer

Q: Beef or Pork?
A: Beef

Q: Who has the best personality you worked with on The Longest Yard?
A: Probably Chris Rock. Also Adam Sandler when he’s on. He’s sometimes a little quiet.

Q: Last question, in retrospect, do you have any regrets about your opportunity to work with Denny Green in Arizona?
A: I do think about it every year, with no regrets but I won’t ever dismiss that if it ever happens again. In the meantime, I am one of you guys!