Chat with Santonio Holmes
Welcome to SportsNation! On Friday, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver and Super Bowl XLIII MVP, Santonio Holmes, will stop by to chat about his experience in the big game and his team's nomination for an ESPY Award.
Holmes had nine receptions for 131 yards and a crucial touchdown with 35 seconds to play that helped secure the Steelers' NFL-record sixth Super Bowl win. It also resulted in the Steelers being nominated in the Best Team category of the ESPY's.
Go here to cast your ESPY vote for Best Team, Best Male Athlete, Best Moment and more.
Send your questions now and join Holmes on Friday at 3 p.m. ET!
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Santonio Holmes (2:55 PM)
What's up ESPN? I'm here today to chat and let you where I'm at while I'm preparing for the season. Let's get started.
Mike (PA)
Hows the team looking this year? what are the chances of a repeat?
Santonio Holmes (2:56 PM)
The team is looking pretty good Mike. Everybody is healthy and that's the most important thing. Our vets are teaching the younger players that ropes and we're feeling good right now. We just have to stay healthy throughout the 16 game season.
Haney (Gettysburg)
How many catches and yards do you expect to get this season?
Santonio Holmes (2:57 PM)
This year, I'm looking to produce a little bit more this season. I don't want to predict a number but I would like to get around 65 or 70 catches. It all depends on how the offense is run.
Tim (Portland,Or)
As a Cards fan i must step up and say congratulations on the super bowl win and the espy nomination. What was it like making that catch with 35 seconds remaining to win the super bowl?
Santonio Holmes (2:59 PM)
Honestly Tim, it was the greatest moment ever. It was a moment of happiness and joy. I've always wanted to win a Super Bowl. I won high school and college championships but I wasn't a big part of those. To be one of the reasons why the Steelers won another Super Bowl is a great feeling.
austin (palm springs, california)
Hey man big Steeler fan here. just one question. Do all the flashing lights from the cameras at the Superbowl make it hard to see a pass/punt/kickoff?
Santonio Holmes (3:01 PM)
I doesn't make it hard at all. Once you step on the field as a professional you are focused. You may get that little trickle down your spine and when that happens, you know it's time to play ball!
Butch (Texas)
Santonio congrats on the Superbowl win and MVP. Who has had the biggest impact on your career and what is it like to play for the Steelers?
Santonio Holmes (3:03 PM)
Thanks Butch. My kids have had the biggest impact on my career. They inspire me to go out day after day to do what I love to do and what they love watching me do. I grew up liking the Steelers and this is where I want to be. I love playing for this team.
Tim (Providence)
Whats it like playing in a city that now has the super bowl trophy and the stanley cup?
Santonio Holmes (3:04 PM)
It's bananas back in Pittsburgh. When the season starts, I know we will have a lot of support from not only Steelers fans but Penguins fans as well. I mean this city earned two championships in one year.
Todd (Hutchinson, KS)
Santonio, as a Steeler fan my whole life, I was amazed when I saw your catch. I have a question for you though. I've played in big games in my life, but just state championships. How did you feel when you stepped onto the Super Bowl stage? Where you afraid of losing?
Santonio Holmes (3:05 PM)
Todd, I was never afraid of losing. I was excited to play in the Super Bowl. I was playing in my home state and I had all my friends and family there to support me. I was up for the challenge and I loved every minute of it.
Bryan (Grand Rapids)
I'm a die-hard Wolverines and can't stand your alma mater, but as it stands Michigan is struggling right now and Ohio State is a Top 15 team. Do you see them winning the Big Ten and possibly contending for a National Title with Pryor this year?
Santonio Holmes (3:08 PM)
I think it's possible with the way those guys played last year. Pryor is in his second year and I think he can lead that team. The Big Ten is tough but Ohio State has a chance. I don't really like Michigan either but the competitions between the two schools are great!
Haney (Gettysburg)
How has a guy like Hines Ward helped you early in your career?
Santonio Holmes (3:09 PM)
Guys like Hines and Ben brought a lot of trust to the table. They let up know that everyone makes mistakes but you have to continue to play and believe in yourself.
Mike (PA)
Whats the best thing about Ben as a qb?
Santonio Holmes (3:10 PM)
The best thing about Ben as a quarterback is his knowledge of the game. He knows what to do every second of the game. He also is a big tough guy with a big arm.
Blips McGee (Pittsburgh - City of Champions)
You mentioned the Penguins earlier, have you attended any hockey games?
Santonio Holmes (3:11 PM)
I actually went to Game 3. It was my first experience at a hockey game and I enjoyed it. I took my kids and we all had a great time.
TJ (Philly)
You still going to return punts? I could feel a big play coming everytime you touched the ball in the playoffs.
Santonio Holmes (3:12 PM)
It's up to coach. Coach T and I feel as if I can do it and I would love to return punts.
Matt (Pittsburgh)
Santonio, you are the man. can you play your entire career with the steelers please?
Santonio Holmes (3:14 PM)
(Laughing) If I have the opportunity to play my whole career there, I would. I love playing for a team that has an unstoppable defense. We have die hard fans that will let you know when you're not doing your job.
Cory (CT)
Have to say I was a big fan of the Lebron tribute during your Superbowl TD celebration. Why did you go with that one?
Santonio Holmes (3:16 PM)
It was witness of greatness. Both LeBron and I are young athletes in our field and people always talk about being a witness to LeBron. I respect his game and as a young player I what fans to witness what I can do as well as celebrate what LeBron has done.
Santonio Holmes (3:17 PM)
It's been fun answering all your questions. I look forward to chatting with you again!
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