Bubba Talks Big Game Grub February 02 2018
In part two of our exclusive interview with Al ‘Bubba’ Baker, Al dishes all on his favorite Big Game must-have munchies. We also get his predictions for the Big Game and how he thinks the teams will perform overall. Keep reading to find out more below!
1. What is your favorite tailgating food?
Al: I’m not saying this because it’s our family’s invention, but Bubba’s Q Boneless Baby Back Ribs and here’s why — You can make appetizers, sliders, sandwiches, toppers (on burgers, in burritos, nachos, pizzas, in Mac n Cheese, tater tots, salads, etc.) and even entrées. They are fully-cooked, just ‘heat n’ eat’ and you’ll actually get to see the game instead of cooking all day.
2. What is your favorite tailgating recipe?
Al: Boneless Baby Back Rib Nachos! Add melted queso cheese, red onions and jalapeños atop fried tater tots, then garnished with scallions.
3. Have you always been passionate about food, when while you were playing in the NFL?
Al: I grew up in a barbecue family-- Jenkins Quality Bar-B-Q, in Jacksonvile, Florida is where my uncle Melton Jenkins Jr (Daddy Jr.) taught me the art of barbecuing. So, yes long before I made it to the NFL I had a passion for cooking and eating. I’m so grateful to the NFL for allowing me to travel this great country, where I got to sample cuisines from many different places. If you close your eyes while tasting our Bubba’s-Q Barbecue you’ll catch some hints of Cleveland, Chicago, Detroit, Jacksonville, Kansas City, New Orleans, Minnesota, St. Louis even London, England. That’s how I coined the phrase: “Football was my job, but Barbecue is my Passion!”
4. With the Big Game happening this Sunday, which team are you hoping becomes the next Super Bowl Champions?
Al: There is a certain irony to this year’s Big Game, in a year where questions arose about patriotism, we see the Eagles (as in Bald Eagle) become an emblem of the nation. The fierce beauty and proud independence of this great bird represents the strength and freedom of America. The Patriots, as in the colonist of the Thirteen Colonies who rebelled against British control during the American Revolution, declared the United States of America an independent nation in 1776. Both of these teams represent something greater than football.
This game will be decided on the front lines - can the Patriots block the Eagles? Football games are mainly decided on three things… the strength, agility and intelligence of both teams. The way to win championships is a strong defensive line and the teams ability to run the ball to control the time of possession (in other words, their ability to run up the middle of the field). These two teams are so close in that area, with the Eagles ranked 4th in rushing yards in the playoffs and Patriots ranked 6th, it’s going to come down to which team can win the battle of the line of scrimmage. Defensively, the Eagles are ranked 4th and the Patriots ranked 5th so that is going to boil down to which team can make the best adjustments during halftime. Turnovers will also decide this area of the game, who will have the least?
5. What do you think about the Nick Foles vs. Tom Brady match up?
Al: The quarterbacks have been dubbed as David vs. Goliath. Tom Brady, four-time MVP and the reigning champion, as Goliath and Nick Foles, who essentially was backup to Carson Wentz, as David. If you know the story, young David wins the battle even though the odds were against him. My prediction is that the Eagles will win by 10 points and basically be too dominant defensively for the Patriots. The real winner will be America as they watch a great game and hopefully are enjoying some Bubba’s-Q Boneless Baby Back Ribs!!
Thanks for reading our part-two interview with Al ‘Bubba’ Baker, former NFL player and founder of Bubba’s Q! We sure do agree with his predictions for the Big Game on Sunday… Go Birds!!
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