Bucs/NFL

Hilliard says he can see himself doing a Tiki

By STEPHEN F. HOLDER
Published October 28, 2006

TAMPA - Count Bucs receiver Ike Hilliard among those who support Giants running back Tiki Barber's decision to retire at the end of the season.

But what's interesting about Hilliard's take is he could see himself making a similar decision one day. The 10th-year veteran out of Florida always has viewed football as a temporary career he plans to leave behind whenever he feels the time is right.

"I'm not going to be going from place to place, team to team," said Hilliard, a former teammate of Barber's in New York. "I have two mortgages, a wife and three kids. I don't have time for that. I love the game and I respect the game, but I'll be able to see the handwriting on the wall. I'll give it everything I've got until then. After that, there's life after football."

Barber's decision was based on the multitude of nonfootball opportunities awaiting him. Hilliard took exception to those who have called Barber's decision selfish because it could be a potential distraction to the Giants.

"I don't think I even have to give an opinion about Tiki's decision," Hilliard said. "He doesn't care anyway. The thing that gets at him is that people have these opinions about what he's doing. That's his business."

Like Barber, Hilliard is active in off-the-field ventures that include running a real-estate development company and a clothing boutique his wife runs. He has said being smart with his money has enabled him to have options beyond the NFL, and when he feels the time is right, he'll begin a full-time pursuit of those things. Plus, giving up football will allow him to have the normal life he often misses out on.

"It'd be great to play until I was 40, but I like seeing my wife and my kids," said Hilliard, 30. "I'll find another challenge when it's over. But I'm not saying it's any time soon. I'm young. Maybe I can steal a few more years."

BIG-PLAY TORRIE?: With cornerback Brian Kelly out for the season, the Bucs have relied heavily on reserve Torrie Cox, the third cornerback when the Bucs go to their nickel defense.

"He's playing some critical snaps," coach Jon Gruden said of the fourth-year player out of Pittsburgh. "He's seen some of the best wideouts in football, and he's going to see more of the same this week. ... He's distinguished himself as a guy we know can play. We'd like to see him get on the board with an interception of his own. He's a guy we're counting on to give them to us."

INJURY REPORT: There was no change Friday. Players listed as questionable are tight end Anthony Becht foot, cornerback Juran Bolden (hip), receiver/punt returner Mark Jones (hamstring), linebacker Shelton Quarles (knee), defensive end Simeon Rice (shoulder), receiver Maurice Stovall (back) and defensive end Ellis Wyms (ankle). Jones said he is healed and expects to play Sunday against the Giants after missing two straight games.

Stephen F. Holder can be reached at sholder@sptimes.com or (813) 226-3377.

[Last modified October 28, 2006, 02:42:03]