New York ? Nelly is used to making hits. Getting hit was another story.

The superstar rapper is making his movie debut in “The Longest Yard,” as the running back for a prison football squad that takes on a team of guards. Adam Sandler plays the quarterback and Burt Reynolds – who starred in the 1974 original – plays the prison team’s coach.

Nelly spoke to The Associated Press about doing his own stunts, doing prison time and why rappers make good actors:

Q: You’ve filmed dozens of videos, but this is your major motion picture debut. How was it?

A: It was cool. I don’t want to say easy, because it wasn’t easy. It was natural for me because I could relate to the role so easily, as far as me playing football and hanging out with the guys. My experiences growing up playing football helped. I played in the junior football league and junior high school ball in St. Louis. It wasn’t anything I had to take too many acting classes for. I didn’t have to cry on film or anything like that.

Q: Ever spend any time in prison?

A: Not to that extent. Not prison time. I have spent a few days here and there growing up.

Q: Your character wore No. 23 on his jersey. Any specific reason you chose that number?

A: Michael Jordan. Come on! I wanted to get No. 1 but they already had that slated for someone else. So I had to go with 23. MJ is the best athlete to ever live.

Nelly

Q: I know you were drafted to play baseball out of high school, but you play a few other sports. What’s your best sport?

A: Contrary to what everyone says, I think my best sport is football. But I was built better for baseball. I’m not very big. … I’m about 5-foot-9, 175 pounds. I used to be about 5-7, 150 pounds. So baseball was good because I could run I could hit I could catch. But my elusiveness made me a good football player. I would have to say basketball is my worst sport.

Q: You’ve played in a lot of celebrity games. Did that help you prepare for this role?

A: Of course. I caught a touchdown pass from Warren Moon. Intercepted Dan Marino. Caught a pass on Deion (Sanders), that was when Deion was young. That’s enough for one day: touchdown from Moon, intercept Marino, and catch a pass on the best corner to ever play the game. This was in the MTV Rock ‘n’ Jock game. Let me know if you didn’t see it. I can send you the tape.

Q: Had you ever seen the original movie before you were contacted for this role?

A: A long time ago. Then I had to watch it again to get more familiar with it. But Burt Reynolds did his thing back then. You know, I used to watch “Smokey and the Bandit” and all that.

Q: Who was a better quarterback, Adam Sandler or Burt Reynolds?

A: Oh man, you can’t ask me that. Well, Adam was probably the better quarterback but Burt looked cooler doing it. Burt was slick back in the day. Adam is a comedian. Burt was always a ladies man.