Patriots linebacker Gary Guyton hosted a Celebrity Poker Tournament tonight at Tavern on the Water in Charlestown, Mass. The non-gaming skill contest, which has ties to the Boston Globe, raised more than $7,000 for Children's Hospital-Boston, according to organizers.
At the tail end of the event, which included about 130 participants, Guyton took time to answer questions over the phone from ESPNBoston.com along with his agent Sean Stellato:
Thoughts on this event?
“It went well. We had some great guys show up, as well as some teammates [Rob Gronkowski and Dane Fletcher]. It was great to see some of the others from different sports, like Jo Jo White, Cedric Maxwell, Dana Barros and Oil Can Boyd. It was a great turnout.”
What have you been doing this offseason?
“A lot of working out and doing stuff for my body. I’ve mostly been back at Georgia Tech, enjoying myself and working hard. There’s no time to relax. I’m also back at school, as I have a few hours to finish up. Nothing extraordinary with that, but just a few hours. It’s been nice to spend time with family. I’m seeing my mom a lot, and just went on a little vacation with my father and brother.”
Where did you go?
“We were in Miami this past weekend. It was just a chance to sit back, relax, and talk to each other. My father and brother have been big role models in my life.”
How have you stayed on the same page as teammates?
“I think everybody is doing the same thing, always trying to work out. I stay in contact and call around, just to see how everyone is doing. I come back here every once in a while to say hello to a few guys, and then it’s back home to work out, which I’m enjoying. We’re all staying motivated. I'm doing the best I can to position myself for whatever happens in the future.”
What are some of your goals in 2011?
“For me, it’s my fourth year now. It’s really just being a better football player and trying to maintain as good as I can. However it pans out, you want to make sure you’re ready, so I’m doing the best I can to be ready.”
You spent some time with Dane Fletcher tonight. Thoughts on Dane?
“Great guy. From Montana. Love him to death. He has a lot of promise, is a good athlete. He’s smart, learns quickly. I hope the best for him.”
Where do things head for you from here?
“That will be dictated with things going on [labor-wise]. Right now, I’m staying on course, doing the best I can on a personal basis.”