A Light Saber to Conquer Zombies

In the Green Room with UCLA Football Coach Jim Mora

UCLA football coach Jim Mora is the former head coach of the Atlanta Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks. Before participating in a panel on the NFL’s future in Los Angeles, he sat down in the green room to praise light sabers and Candlestick Park, and to knock overpriced Cobb salads and people running late.

Q. Who was the last person to leave you a voicemail?

A. Stephanie [from UCLA’s sports information department], because I was running late [tonight].

Q. What’s your biggest pet peeve?

A. People being late.

Q. What do you like most about being back in L.A., where you grew up?

A. The weather.

Q. What’s the best weapon to have in a zombie apocalypse?

A. [Without hesitating.] A light saber.

Q. What’s the most important quality to have in a teammate?

A. Trust.

Q. What profession would you practice in your next life?

A. Pro beach volleyball player.

Q. Do you cook at all, and if so, do you have a specialty?

A. Is barbecuing considered cooking?

Q. What’s the most stressful game you’ve ever coached?

A. The 2004 NFC Championship game [as coach of the Falcons].

Q. Did you have any nicknames as a child?

A. Jimbo.

Q. What have you felt you overpaid for recently?

A. I bought a Cobb salad at a hotel the other night. It was really good, but it was like double what it should have been. I can’t tell you what hotel it was though.

Q. What’s the best stadium in the NFL?

A. Candlestick, even though it’s not called Candlestick anymore.

Q. What’s the last thing that made you laugh?

A. You.

*Photo by Aaron Salcido.