Robert Gill, 29, was a track star at Texas State University turned football player. He is often called the oldest rookie in the NFL, but based on a recent video uploaded to YouTube, his strength, speed and stamina prove age is just a number.
Gill recently took on a challenge and hopped on a treadmill going 25 mph. The average person might be able to run 5 or 6 miles per hour, and those who are really in shape might be able to speed up to 5 or 8 miles per hour.
The rookie Arizona Cardinals player captioned the video "Broke the treadmill at 25mph. Getting ready for the 2013 season." He was recently offered a three-year contract after just one day in mini-camp, which is ironic, since football was never a priority for Gill.
He played just one year as a safety during his senior year at East Central High School in San Antonio, Texas. His passion was basketball, but at 150 pounds he wasn't a glimmer in the eye of any Division I coach, instead becoming a highly-recruited point guard on the junior college circuit.
He was later recruited as a track runner by Texas State, and although he wasn't very good at it, he worked his way to being the best.
"I was never really a track guy," Gill told AzCardinals.com. "They say some track guys can't play football. I was an athlete who can run track. Everything I do I will myself. I came in just a regular 400 runner. The next year I wanted it so bad, I willed myself to be one of the best 400 runners in the country."
After finally deciding he wanted a career in football and experiencing many disappointments, his time eventually came.
"He has an element you can't teach, which is speed," Cardinals General Manager Steve Keim said. "The fact that he's a 29-year-old rookie who has taken the long road to get here says a lot about his passion, desire and overall commitment to the game."
Gill has made a career out of defying other people's expectations because he's never been satisfied.
"Being 29 and never playing college football, the odds aren't with you," Gill said. "I knew when I got here it was going to be another test for me. I look at it as a challenge."
He credits his work ethic to his mother, Marie, after watching her earn her way to the American dream when they moved from Panamá to the U.S.
"I have to prove it. I love it. Every day I love it."
© 2024 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
