NFL superstar turned commentator Tony Gonzalez on scouting chefs instead of opponents, and new family traditions.
Christmas Pageantry
My wife, October, comes from a huge musical family—they all sing and dance. Mine just likes to drink and eat. But on Christmas Eve we do a little talent show with a makeshift stage and a microphone. Everyone has to look presentable—comb your hair and bring a little style. It’s the highlight of the night. Then we open a few gifts.
Competitive Eating
I was on the Fox set with Michael Strahan and told him we have to go to The Cannibal in Culver City. They serve a Chinese-style pig’s head that is sooo delicious. Michael will run into a guy full speed with his helmet on, but he won’t eat a little pig’s cheek. That’s crazy.
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Will Travel for Food
I’ve done food trips all over the world. This year we visited San Sebastián, Spain. Everyone should go there and just walk up and down the street and do a pintxo tour every day. It was one of the best eating experiences I’ve ever had.
Giving Back
My wife and I got involved with Scholar’s Hope a couple of years ago to work with kids in our area. They’re going to get knocked down, and it’s important how they push through it. So we focus on grit and emotional intelligence as well as on academics. If you want to change generations, this is how you do it.
One for the Road
I’ve gone to Belgium and piled into a car with five guys to drink amazing monk brews at abbeys all across the country. And when I was in San Miguel de Allende last year, the gem of the trip was a bar with all these great Mexican craft beers.
Sunday Supper
During the off-season we invite a bunch of people over on Sundays. We call out a theme during the week—Cuban, Asian, whatever—and everything has to be made from scratch. My friends and I are in the kitchen getting after it.