Josue Gonzalez

• Grade: 12
• Sport(s): Football
• Position(s): Safety
• Age Started Playing: 7

How would other people describe you as an athlete? 

They would say hardworking.

How and why did you start playing? 

I started playing because when I was a little kid my mom and I would always watch football so seeing J.J. Watt play motivated me to play.

Describe how you prepare before a game/tournament.

Before a game, we practice five days or four days a week. Then I just go out after I practice for two to three hours and that helps me prepare for the game.

For people that have never played your sport, what do you think the average person gets wrong about it? 

I guess some people see it as a hard sport when really there’s just different positions, and just memorizing the plays.

What personal superstitions or traditions do you have before, during or after a game?

Before the game I always listen to my music so it helps me get ready so it helps me be open to everything. I pray before every game and then I thank God after the game.

Tell us about your favorite memory as an athlete either on or off the field.

Last year at my first varsity game my finger got stuck when I was returning, so I was kicked. It hurt me and most of my finger was gone so I had to go to the hospital.

Tell us the story about what you are most proud of yourself for.

 Being able to stick with the game, and not losing motivation for it throughout high school.

As an athlete, who is someone you are thankful for and why?

I would definitely say my mom because ever since I was a little kid she would always take me to practice, she would always find a way to be there for my games and she would never miss a senior game.

What advice would you give to your younger self when you began playing?

Push a little harder and give it my all.

Favorites

• Team: Texans
• Pre-Game Meal: Chick-Fil-A
• Post-Game Meal: Anywhere
• Exercise: Bench and squats
• Practice: Thursday practices 
• Hype Music: Rap
• Sports Movie: “Blood in blood out”