Newest Patriots: Getting to know running back Antonio Gibson
The Patriots had significant roster turnover this offseason, so as a way to get to know newer additions to the team better, the Herald is running a weekly series asking players a variety of questions to learn about them on and off the field.
Next up, we talk to running back Antonio Gibson, who signed a three-year, $11.25 million contract with the Patriots after four years with the Washington Commanders.
Gibson carried the ball seven times for 18 yards in his Patriots debut in Sunday’s win over the Bengals. It seems unsustainable for starter Rhamondre Stevenson to get 28 touches per game, so the Patriots will need to rely on Gibson as his top backup and as a receiving option.
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BH: What would you be doing if you weren’t a football player?
AG: Oohh, that’s tough. I know in college I told myself military, but probably gaming somewhere. I love gaming a lot. So, probably doing something somewhere with gaming, probably streaming or something like that.
BH: Do you play a lot of video games?
AG: I do. Right now (my favorites) are GTA5-RP, but anything like Call of Duty Black Ops, (NBA)2K. I’ve been heavy on the NCAA (Football) since that came back out.
BH: Who was your favorite athlete growing up?
AG: I would have to go LT (LaDainian Tomlinson) and Julio Jones.
BH: Favorite movie?
AG: Biker Boyz
BH: Favorite musical artist?
AG: J. Cole.
BH: Who have you been closest with on the team so far?
AG: I would say the running back group. All of those guys. We’re around each other all the time, in the meeting room together. We’ve done a few things outside. I’d say the running back group.
BH: Who’s the funniest guy on the team?
AG: Funniest. If you asked me, I’d say BMore (Christian Barmore).
BH: What’s your favorite thing about the New England region?
AG: I like that I’m 30 minutes away from Boston, 30 minutes from Rhode Island, like an hour drive from Cape (Cod). So, everything’s right there. So, that’s pretty smooth.
BH: Who’s a player around the league who’s underrated or underappreciated?
AG: Oh (expletive), we got one right here. I’d say Rhamondre. I’d seen a little bit of it last year. I think he broke a long one against us (with the Commanders). I was like, damn, that was a long-(expletive) run. And then to see him work over here. And when they talk about backs, they don’t bring his name up. I think he definitely deserves to have his name brought up.
BH: Do you have a hidden talent?
AG: I can flip really well.
BH: What was your first football memory?
AG: Playing in Riverdale Park, one of my favorite parks when I was little. Just playing football with my friends.
BH: Top high school football memory:
AG: I would have to say kickoff return against Jonesboro.
(Gibson returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown against Jonesboro (Ga.) High School during his senior season at Eagles Landing (McDonough, Ga.) High School in 2015.)
BH: Top college football memory?
AG: It would be College Gameday against SMU. I broke the all-purpose yards (record) for the (All American Conference) with a rushing touchdown, receiving touchdown, kickoff return touchdown.
(Gibson, a wide receiver at the time, carried the ball three times for 97 yards and a touchdown, caught six passes for 130 yards with a touchdown and returned three kickoffs for 159 yards with a touchdown in a 54-48 shootout win.)
BH: What made Memphis so special?
AG: I’d say the energy. Just the teammates I had, man. I wouldn’t trade that team for nothing. Just how we all came together, the vibe we had, the connection we all had and the work we put in together. It was no beating that. And then to put in throughout the season and come out with a successful season — fell short in the Cotton Bowl — but it was still one of the best seasons (2019) at Memphis.
BH: Why do so many NFL running backs come out of Memphis?
AG: I guess it’s just a trend. You see those guys ahead of you. And I didn’t even play running back. I was a receiver. To be mentioned in that group is a blessing. I think when I was there you had Darrell Henderson, Tony Pollard, Patrick Taylor, Kenny Gainwell. And then after that it continues on. I don’t know if it was that many all in the same room at the same time, but each year you can see a running back stepping up and doing his thing. To see that continue and see the success they’re bringing over there, that’s a blessing for sure.
Patriots quarterback Joe Milton III, center, and running back Antonio Gibson, right, pause during an NFL training camp practice on Tuesday, July 30 in Foxboro. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)