NFLRUSH

Roberto Garza

Roberto Garza Antonio Gates Gary Baxter

The other day, NFLRUSH spoke to Roberto Garza, offensive guard for the Chicago Bears and asked him some questions about how much he sleeps the night before a game and what he does when he hangs with teammates away from the field. Take a guess, what game do the Bears play after their practices on Saturdays? Here's what Roberto had to say:

NFLRUSH: Let's talk about sleep, Roberto. How much sleep do you get the night before a game?

ROBERTO: I usually get 8 hours, definitely 7-9 hours. Our curfew is at 11pm the night before a game, so everyone on the team is in their room around 10pm. There's no doubt that sleep is essential, so you can play at your best.

NFLRUSH: Is it hard to get a good sleep in hotels, do they keep you awake?

ROBERTO: Well, the team stays on floors that are only for the players, so it's usually quiet. There are lots of guys that do have trouble sleeping in hotels, though. It's tough to not sleep in your own bed and to be away from your family. You just have to get enough rest and try to get comfortable.

NFLRUSH: Roberto, do you have a post-game routine that you usually follow?

ROBERTO: After a game, I usually go out with my wife and family or friends. I like to stay in Chicago and go to restaurants. You know, by the time the game is over, I am really hungry.

NFLRUSH: I bet! So, do you ever hang with other guys on the team? Are you friends with any of them away from work?

ROBERTO: I do hang out with teammates. Every Thursday the whole offensive line goes out for dinner together. It's great. We build chemistry and spend quality time together, having fun and bonding. Look, we have to work together - we're involved in about 70 plays a game - and we work out together, so it's great to also eat together.

NFLRUSH: Who pays for those Thursday night dinners? Do you always pick up the check?

ROBERTO: We take turns paying. A lot of times, the veterans (older players) pay. It's a privilege, you know.

NFLRUSH: And do the Bears' quarterbacks join you guys for dinner?

ROBERTO: Oh, absolutely! Anyone on the team is invited. (Quarterback) Brian Griese has been joining us lately.

NFLRUSH: Those dinners together and hanging out must help your game.

ROBERTO: I think so. I'm always with that group of guys and we've become friends. I really think that bond shows on Sundays during the games.

NFLRUSH: Any funny stories or things we wouldn't know about you or the team?

ROBERTO: Well, we do play Dodgeball after practice on Saturdays! We play offense vs. defense...with a real dodge ball!

NFLRUSH: What a blast! Anything else you want to tell the kids reading this?

ROBERTO: Just remember, football is a game and you should enjoy every minute of it when you're playing. And the friendships you make on your team (or teams) you may have for your entire life!

Thanks for taking the time to talk to us, Roberto! Good luck in your upcoming games!