THE list of Caribbean athletes, who have etched their names into sporting history continues to grow larger with our most recent addition being former Pittsburgh Steelers running back and Super Bowl 40 winner, Trinidadian Verron ‘V’ Haynes.

Haynes, who currently is a free agent, was drafted by the Steelers in the fifth round of the 2002 NFL Draft having played college football at Georgia. He migrated from the twin-Island Republic to New York and then to Atlanta, Georgia, where he played high school football for North Springs High School.

His tenure at the Steelers spans from 2002-2006 were he claimed a Super Bowl ring while amassing 660 yards on 159 carries to average 4.2 per carry along with three touchdowns.

TEENage caught up with the humble icon at the recently concluded Flow/ESPN Football Clinic in Western Jamaica for a quick chat.

TEENage: How did you get started in American football?

Verron Haynes (VH): I started playing at 16 and I excelled at it. It was an opportunity that got me a scholarship and I ran with it.

TEENage: Can you play football (soccer)?

VH: I played football as a youth in Trinidad as a goalkeeper. My father, Ulric Haynes also played football, as he was captain of the Trinidad and Tobago football team so I was exposed to the sport.

TEENage: If you had to pick between the two, which would it be?

VH: Actually, basketball is my first love. I always dreamt of playing in the NBA, but my size caused me to re-evaluate that dream.

TEENage: How did you get involved in the programme?

VH: Giving back is a big part of me. I want to give back and do my part.

TEENage: What are your expectations of the initiative?

VH: This is our starting ground and the plan is to go big. Children are the future so we want to pass on our knowledge to the coaches who will pass it on to the children who will in turn pass it on to their peers.

TEENage: How different are the two sports, American football and Soccer?

VH: American football is different, the hits really hurt. The similarities though are paramount, as the drills are similar as well as the determination to succeed and perseverance to hone one’s craft. Footballers though are fitter than we are as they play for 90 minutes. The average play in NFL is 3.2 seconds so they can run rings around us.

TEENage: Being a free agent, do you have hopes of playing again?

VH: I still have hopes of playing football. Nine years is a great time for me but at the same time, I am still around with ESPN though so it’s all good.

TEENage: How has the transition been from in front the camera to behind it?

VH: It was a gradual for me transitioning from in front the camera to behind it. Being in front has helped me with questions to ask and so on.

TEENage: What can we find Verron doing on a regular day?

VH: I get the children to school and then do my work out. When I’m not playing, it’s family time.

TEENage: What message do you have for TEENs out there?

VH: Decisions made today will affect tomorrow. Success comes before work only in the dictionary, if you do not study for your test, you will fail.

— Devaro Bolton & Michael Thompson