NFLRUSH

Gary Baxter

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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!