NFLRUSH

ANTONIO GATES

Roberto Garza Antonio Gates Gary Baxter

NFLRUSH NFLRUSH talked to Antonio Gates, tight end for the San Diego Chargers, and asked him some questions about being on the cover of Sports Illustrated Kids and also about what Thanksgiving was like for him as a kid! Here's what Antonio had to say:

NFLRUSH: Antonio, you recently were on the cover of Sports Illustrated Kids. What was that like?

ANTONIO: That was really fun. It was a great experience. I mean, when I was a kid I always wondered what the life of a pro athlete was like. These kids got to see me -- a pro football player -- and ask me things about myself and what I do. It was very cool.

NFLRUSH: With Thanksgiving coming up, Antonio, we're wondering if you have big plans with your family or friends this year?

ANTONIO: I want to see my family but I'm not sure what my schedule will be. We'll be on the road. Luckily, I got to be with my family last year.

NFLRUSH: Do you do anything in the community around Thanksgiving time?

ANTONIO: Yes. We have our Annual Blood Drive to raise money for kids in need and for anyone that needs help. I also help hand out turkeys before Thanksgiving.

NFLRUSH: Antonio, do you have memories of Thanksgiving when you were a kid? Any family traditions you'd always do?

ANTONIO: We would go to my Grandma's house in Michigan and, of course, eat. It was great, we'd just hang out. No traditions really, except we would watch Lions games.

NFLRUSH: What players did you like back then?

ANTONIO: Well, I always looked up to Barry Sanders. Yeah, growing up, I was a big fan of his.

NFLRUSH: After the big Thanksgiving meal did you and your family do anything in particular to work-off the food? Did you go outside and play anything?

ANTONIO: I grew up in Michigan so it was usually really cold at Thanksgiving. Too cold, so we didn't go outside after the meal, we just hung out.

NFLRUSH: How about these days after Thanksgiving - do you try to work-off the food after the big meal?

ANTONIO: Oh yeah. You pay the price for eating so much, you know. I try to jog and do some cardio after eating a lot.

NFLRUSH: But, eating all that food is worth it, right?

ANTONIO: Definitely. It's Thanksgiving!