30 SECONDS: Jarvis Green

He has a couple of championship rings, a full slate of charity projects and a brand new restaurant in Donaldsonville. And even though his New England Patriots lost the big one this year, Jarvis Green still has reasons to celebrate.

You won the Patriots’ 2006 Ron Burton Community Service Award?

I grew up in a humble home. My parents always taught me if there’s someone in a greater need than me, to be there for them even more. That’s what I see, and that’s how I live. My motivation comes from what I do and what was given to me: a huge opportunity to help a lot of people. That’s my job!

Where were you when you heard former teammate Marquis Hill had drowned?

I was home watching TV. It was a shock. My first thought was, ‘What in the hell was he thinking not wearing a life vest?’ I’ve been on those waters a few times in my life, but never without a vest on. It was tough. My role with his son Ma’shy is only as a godparent. I will never replace his father. I can be there to provide structure and help raise him to be responsible and a caretaker for those under him.

Tell me about your new restaurant, The Capitol.

I came up with that name because in the year 1830 my hometown, Donaldsonville, used to be the state capital of Louisiana. So that is very special to me and the people of the town we are from. We have a lot of big-screen TVs, and the food is pretty much bar food—a few salads, a lot of different varieties of buffalo-style chicken wings and a huge dessert menu.

Did you always want to own a restaurant?

I always wanted to build something. Opening a sports bar in my hometown was something it really needed. I could have done something in Baton Rouge, but why? My hometown needs a place that is for everyone. I think it will make everyone happy in Donaldsonville and towns nearby, and will offer about 40 jobs to my little hometown. If they ever say anything about me in the future, I hope they say I made a difference by bringing everyone together for a lot of big laughs.

What was the locker room like after the Super Bowl?

I was disappointed and upset. The Giants outplayed us, and we have to move on and get ready for the next season.

For more, visit jarvisgreen.com.