NFLRUSH continued its interview with Gary Baxter, defensive back for the Cleveland Browns. He told us all about his Thanksgiving plans, upcoming birthday and family traditions. Here's what he said:

NFLRUSH: Gary, let's talk about some things off the field. Are you doing anything special for Thanksgiving? Family? Friends?

GARY: I usually have some family members visit me in Cleveland during Thanksgiving but this year I'm going home (to Texas) and I'll be with the whole family for the holiday!

NFLRUSH: Does your family have any Thanksgiving traditions that you all still keep?

GARY: Well, my birthday is on Thanksgiving Day, so I think there's going to be a cake! My family always has a huge meal and we watch football and we always go out to a movie, the whole family.

NFLRUSH: Who decides what movie you see?

GARY: We pick out a few the week before and then we vote on which one we should see!

NFLRUSH: Sounds fair. Any other family traditions?

GARY: Yeah, we play Dominos. That is definitely a family tradition! And it's competitive.

NFLRUSH: You play with Willie (McGinest, Browns linebacker) a lot, right?

GARY: Yup, and I've been losing lately. But, playing with Willie is just practice for when I'm home with my family. We all love Dominos.

NFLRUSH: So, Gary, do you have any advice for kids about eating healthy during Thanksgiving?

GARY: Well, it's tough because there's so much good stuff all around. Try to stay away from sweets. I have a hard time not cheating because it's my birthday. I eat some cake, but I know I'll be back to working out everyday a couple of days after that.

NFLRUSH: Do you do anything special in the community for Thanksgiving, Gary?

GARY: Yes, I do. Every year I buy about 300 to 400 turkeys and give them away to families that can't afford them or that are in need. I'll be doing it in Cleveland this year.

NFLRUSH: That's a really great thing you do.

GARY: Well, I don't really like to publicize it, but I like helping people.

NFLRUSH: Well, Gary, do you have any advice for kids about what you've learned, while being injured and working your way back to playing every week?

GARY: I would just say, be positive. You have to do your best with the cards you're dealt, but if you work hard, you really can do your best. My new motto is: be persistent and consistent! That's what I've been saying - be persistent and consistent!

NFLRUSH: That's really good advice! Well, Gary, have a great Thanksgiving with your family and Happy Birthday! Thanks for taking the time to talk to NFLRUSH.

GARY: Thank you! Happy Thanksgiving. Talk to you soon!

NFLRUSH.com caught up with Gary Baxter after the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. He told us all about his weekend. Here's what he said:

NFLRUSH: How has everything been going?

GARY: Everything has been good. I'm still doing regular rehab, but it's getting a whole lot better. I'm really impressed with everything that's been going on and I feel blessed that I'm getting better. My body is responding to the workouts. My muscles are waking up and the more I give them, the more they want. I can't give them enough.

NFLRUSH: What did you do for Thanksgiving?

GARY: I went home, celebrated my birthday with family and friends.

NFLRUSH: Did you eat a lot of turkey on Thanksgiving Day?

GARY: I really didn't eat too much turkey. I ate a lot of ham. I like ham.

NFLRUSH: How many servings did you eat?

GARY: I ate twice that day, once at noon and again at like 4 o'clock. I really didn't go back for that much more because I've been training.

NFLRUSH: Did you gain weight from the holiday?

GARY: Actually, I put on about 4 pounds, but nothing major. I didn't eat too many desserts or anything.

NFLRUSH: How was your birthday?

GARY: My birthday was great. My family and friends threw me a surprise party. It was great to be home with my family and friends. That's what the holidays are all about.

NFLRUSH: A surprise party? That must have been fun!

GARY: I knew it was coming, because I asked all my friends what they were doing and everyone was all of a sudden busy. At first, I thought it was strange because I always call them up and we always hang out, so I knew they were up to something. Then all of a sudden they all showed up at the house with a limo and they took me out to a steakhouse place and we had a nice dinner. It was a lot of fun.

NFLRUSH: When did you get back? Were you able to make it to the game?

GARY: I just got back on Monday. It's hard for me to make it to the games because I'm not playing. I want to play so bad that it just gets to me not being able to.

NFLRUSH: The Browns are having a great season. That must be exciting!

GARY: We're 7-4 right now and I'm so proud of the guys because no one expected us to be where we are. The guys are excited. They're happy about the situation and they know it can be as real as they want to make it. All you have to do is put in a lot of work. It's starting to get contagious around here. They look at my situation as motivation because a lot of people don't think I should be where I'm at, so they draw inspiration from me. That's been my contribution to the team.

NFLRUSH: How do you make sure that you stay focused?

GARY: With these guys nothing has changed. They walk into the locker room and say, "We have done nothing so far." The guys are still pushing themselves even harder, that's why we have been successful. No one is getting comfortable. Everyone is staying focused and that's what they need to do.

Check back soon for part 8 of the NFLRUSH.com interview to see what else Gary did on his Thanksgiving and what he thinks about NFL sensation, Devin Hester.

NFLRUSH continued its interview with Gary Baxter, defensive back for the Cleveland Browns. He told us all about his Thanksgiving plans, upcoming birthday and family traditions. Here's what he said:

NFLRUSH: Gary, let's talk about some things off the field. Are you doing anything special for Thanksgiving? Family? Friends?

GARY: I usually have some family members visit me in Cleveland during Thanksgiving but this year I'm going home (to Texas) and I'll be with the whole family for the holiday!

NFLRUSH: Does your family have any Thanksgiving traditions that you all still keep?

GARY: Well, my birthday is on Thanksgiving Day, so I think there's going to be a cake! My family always has a huge meal and we watch football and we always go out to a movie, the whole family.

NFLRUSH: Who decides what movie you see?

GARY: We pick out a few the week before and then we vote on which one we should see!

NFLRUSH: Sounds fair. Any other family traditions?

GARY: Yeah, we play Dominos. That is definitely a family tradition! And it's competitive.

NFLRUSH: You play with Willie (McGinest, Browns linebacker) a lot, right?

GARY: Yup, and I've been losing lately. But, playing with Willie is just practice for when I'm home with my family. We all love Dominos.

NFLRUSH: So, Gary, do you have any advice for kids about eating healthy during Thanksgiving?

GARY: Well, it's tough because there's so much good stuff all around. Try to stay away from sweets. I have a hard time not cheating because it's my birthday. I eat some cake, but I know I'll be back to working out everyday a couple of days after that.

NFLRUSH: Do you do anything special in the community for Thanksgiving, Gary?

GARY: Yes, I do. Every year I buy about 300 to 400 turkeys and give them away to families that can't afford them or that are in need. I'll be doing it in Cleveland this year.

NFLRUSH: That's a really great thing you do.

GARY: Well, I don't really like to publicize it, but I like helping people.

NFLRUSH: Well, Gary, do you have any advice for kids about what you've learned, while being injured and working your way back to playing every week?

GARY: I would just say, be positive. You have to do your best with the cards you're dealt, but if you work hard, you really can do your best. My new motto is: be persistent and consistent! That's what I've been saying - be persistent and consistent!

NFLRUSH: That's really good advice! Well, Gary, have a great Thanksgiving with your family and Happy Birthday! Thanks for taking the time to talk to NFLRUSH.

GARY: Thank you! Happy Thanksgiving. Talk to you soon!

NFLRUSH asked Gary Baxter, defensive back for the Cleveland Browns, some questions about his health, how his workouts are going and his thoughts on his team's season so far. Here's what Gary had to say:

NFLRUSH: How're you feeling today, Gary?

GARY: I'm feeling great! I did a lot of squats this morning, really worked on my lower body. I feel really good.

NFLRUSH: You haven't been playing in games, but how are your workouts going?

GARY: Really well. All my trainers are impressed by my progress! However, I did just go on injured reserve, to be on the safe side.

NFLRUSH: IR means you're on injured reserve. So, can you work out with the team?

GARY: No, not for now. But, I get up every morning and go right to rehab and then work out.

NFLRUSH: Does being on IR bring your dedication down or...

GARY: No! My workouts are more intense and I'm going stronger! Other players are wondering what I'm still doing here and say I should go home and do rehab.

NFLRUSH: What do you tell them?

GARY: Hey, I have a lot of work to do - rehab and workouts. And, I want to support the team! I plan on being 100% healthy when the season is over, so I can enjoy my off-season! So, I'm putting the "pedal to the metal" and working harder than ever! And, I'm eating organic food.

NFLRUSH: So, when can you practice on a field next?

GARY: I'm going to start practicing solo in a few weeks on the field, having footballs thrown to me and doing a lot of running.

NFLRUSH: That's great! Gary, you guys just had a huge win over Seattle. How's everyone feeling about the team so far this season?

GARY: We had a huge win! We've really come together as a team this season. We're not giving up at all. In the past, when we were down things got out of hand, but not this team, not this season!

NFLRUSH: The team's mood must be up! Are people happy?

GARY: Oh yeah. Actually, more surprised than happy. I guess no one thought we'd be doing as well as we've done. So now other teams and everyone are looking at us differently... giving us respect!

NFLRUSH: And how about your QB Derek Anderson! He's doing so well.

GARY: Derek is a surprise because he came out of nowhere and he's been great. You never know how things are going to work out. You don't have to be a high up draft pick to be a great player. I was talking to Derek this morning, telling him how much we need him and that this is his team, so have fun!

NFLRUSH: And is he?

GARY: Absolutely. He doesn't seem to feel any pressure. He's really a goofy guy and that's great!

Check back later to read Part 6 of NFLRUSH's interview with Gary Baxter where we will find out what an NFL pro does for Thanksgiving.

NFLRUSH asked Gary some questions about what he does when he isn't working out or practicing -- what his all-time favorite game is (you may be surprised!), movies he's watched lately and the fun he's had coaching kids at a local school! Here's what Gary had to say:

NFLRUSH: How about your life when you're not working out and practicing? Do you watch movies? What was the last movie you saw?

GARY: I've been watching movies left and right! It is the only entertainment I have right now... Let's see, I've watched 'Batman Begins.'

NFLRUSH: We will! So, Gary, more off-the-field questions: are you friends with any of your teammates off the field? Do you guys ever just hang out?

GARY: Willie McGinest and I love playing dominos. We play all the time in the locker room!

NFLRUSH: Wow, dominos!? Who's better - you or Willie?

GARY: Man, it is a battle when we play. We have fun with it, but we like to compete. We played like seven or eight fast games this morning! Willie came ready to play! I won today, but it goes back and forth.

NFLRUSH: Have you been playing dominos for a long time? Did you play as a kid?

GARY: Definitely, I loved to play as a kid. In a lot of ways, dominos is the reason I am the way I am! Really! It made me a competitor. I would play with my step-dad for hours and hours and he never let me win! He made me really play hard and taught me that you have to have a strategy and earn it! He instilled that fight in me.

NFLRUSH: And, you're still playing to this day! That's great. Have you been doing any other fun off-the-field activities?

GARY: Yes, actually last week I was the PE teacher for an hour at a middle school. It was great!

NFLRUSH: What did you do with the kids?

GARY: Well, because it's me, we played an exercise game! It was fun and a good workout. It was a good feeling knowing the kids are smiling and having fun. They responded to me. We talked and I gave them some autographs and cards and tickets!

NFLRUSH: It sounds like you really enjoyed being their teacher!

GARY: I really did! The kids asked me questions that they may be a bit shy or embarrassed to ask their parents. I think they learned from me. Honestly, the kids didn't want to leave and neither did I!

NFLRUSH: Do you think you'll go back and coach them again?

GARY: I was invited back anytime and I will try to go back and work with kids as much as I can. I want to start going to a school and helping out every Tuesday. Kids are great!

NFLRUSH: They must have loved having you, an NFL player, as a coach?

GARY: Yeah, it really was so fun. I encourage all players and everyone to get involved in the community and get involved helping kids. You can have a great impact!

NFLRUSH: Absolutely!

Well Gary, thanks for taking the time to talk to NFLRUSH. Good luck with your workout and practices. We hope you're back in the game real soon.

The other day, NFLRUSH caught back up with Gary Baxter, defensive back for the Cleveland Browns. Here's what we talked about:

NFLRUSH: So, Gary, how are you feeling these days?

GARY: I'm feeling good, real good.

NFLRUSH: We know you're on an intense workout schedule. How many hours are you working out every day right now?

GARY: Let's see, I'd say 8 to 9 hours a day.

NFLRUSH: Nine hours! Wow! How are your knees feeling? Are you in any pain?

GARY: My knees feel good. No, no pain. I just don't think I can play at the level I know I have to be at for the NFL yet.

NFLRUSH: Watching your team play and not being able to play right now must be hard. Are you frustrated?

GARY: I am very frustrated. I want to play! It's very hard to watch the team win and have fun. But, I don't want to get out on the field too soon - it has to be the right time. I know what it takes to play at this level and I don't want to rush it.

NFLRUSH: You're putting so much time into your rehab and workouts.

GARY: Yeah, I know the payoff will happen soon if I keep working at it. You just have to keep working and grinding and not give up!

NFLRUSH: That's a great message for kids and for all of us.

GARY: I'll tell you -- I am the most impatient person there is - really! But this injury is teaching me patience like nothing else!

NFLRUSH: Gary, are you practicing with the team?

GARY: Oh yeah -- I am practicing all the way through, from beginning to end! I am doing all of it.

NFLRUSH: That's great! How does it feel to be practicing?

GARY: It feels really good. You know, I'm a perfectionist and don't like to do things half way. So, I'm all out at practices. I want to do things right.

NFLRUSH: So, Gary, during rehab, are there exercises that you really like and don't mind doing? And, are there exercises that you dread doing and kind of hate?

GARY: I love squats and squat jumps. I love doing those! I do NOT like the TKE (terminal knee extensions). I know I have to do them when I get to them, so I do it anyway and I give it my all. I believe in doing things right.

NFLRUSH: Do you have any workout partners or do you usually workout on your own?

GARY: I work out on my own with my own fitness regimen. There are certain things I have to focus on and it's better to do that alone.

In part 4 of our interview with Gary, you'll find out what his all-time favorite games, movies and his day as a gym teacher!

NFLRUSH: Gary, when you were a kid, did you work out a lot? And when did you realize that staying fit and eating a healthy diet was the right thing to do?

GARY: I've been playing football since I was about ten. Where I grew up in Texas, it is all about football. My mom had me in my own 'boot camp' so I would be in shape to play football.

NFLRUSH: Where did you grow up?

GARY: In Tyler, Texas. They take football VERY seriously. It rules there. I worked out a lot in high school and we practiced everyday, even on holidays. First we would practice or play then we would have Thanksgiving or Christmas. From 9th grade through my senior year in high school, our team only lost two games.

NFLRUSH: Gary, when you workout now, do you workout with other people? Other players?

GARY: No, I workout alone. Solo. I grind it out. My trainers tell me I do too much. I always want to do more.

NFLRUSH: Do you listen to music when you workout? What're you in to?

GARY: Oh yeah, I listen to music all the time. Music has been a healing point for me. It's good for the soul. I listen to Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson. People laugh at me when I listen to Michael Jackson - they say I shouldn't - but, hey, it's good music!

NFLRUSH: Gary, do you think there are benefits for kids when they exercise regularly and eat healthy? Benefits not just in sports?

GARY: Yes, yes. I think you can feel the results from exercising. Your energy is up and you have better focus. And, of course, you have to eat a healthy diet. I'm all about energy - these things will help kids have constant energy. And the result will be better self-esteem.

NFLRUSH: Do you have any advice for kids who may not want to exercise or are having trouble getting motivated to work out?

GARY: You have to do it because you'll have a better payoff than if you don't do anything. Do whatever kind of exercise you like, but you can never quit. There's always the good with the bad, but look at me, I'm not just talking about it, I'm living it. There are challenges for all of us - and kids! It's easy not to do something, to just quit, but keeping going - keep exercising and eating right. It will help you with who you are and what you are!

NFLRUSH: Do you ever play any tricks or pranks on other players or your doctors?

GARY: I've played some pranks on my doctors. They would be examining my knee and just touch it and I'd SCREAM in pain. They'd be serious and feel real bad - "Are you ok? Are you ok?" Then I'd laugh and tell them I was just kidding around.

NFLRUSH: Alright, Gary, let's have some stats - how many sit-ups can you do? And how about push-ups?

GARY: Hmm, let's see. I can probably do about 100 to 150 pushups. And, sit-ups? I can do them all day long. I'd say I can do an unlimited amount of sit-ups.

Thanks Gary, we'll checking back in with you later on in the season.

The other day, NFLRUSH spoke to Gary Baxter, defensive back for the Cleveland Browns. Here's Part 1 of our interview:

Gary hurt both his knees last October in a game against the Denver Broncos. He was in the hospital for three months. Many people told Gary that his football career was over, that he would never play again.

But, Gary Baxter never believed that. Gary Baxter always believed in himself and has dedicated all his time and energy with one goal in mind - to play football again! He has been in rehab, worked with many doctors, and does intense workouts on his own!
Gary's knees are much better and he is much stronger these days. Gary Baxter is one driven NFL player who never gives up!

NFLRUSH asked Gary some questions about his exercise routine, staying fit, eating healthy, and how he's feeling after he hurt both knees last season. Here's what Gary had to say:

NFLRUSH: So, Gary, last year a lot of people said you would never play football again. How are you feeling?

GARY: I'm feeling really good. Yeah, when I was first hurt and in the hospital I had a lot of time to think. I knew I wanted to play football again and I knew it would be extremely hard to get back to being physically fit. But I've worked my butt off - I work out for hours everyday!

NFLRUSH: How many hours do you work out?

GARY: 5 to 6 hours a day. EVERY day.

NFLRUSH: Wow! Gary, is it hard to motivate yourself to work out every day for so long?

GARY: No. I get out of bed in the morning and I'm excited to workout. I'm really pumped. I have not missed a day of rehab. That's what I've dedicated my life to now.

NFLRUSH: And you can really see the results from your rehab and working out, right?

GARY: I'm a year ahead of schedule. I've amazed doctors and coaches... and myself! I like to prove people wrong - I like to show people who say I can't do something that I CAN! My mottos are "At all costs!" and "Never quit, never die!"

NFLRUSH: Gary, the PLAY60 program wants kids active, doing some form of exercise for 60 minutes a day. Do you think kids can do that?

GARY: Oh, yes. My advice for kids is to get out there and break a sweat. That's what I try to do every time I workout. Kids should play whatever they like to play or do what exercise they like - jogging, basketball, tennis - but they should do it. Don't ever give up.

NFLRUSH: And, Gary, how about your diet? You eat really healthy foods, right?

GARY: Oh yes. I watch what I eat. Definitely. I eat a lot of fruit and yogurt. I love yogurt! I try not to eat fried food. Kids should stay away from fried food. And I also try not to drink soda or juices with a lot of sugar. I drink diet sodas and a lot of water.

NFLRUSH: What's the food that you really want to eat and is the hardest to stay away from for you?

GARY: Cookies and cake! I like those.

NFLRUSH: So, you have a sweet tooth?

GARY: I admit it, I do.

Check out for part 2 of NFLRUSH's interview with Gary Baxter when we ask him the tough questions, like how many pushups he can do!