The Life of a NY Giant
Ever wonder what it’s like to eat, sleep, and play for a pro-football team? iMag sat down with linebacker Danny Clark at his charity event and found out how!
Text Size 
Growing up in New Jersey, almost every boy on my block aspired to one day play for the NY Giants. Although many of them never made it onto the field, I believe there is still a huge part of them that still dreams to live the life of a professional athlete. They imagine the glitz, the glamour, and most importantly the thrill of game day. But it's more than just the guts and the glory! NY Giants player, Danny Clark is just as dedicated to his charity as he is to his teammates. Raising funds and awareness for The Ronald McDonald House of New York, Danny has made a huge difference off the field helping children with cancer. I was lucky enough to sit down with the linebacker and find out more about his cause and the lifestyle of a NY Giant. Check it out!
Q: I understand The Ronald McDonald House of New York and the NY Giants have recently joined forces with The Danny Clark Foundation to help children in need. Can you tell me more about this?
Danny Clark: Basically, I learned about the Ronald McDonald House a few weeks ago. I actually went in … they're a home away from home for kids suffering from cancer and receiving active treatment in New York City. They have 84 guest rooms and they house 84 families at a time. It's usually always filled. They have everything that a family needs. It's the whole idea of keeping the family together, while their child is receiving treatment. I love the concept and I'm totally in support of it.
Q: What inspired you to get involved with this cause?
A: I met up with the chairman of The Ronald McDonald House and basically he took me in for a visit and I was sold right away. These kids are going through some of the toughest times of their lives. This year alone 8,600 kids under 15-years-old will be diagnosed with cancer. Now, living or paying for hotels in New York City is very expensive for a family going through treatment. So that is what “The House” is there to do, to try to remove that expense, while keeping the family close together.
Q: Can you tell me a little about workout regime of a NY Giant?
A: During the season, we work out three times a week. It's before work, so it's about a 7am workout. Basically we do an upper and lower body workout, which is a combination of things. During the season it's not as rigid, but we just try to maintain and keep our muscle mass and strength throughout the long season. We run after every game. But we practice! As far as cardio; that's done at practice and we run at full speed on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Q: What about the diet of a NY Giant? What do you typically eat?
A: It's really every guy's preference. For me, in the morning its egg whites, turkey bacon, yogurt and granola. For lunch it's a lot of grilled chicken and steamed veggies. For dinner, I have a pretty heavy meal … it's usually grilled chicken or turkey, and salmon is my favorite.
Q: How do you keep in shape during the off-season? That must be difficult!
A: The off season is tough. We train starting in March back in New Jersey. You go home and you have to stay pretty disciplined as far as your eating habits and where you train. I train at a gym called “Hoops.” Michael Jordan’s former trainer is actually there.
Q: As a pro-football player you obviously fly a lot. Do you have any essentials you take when you travel?
A: Well I pack my bag two days prior. I pack my toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant. I take my iPod, my iPhone, and I HAVE to have my laptop, my headphones and a neck pillow for the plane.
Q: I just have to ask, what's a typical night out for a NY Giant?
A: It's funny … I only go out on Monday nights, we have off on Tuesdays. I come to The Ainsworth and help raise money for the Danny Clark Foundation. I watch Monday night football with some of my teammates and some celebrities come through. We just hang out here, watch the game, have a little to eat and couple beverages then head on home.
Q: Before we finish up I’m just going to ask you a few fun random questions. Here we go!
Favorite Song From the 80s’: “Beat it,” by Michael Jackson
Celebrity Dream Girl: Roselyn Sanchez
If you weren’t a pro-football player you would be a: NFL Team owner
Role Model: My dad, Dan Clark III. He was a single parent from early on and raised four boys.
When you knew you wanted to be a Pro-Football Player: At 8-years-old. It was 1985 when I started to play and it was pipe dream at the time.
For more great ways you can live your life like a pro-athlete check out iMag's Guy Guide.
Related Content
Eat Like an Athlete
Football Fitness
Print |
|
