Antonio Gates

NFLRUSH caught up with Antonio Gates, tight end for the San Diego Chargers, and asked him some questions about his favorite foods and music, and what he'd be doing if he wasn't a pro athlete. Here's what Antonio had to say:

NFLRUSH: So, Antonio, let's talk about food. Can you cook?

ANTONIO: I cook for myself, but no one else! I do have a chef (that cooks for me), since I really am not a natural chef.

NFLRUSH: And what's your favorite healthy meal or snack? And what foods do you stay away from?

ANTONIO: I love Greek Chicken Salad, but my favorite meal is baked fish. And I definitely try to stay away from bread.

NFLRUSH: So, no toast for breakfast. Then, what do you have for breakfast?

ANTONIO: I usually have either a large bowl of oatmeal or cream of wheat.

Antonio Gates
NFLRUSH: Antonio, what do you do to prepare physically for a game?

ANTONIO: I definitely try to relax - I get a massage or I see a chiropractor. You have to stay fresh and take care of your body. Before a game I ice my shoulders, knees and my legs.

NFLRUSH: Do you listen to any special music? What's on your Ipod these days?

ANTONIO: Mostly rap or R&B -- it just depends on my mood.

NFLRUSH: Do you have any favorite things to do outside sports, Antonio? And if you weren't playing pro football what do you think you'd be doing?

ANTONIO: I've always loved sports. I love to compete. I also always wanted to be a coach. If I wasn't playing football, I think I'd be a police officer or a fire fighter.

NFLRUSH: Alright, Antonio, it's time to get serious - how many sit-ups can you do? And how many push-ups?

ANTONIO: I can do as many as I want. But, let's see, I can do 60 pushups and 100 sit-ups without stopping.