Cardinal Character: Vinny Colangelo ’09

Vinny Colangelo ’09 is the epitome of Jersey…well… guy. I had the good fortune of getting an interview with the football team’s co-captain and all-around interesting fellow. The linebacker is currently injured, recovering from a sprained MCL, but that didn’t stop him from sharing great stories and unique opinions.

Nate Green: How did you grow up to be so good looking?

Vinny Colangelo: The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Two great looking parents; I’m just a younger looking version of my dad who’s probably the best-looking man I know.

NG: How much can you bench?

VC: You don’t just get these finely sculpted pecks without hard work and commitment. I’m influenced by linebackers coach Shem Johnston-Bloom who taught me everything I know, and, special teams coach Keith Hellstern, who is a great motivator.

NG: Where do you get your steroids?

VC: Jersey shore. Seaside. All you have to do is get on the Garden State Parkway and there are numerous stops. But seriously, I don’t take steroids.

NG: Speaking of the Jersey Shore, what’s your favorite NJ Shore nightclub?

VC: BarA in Belmar. It’s full of blow outs. No actually; no: It’s not full of blow outs. If you’re looking for the blow out guido scene, that’s more DJs. BarA is nice. It’s right on the beach, and me and my buddies really enjoy the fact that there are numerous bars and a very nice-looking crowd.

NG: What’s your outfit of choice for the shore?

VC: Obviously a beater. No matter what I’m wearing, it’ll be underneath it. Probably light blueish tight jeans. On the tighter side but not, like, too tight, you know what I’m saying? And probably a nice, like, graphic tee — a tight graphic tee. I might go with the headband around the neck which is my trademark. And I’m definitely going with a nice base. The tan is important; it’s half the effort. I do need a tan when I go out.

NG: Why do you wear that headband under your helmet? Does it give you power?

VC: It absolutely gives me power — without the headband I feel like I’m not ready to go. It completes my outfit. And I need to have it set for me to play well and look good.

NG: Do you ever wash that thing?

VC: Yes I [expletive] shower with that [expletive]. I’ll frequently wear it into the shower with me in the locker room. I switch them up, but I need them. I wore the cardinal one this week. You see that? It looked good. Real good.

NG: What happened to your trademark little red shorts that you used to wear all over campus the past three years?

VC: The original red shorts? The original red shorts were a sophomore year in high school team package that we bought. It came with the sweat pants and a sweat shirt. Everyone on the team hated them and all my life I’ve loved short shorts. I like to show off my pale, hairy yet surprisingly sculpted thighs. I had thought I lost them but I found them. Unfortunately, I’ve worn them so often that the band is too stretched and thus they are hard to wear in public. I only wear them around my housemates.

NG: Have you ever thought about shaving your chest?

VC: I consistently shave my chest but I’m more worried about the back hair. This summer, I got it waxed: huge mistake. And just recently, two days ago, I had Pete Overman [’09] Nair my back.

NG: Do you have any signature moves or celebrations on the field?

VC: Every time I do something good I get too excited and just can’t. I’ve practiced many signature moves but they never really come out because I get so caught up in the game. Although, I do love a low five from defensive coordinator Doug Mandigo.

NG: Have you ever been suspended or kicked out of a game?

VC: Not that I’m known for getting personal fouls but I have been known to lose my temper. In high school, I got kicked out of the game and this ref said he would kick me out of every high school game for the rest of the year. That’s ridiculous. I have calmed down a lot more in college. I’m more level headed. It would only be if I were instigated in some way. I’m not a dirty player.

NG: What’s your favorite NFL celebration?

VC: My favorite one ever is when Nate Burleson did the Lebron in the end zone in Cleveland — sickest celebration I’ve ever seen. Lebron goes to the scorers’ table, puts chalk in his hands, then throws it in the air and stands like this. [Demonstrates.] Nate Burleson returns a kick with the Seahawks in Cleveland and busts it out. I like when thought goes into it and it’s not just a stupid dance.

NG: Lastly, what superhero would you be?

VC: Oh, Iron Man. Absolutely. Tony Stark, a legend. I would like to be Iron Man because Tony Stark lives the life. Anyone who saw the movie knows he is the richest and smartest guy, and he picks and chooses the women he wants. It’s unbelievable. And Iron Man is just, well, unbelievable — can’t be beat. I don’t think. Can he?