Will Gholston, a Bucs defensive lineman, will be 33 at the start of training camp this summer. A bonafide graybeard in the NFL.
So, how can Gholston win races with Father Time while being relatively healthy? Gholston, who appeared on “Late Hits” co-hosted by Alex Marvez and Max Starks and broadcast exclusively on SiriusXM NFL Radio, stated that it is both mental and physical.
Gholston stated that he needed to find ways to keep in condition and assist his body recuperate without bashing it up, which is common while pumping heavy weights.
“I was just getting a massage, legitimately, right before I got the call [to appear on SiriusXM NFL Radio],” Gholston told ESPN. “I practice massages, yoga, Pilates, and jujitsu. I aim to get enough [workouts] in without overworking my body. So you constantly hammer it down with the weights.
“So I try to do everything to make sure my muscles stay long and strong.”
Gholton emphasized the importance of hydration, particularly for those living and working in Florida.
“I do IVs sometimes, and when we could, I did them,” Gholston added. “I make sure to keep hydrated. I prepare a lot of juices.
“I follow a meal prep schedule. I have a long list of things we can discuss about how I care for my body. But it seems to be second nature.”
So that’s the physical part. Gholston stated that on the field, he must remain mentally alert and prepared at all times. He admitted that he may not be as swift or strong as he once was, say, at the age of 23.
To stay mentally sharp, Gholston said he focuses on football information, whether it’s a playbook or watching a lot of film. Gholston emphasized that wisdom can compensate for a missed step.
“Embed myself inside the playbook,” Gholston stated. “I’m trying to learn as much about football as possible, rather than settling for my current football IQ.
“Every year, try to improve. The speed and strength are beginning to diminish. To be consistent, you must rely on your technique and basics.
Joe had the opportunity to speak with CBS’ Matt Ryan during Super Bowl Week in Las Vegas last winter. He claimed Lavonte David is that way. David may not be as quick as he once was (but Ryan says he is still speedy).
But Ryan enthused about David’s intelligence. And his intelligence readily compensates for any speed he may have lost to Father Time.
That sounds just like what Gholston was describing today.
The fact that Gholston undertakes all of these things outside of One Buc Palace and is such a stickler for different types of nourishment demonstrates his degree of professionalism.
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