Jermaine Wiggins was drafted by UFL Orlando last night in the inaugural United Football League player selection. Jermaine spoke with us following the Orlando workout and expressed enthusiasm for the league – that enthusiasm has been dramatically increased by the news of being drafted to a specific team.

Nation Hahn: How does it feel to be one of the 1st players announced via Twitter for the league?

Jermaine Wiggins: I’m very excited about the opportunity. It didn’t matter where I was picked or by whom – I just wanted the opportunity. I am excited to play for Orlando, I am excited to play for Coach Haslett and Jay Gruden. I am excited to get out there and play football and help Orlando win the title.

NH: How did you find out?

JW: I found out via Twitter actually, I heard that Ledbetter and I were picked. Then I got home and found out that I had gone to Orlando, I was very excited to hear that.

NH: What do you think of your teammates? (Note – at this point the full list had not been released.)

JW: I know some of them. I was with Brooks Bollinger in Minnesota. I know what type of players the guys are, what they bring to the table. These are teammates that have good football behind them and ahead of them. I’ll do everything I can to bring leadership to the team and win a title. No matter what level you play at – it is all about winning. I want to win championships and I’m going to do what the coaches ask me to do.

NH: Some names have been mentioned at quarterback for the league. Tim Rattay said he is coming to the UFL, we reported J.P. Losman was coming which apparently is true. What does that say about the UFL?

JW: The QB’s mentioned say that the league is gaining players with real, tangible experience in the NFL. It is something from a fan’s perspective that should say – you know, these guys can play,  they will compete. They will bring their A game week in, week out. The league going in the right direction with talent that people know. Everyone looks to the QB – no matter what level of football you’re talking about – and the UFL will have good ones.

NH: What are you going to do to promote the UFL and make the league a success?

JW I’ll do whatever I can do and whatever the league wants me to do. Any kind of media, radio, television. I feel great about this league and I want to spread the word. If the league had been here when I first came out of college – I was undrafted after all – I would have loved to have it as an opportunity and I’m glad to have it now. It gives guys more opportunity, it helps players support their family. At the end of the day I’ll do whatever it takes to make the UFL a success. I came up the hard way and I’m looking forward to this league.

NH: What do you have to say to fans in Orlando?

JW: I’ll bring experience, leadership on and off field, whatever it takes to help my team win the title. I’ll bring playmaking skill. I’m grateful to go down there and I’ll do whatever it takes to help win a title. I will lead by example.

NH: Any predictions for this fall?

JW: For me personally, I am going down there with the mindset of winning a title. I’ll do everything I can do to help my team win. When my number is called, I’ll answer the bell. I’ll bring as much exposure to the UFL as possible – through every outlet possible. I’ll leave it all out there for the fans and let them get to know the players. I want the fans to know me personally.

NH: What do you have to say to fans of UFLAccess.com, fans of the UFL in general, now that the initial player allocation has happened?

JW: The thing is, the message really… is that in any league you play in, it wouldn’t be there if it weren’t for the fans. The fans are the reason why we exist. Keep on supporting the UFL. Come out to the games, watch the games, support the UFL in all aspects. Keep supporting us. Without the fans sports wouldn’t mean anything. I was a fan before I was a pro athlete and the fans are the reason we’re here today. They pick us up when we’re down and they are part of the experience of playing football!

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