NFLRUSH

ANTONIO GATES

Roberto Garza Antonio Gates Gary Baxter

NFLRUSH caught up with Antonio Gates, tight end for the San Diego Chargers, and asked him some questions about training during the season, what he eats before and after games and about his basketball playing days in college. Here's what Antonio had to say:

NFLRUSH: So Antonio, now that we're into the season, has your training routine changed?

ANTONIO: Yeah, it changes. I continue to stretch a lot, eat right and workout. I treat my body like a high performance car. It has to be maintained right, so it will work well.

NFLRUSH: So, during the season, you're training more or less than during training camp?

ANTONIO: Well, I have to pull back a little bit now that we're playing games. I put out more (energy and exertion) during the season, so I have to replenish my body with fluids. I have to drink fluids all the time.

NFLRUSH: What do you like to eat before games? And after games you must be starving, do you eat in the locker room or go out?

ANTONIO: Let's see, my pre-game meal is always carbs. It's like gas for the body - I have to keep it gassed, so it will run the way I need it to. I eat pasta, chicken, or sometimes egg-white omelets. After a game, I am always starving. I like to eat outside the locker room, though, there's a lot of food there. I have no real preference where I eat. Sometimes I go out with family or friends. If it's late I definitely try not to eat red meat or fried food. I'll have fish or chicken, but I stay away from red meat.

NFLRUSH: Antonio, are you friends with other players off the field? Who do you spend time with?

ANTONIO: Everyone basically has his own way. I will usually hang out with my brother and cousins when they come into town to visit for home games. Other family members sometimes come to the games, so I'll see them afterwards, too.

NFLRUSH: Do you have a workout partner, Antonio?

ANTONIO: Not really. Everyone on the team is accountable for his own actions when it comes to working out. You have to come in and lift during your scheduled time.

NFLRUSH: So, Antonio, how're you feeling, any injuries to speak of?

ANTONIO: Actually, my hand and my ribs. It's rough playing football! So when I'm working out, I try to use lighter weight depending on how my hand or my hamstrings feel. I am very aware of how I'm feeling because I always need to maintain to play well.

NFLRUSH: You played basketball in college. Would you say that the workouts for football are similar to what you did for basketball?

ANTONIO: No, it is different. When I worked out for basketball there was much less lifting. For football, you have to lift to prevent injuries! The stronger you are the better football player you'll be.

NFLRUSH: Are you still in touch with the guys you played basketball with? And do you ever still play hoops?

ANTONIO: Oh yeah, I still speak to some of my old college teammates. And, as far as playing -- I have a court in my backyard, so I like to play a little bit. I play during the off-season and I still go to San Diego State and play ball.

What keeps this superstar motivated to keep pushing the envelope? What does Antonio do when he's not on the field? The answers to these questions and more in part 4 of the NFLRUSH interview with Antonio Gates. You don't want to miss it.