FlagPlus Football Interview Series Part 4: Tam Vilaydeth

In part four of the FlagPlus Football Interview series, I had a chance to talk to FPF Hall-of-Famer, Terror Squad Captain and Quarterback, Tam Vilaydeth. We talked about history, winning, team building, coaching, and his Philadelphia Eagles.

Q: Where did you come up with the name Terror Squad?

A: “We wanted to match the initials from Triple Sixers. Half of the team was from the Triple Sixers and the other friends, so we came up with the name Terror Squad.” 

Q: You grew up playing soccer. At what age did you get into football, and how does your soccer background help you on the football field?

A “I didn’t play football until high school, but I became fascinated with it as soon as I started watching it on TV. I knew from then that I wanted to play. Playing soccer helps me with my footwork on the football field.”

Q: You are a diehard Philadelphia Eagles fan. Have you managed to get over the Super Bowl loss?

A: “I forgot about the Super Bowl. I drank the pain away” Vilaydeth said with a laugh. “It was a good game. We have a good chance to make it back next year, but it will be harder.

Q: Who is your favorite Eagle of all time?

A: I have two. DeSean Jackson and Michael Vick. As a Quarterback, I have always modelled my game after Mike Vick.”

Q: You have been playing in the league since 2009. How did you find out about FPF?

A: “I joined my friend Karim Chaoual’s team the Triple Sixers. I liked the game immediately.”

Q: You have won multiple championships and played with numerous teammates. What is something that you learned from your early days of flag football that you still carry with you today?

A: “When building a team, I always have my friends on it. From my time with the Triple Sixers, to now with Terror Squad, I always choose players who I am friends with. Obviously, you want to have players who are good, but there is more to winning than just that. That trust and friendship is just as important to me.”

Q: When you’re not playing, you coach several different male and female flag teams, both inside and outside of FPF. What made you want to get into coaching?

A: “My friend and FPF veteran Constance Millaire, is the athletic therapist at Édouard-Monpetit. Three years ago, she told me that they were looking for a Head Coach, and she asked me if I wanted to coach the women’s team. I said yes right away. I like sharing the passion and knowledge that I have from the field, and from playing with the best players. I try to teach my players just like I’ve been taught. I love what I am doing.”

Q: You have been a part of seven championship teams and were inducted into the FPF Hall of Fame. What is left for you to accomplish?

A: “I play because I am still having fun. That extends off the field as well. I love grabbing a beer and going out to eat with teammates.” As long as I am still having fun, I will keep playing.”

Q: Every time I see you on the field, it looks like you’re having fun, and you always have a smile on your face. What is something that players and fans should know about you on the field?

A: “I am a competitor who is willing to do whatever it takes to win, but I also believe in having fun and keeping the game simple. You don’t need 25 plays to win. You need a handful, like five to six. Make a simple game plan and rely on your reads.”

Q: What does being in the Hall-of-Fame mean to you?

A: “I am grateful that my game has been recognized, but I must give credit to all my teammates as well. They played a part in helping me get to there. I am still humble guy. That has never changed.”

Q: Throughout your time on the field and on the sidelines, is there a particular game or season that stands out?

A: “It would have to be our first Terror Squad championship where I was the QB. We beat the Gladiateurs, when Pat (Jérome) won it for us by running back a two-point conversions attempt for a pick 2 (44-42) It was a fun and exciting game!”

Q: If you could play the role of General Manager, who would you pick for your ultimate FPF team for a 9-man roster?

A: “At Quarterback I would go with Kevin Wyeth. My Receivers would be Pat as my number one, and AJ Gomes as my number two. I would also take Alex Pilon, and Georges Gariépy. At Snapper I would take Serge Pilon Jr. On defense, I would have Isiah Allard at Rusher, along with Anthony Brisebois, Raphael Dagenais, and any combination of those other guys.”

Q: You wouldn’t put yourself on the team?

A: “I would be the Coach”

Q: From your view as a player and Coach, who are some players both female and male that are on the come up and ready to become the next big names in FPF?

A: “Fritzgerald Cenatus and James Drysdale. Those two are phenomenal players, who are already on people’s radars, and they are just scratching the surface. The sky is the limit with those two. Emilie Papillon, she is an absolute stud. This is her first year and she is going to be a good one. Laurence Girard, she is talented, smart, and has good hands. Another one is Sarah-Maude Hamel. She only started playing football last fall, but she threw 35 touchdown passes, and she got better every day. Look at Xavier Couture. He is only 16 years old, but he’s a good kid and he has speed a lot of speed. He is also smart, and with more reps he will only keep getting better.”

Q: You just turned 34, you play in multiple outdoor leagues. How much longer do you see yourself playing not just in FPF, but flag football in general?

A: “Another 10 years for sure. I can team-up with current (Terror Squad teammate) Pat Jérome. He can play Quarterback, and I can catch passes from him all day” he says with a laugh.