NFLRUSH

Gary Baxter

Roberto Garza Antonio Gates Gary Baxter

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.