New England Patriots fans were teased by Christian Gonzalez's potential at the start of the 2023 season only to have him taken away just four games into his rookie season.
Now healthy after recovering from a dislocated shoulder and torn labrum, the cornerback is eager to compensate for lost time on and off the field. So are we.
Despite his extended absence, fans got a good idea of what to expect from him on the field after he earned Defensive Rookie of the Month honors and high praise from Miami Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill. After training camp practice on Tuesday, Patriots.com also got learned more about Gonzalez off the field.
Lets catch up:
What is the coolest thing you did this offseason?
Buy my parents a house, definitely.
What was the most important feature you were looking for in the home during your search?
Probably a big living room with tall ceilings. My mom loves that type of vibe.
(Bonus question) Were your sisters in on it at all or was it a complete surprise for everyone?
No, nobody knew at all. It was cool.
With your connection to both Dallas and Boston, who were you rooting for in the NBA Finals?
It's tough to go against my city, Dallas, but I'll say Boston.
What was your favorite local restaurant you found during your rookie season in New England?
El Peñol in Boston, it's a great Colombian restaurant.
What is your biggest interest or hobby outside of football?
I would either say cooking or being with my dog (a brindle cane corso named Dior)
How did you get into cooking?
My dad. Being from Colombia he has a huge family back there, so they have big meals. He always did all the cooking growing up, and with three sisters, it was only me and him. Just as a way of hanging out with him I would be in the kitchen while he cooked for us, and when I went out on my own to college I started picking up some things and fell in love with it.
What is the best dish you make?
When I was at Oregon I would make this creamy cajun seafood pasta. All my teammates loved it.
Do you have an ideal pregame meal?
Not really -- I switch it up a lot. I would say the only thing I always have for sure is some type of candy before I go out there. Sour Patch Kids, gummy bears -- any type of candy.
What is your favorite part about your Colombian heritage?
I would say the deep love and support. Here in Boston, back home in Texas, and even when I was all the way out in Oregon -- all across America you feel the support.
If you weren't a professional athlete what do you think you'd be doing for a living?
I think I might have gone to culinary school and tried that route.
Your older sisters were All-American track stars. Who was the best athlete in your family growing up?
We have this debate all the time. I'm gonna say its me. Best athlete overall, well-rounded, who can play any sport? It's me. But my sisters always gave me a challenge.
How about a favorite type of music?
R&B.
Where is the coolest place you ever traveled?
Panama was pretty nice. Colombia is fun, there's a lot to do there. Other than that I haven't been out of the country too much. I want to go on a safari though, that's my next goal.
Do you have a favorite movie or show?
Stand By Me is one of my favorite movies of all time, and The Harder They Fall on Netflix.
Do you have any rituals or non-negotiables in your daily routine?
Brush my teeth and all the hygiene stuff. But I also feel like I always have to put music on when I wake up. I don't like the silence.
What is something people might not know about you?
I don't like cats. I very much dislike cats. I've given them a chance and they scratch me every time.
Aside from your football career, what are you most proud of?
Being a big brother and setting a good example for my little sister. I was the baby for so long. She's 10 years younger than me, so setting a good example for her and seeing her grow up into a little teenager is awesome.
Who were some of your biggest influences growing up?
Definitely my dad. He was probably my biggest inspiration. The fact that he was able to leave Colombia and everything he knew there to come to the United States, didn't speak any English, and was able to chase his dream playing basketball and raise an amazing family makes me so grateful.
Are there any causes that are near and dear to your heart?
Mental health is probably the biggest one. That's what I'm set on right now.
What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
It's cliché, but be yourself. Especially in this business, there is a lot of pressure and a lot of expectations, but if you stay true to yourself and how you grew up everything will fall into place.
What is your favorite part about being a New England Patriot?
Opportunity and being around these guys. I'm excited to play under Mayo and extremely thankful that I was able to play under Bill Belichick. One of the greatest coaches of all time brought me in, which gave me a lot of confidence. I love being here.
