In the latest edition of our Dave Dameshek Football Program podcast Q&A series, Shek, Ike Taylor and Colleen Wolfe field questions from prominent NFL players in search of solutions to their most pressing predicaments.
Whether it's tips for a great last-minute anniversary gift, commentary on today's god-awful music scene or opinionated rants about men wearing tank tops outside of the gym, this crew handles all of life's conundrums. Fortunately, Xavier Rhodes of the Minnesota Vikings caught wind of our services and submitted an entertaining question for fellow cornerback and noted renaissance man Ike Taylor.
Rhodes innocently asked the second-best trash talker of the Steve Smith era if he has "any trash-talking tips to get a receiver off his game."
At this point, Ike's eyes lighted up since speaking crudely to opponents about their personal lives and deepest insecurities is his forte. Well, that and his exceptional palate for red wine; the man loves his "grapes."
As Shek and Colleen probe Ike for specifics on his craft, Taylor reveals "there are no rules in trash talking," which sets the stage for a memorable confrontation he once had with Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs.
"I was covering Derrick Mason and Suggs was yapping at me like, 'I.T., we got you all day,'" Ike recalled.
Ike makes it known he didn't immediately respond to Suggs' amateur baiting. He basically majored in Trash Talking Arts at "Swaggin U," so he knew exactly when to strike -- during the T.V. timeout.
Ike approached Suggs, and with a straight face said, "Bruh, take that Halloween mask off." Not only does this clever retort crack up Shek and Colleen, but it also got some genuine laughs on the football field ... from the opposition!
"They had two future Hall of Famers sitting on the sideline and they just walked away," Ike said. "Let me guess, that's Ray Lewis and Ed Reed?" Shek asks. Ike's beaming smile is all the confirmation Shek needs.
Well, Xavier, I hope this advice is exactly what you were looking for. We at the Dave Dameshek Football Program look forward to the inevitably winning outcome of your next exchange with a testy wide receiver. Perhaps an Odell Beckham Jr. rematch?
Subscribe to the Dave Dameshek Football Program podcast to listen to Tuesday's episode.
