Will Gholston Tries Just About Everything Legal To Stay Fresh For Football
April 18th, 2024
Will Gholston explains how he stays in shape well into his 30s.
Bucs defensive lineman Will Gholston will turn 33 during training camp this summer. A true graybeard in the NFL.
So how does Gholston win races with Father Time and still stay somewhat healthy? Gholston, appearing on “Late Hits” co-hosted by Alex Marvez and Max Starks heard exclusively on SiriusXM NFL Radio, said it is mental and physical.
Gholston noted he had to find ways to stay in shape and help his body recover without beating up his body, which often happens pumping a lot of weights.
“I was just getting a massage, legitimately, right before I got the call [to appear on SiriusXM NFL Radio],” Gholston said. “I do massages, yoga, Pilates, jujitsu. I try to make sure my body gets enough [work outs] without beating it down. So, you beat it down with the weights all the time.
“So I try to do everything to make sure my muscles stay long and strong.”
Hydration, Gholton said, is critical.
“I do IVs sometimes, when we could do them I did them,” Gholston said. “I make sure I stay hydrated. I do a lot of juices.
“I do a meal prep routine. I have a long list of things we can go down [on] the things I do for my body. But it seems like second nature.”
So that is the physical part. Gholston said he has to stay mentally sharp and always prepared. He confessed he may not be as quick or strong as he approaches 33 as he was when he was, say, 23.
To stay mentally sharp, Gholston said he emphasizes football knowledge whether that is a playbook or a lot of film. Gholston noted wisdom can make up for a lost step.
“Embed myself inside of the playbook,” Gholston said. “Trying to gain as much football knowledge, not settling for the football IQ I already have.
“Each year try to grow. The speed and strength are starting to taper out. To be consistent, you have to rely on your technique and fundamentals.”
During Super Bowl Week in Las Vegas, Joe had a chance to talk to Matt Ryan of CBS. He said Lavonte David how Gholston described himself; David may not be as lightning-quick as he used to be. But Ryan raved about how smart David is and said his intelligence easily makes up for whatever quickness Father Time has taken away.
The fact Gholston does all these activities away from One Buc Palace and is such a stickler for various kinds of nutrition shows what level of a professional he is.
April 18th, 2024 at 5:54 am
Here’s a guy who doesn’t take anything for granted and appreciates the opportunity he was given. Big Will is one of my favorites, he got out of Michigan and made something of himself.
April 18th, 2024 at 6:17 am
Gholston is a breath of fresh air. He is doing everything right, physically and mentally. All of it so important on and off the field. Great input from Matt Ryan about Lavonte too.
April 18th, 2024 at 6:28 am
Always like this cat. Lunch pail guy there when you need him and seems to still get better.
April 18th, 2024 at 6:49 am
Having guys like Gholston & David on the team is critical IMO to building & maintaining a great team culture that ‘takes nothing for granted’. Sends a valuable message to the young studs that if you want to have a long & successful career, this is what it takes.
April 18th, 2024 at 6:57 am
Wonder if Brady turned them on to that stuff
April 18th, 2024 at 7:10 am
Hot yoga and pilates mixed in with massages keeps this 40 year old young and fresh. I highly recommend it to everyone, as I can out work most 2- somethings easily. The hot yoga routine is amazing, try it everyone!!
April 18th, 2024 at 7:21 am
This is why Will Gholston is still playing in this league. Gholston is a true mentor and an example for the young guys.
April 18th, 2024 at 7:24 am
TBBF’s keys to a long life (so far) is to avoid Yoga & running……consume lots of single malt and smoke a daily cigar. And most importantly, maintain a good relationship with your recliner.
I won’t be playing for the Bucs…..but I am fit to watch.
April 18th, 2024 at 7:40 am
@Beeej – Good point about Brady and his health strategies. Hadn’t thought about that. He probably guided many of his team-mates in how to have healthy bodies and minds.
April 18th, 2024 at 8:39 am
Seems like taking care of your body and learning your craft should/would be the standard for any professional athlete, not the exception. While we can appreciate their commitment, this type of reverence feels equivalent to applauding truck drivers for maintaining their CDL. People doing their job is good
Hey Joe, your finger dexterity for typing and ability to mine the internet is amazing. What is your regime? A box of glaced donuts, ample beer, and an understanding partner (or lack of)? Whatever it is, Bravo!
April 18th, 2024 at 9:35 am
The Bucs need guys like Gholston and David on the offensive side of the ball. Hey Joe, who are these guys in the offense?
April 18th, 2024 at 9:43 am
He is stout against the run.
April 18th, 2024 at 10:46 am
Beej & HeyJude … I know that Brady gets credited with being a fantastic fitness example, and rightfully so, but I think that Ndamukong Suh had more of an impact on Big Will & Vita Vea. Suh came in 2019 (a year before Brady) and his role in helping to transform our DLine’s ‘image’ was undeniable IMO. I remember in 2020 when Vea went down early and made it back for the playoffs that it was Suh who he credited so much in teaching him how to rehab & eat better (even lent him his personal chef as I recall).
Another who deserves a lot of credit for ‘transforming’ Gholston’s role with the Bucs is Todd Bowles. Will’s role was modified quite a bit in 2019 when Bowles arrived. Probably not a coincidence.
April 18th, 2024 at 11:44 am
TBBF, LOL! Rock on!
April 18th, 2024 at 12:03 pm
JimBobBuc Says:
The Bucs need guys like Gholston and David on the offensive side of the ball. Hey Joe, who are these guys in the offense?
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Mike Evans takes great care of his body which has enabled him to continue playing at a high level even though he’s getting up in age for a WR.
April 18th, 2024 at 1:39 pm
Will Gholston and Lavonte David have been key cogs in our defense for years. The thing I think we should really be worried about is how and who is going to replace there leadership and production? Maybe Jason Light has a plan for this draft to produce a player that’s at least half as good as Lavonte has been and the reliability and durability of Gholston is going to be hard to find. Logan Hall is a bust and a big disappointment, SirVocea Dennis is a ghost, complete unknown. Hopefully we find the future fast.