Colts Q and A: Safari on tap for D'Qwell Jackson?

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IndyStar Colts beat writer Stephen Holder will talk with a member of the team each week for a wide-ranging, offbeat conversation that sheds light on his personality, background and interests.

This week: linebacker D'Qwell Jackson.

Question: You do a lot of traveling. What's your favorite spot to visit?

Answer: My girlfriend and I did a trip to Milan, Rome and Venice and it was great. And we also went to a few wineries over in Tuscany. It was the best trip ever. Best food, best wine. I'd go back any day. I mean it. But next time, we're trying to go to South Africa. I want to actually go out into the bush and see the wildlife. That's kind of a dream of mine. I watch Animal Planet all the time. To be able to see a lion in his habitat, that would be something else. The lions, tigers, hyenas – I'm into all of that.

Q: When did you get the itch to start traveling?

A: It's funny. Growing up, my first time ever getting on a plane was when I got to college (University of Maryland). But I always wanted to see things. Where I grew up (Largo, Fla.), it was always too small for me. Everyone knew everyone. I wanted to get away and see other things. And I always watched a lot of television. I always watched different places and imagined myself being there.

Q: You've made the Washington, D.C. area your home. What was the draw for you?

A: I think I was familiar with the area, obviously because of college. But more than that, I could see myself raising a family there. I like the community of Prince George's County (Virginia). It's one of the most affluent black communities in the world. That was something that I didn't see a lot of growing up. I was intrigued by that. I really like D.C. because it's a big melting pot of the whole world. It's diverse, it's open-minded. I think it's a great area.

Q: When you played high school ball in Florida, who was the best player you ever faced?

A: Without a doubt, Adrian McPherson. He won Mr. Football and Mr. Basketball. He went to Bradenton Southeast. That dude was so talented. And his team was ridiculous. I played offense, defense and special teams for my team. With that team, they had a platoon for offense and defense and special teams. It was like a college team. They had close to 10 guys get Division I scholarships. But he was the best. He was the best player I ever played against. He could've been great (McPherson ran into legal trouble at Florida State but has played arena football, winning the rookie of the year award with the Indiana Firebirds in 2004, and in the CFL).

Q: So, it sounds like you didn't fare too well when you played his team, right?

A: Oh, man. We went down there in the playoffs and they beat the brakes off of us! It was about 30-0 at halftime.

Q: You played quarterback and linebacker in high school. But word is you also punted. Were you really the punter?

A: Oh, yeah. I could actually punt with both feet. I'm gonna brag a little bit here. I went to kicking camps, quarterback camps, all kinds of camps. I was trying to perfect kicking. I used to kick off, kick field goals, play quarterback on offense and linebacker on defense. I never came off the field. And I could actually kick it.

Q: Now, for the weekly questions. … What's playing on your iPod right now?

A: Everything. I'm all over the place. If you got in my car right now, the radio might be on literally any station. It might be R&B, hip-hop, country, pop/Top 40 – I listen to all of it. I do not discriminate when it comes to music.

Q: What website do you visit most often?

A: Probably thechive.com. It's news, photos, funny stuff. It's great for passing time.

Q: And finally, what person you follow on social media is the most interesting?

A: I would say (comedian) Mike Epps. He's from right here in Indy. He is absolutely hilarious.

Follow Star reporter Stephen Holder on Twitter: @HolderStephen.