NFLRUSH

Gary Baxter

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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!