Q&A Interview (January 5, 2016) With:
Tony Gilbert — Macon, Ga Native (Former NFL Player)
The Macon Report: Hello Mr. Gilbert, what’s going on with you these days?
Tony Gilbert: [Smiles]… Nothing much, just trying to stay positive and be productive man. Before we move on, I just would like to say that I love what you guys are doing with this blog, it is a great thing for the kids in Macon. Quent and I go way back to Freedom Park Recreation Center. Furthermore, my mom taught him at Riley Elementary School and we both attended Central High School. He was one of the guys that I looked up to. When he went off to UCONN on a basketball scholarship, it gave me motivation that if he could do it, so could I. I am extremely proud of y’all.
The Macon Report: Thanks, we appreciate it. We would also like to say congratulations to you on having a successful first season at the University Of North Carolina as Defensive Quality Control Assistant — Assistant Linebackers Coach (2015).
Tony Gilbert: Thanks, we (UNC Football Program) had a very good season in 2015 and I am proud to have been a part of it. I give God the glory for putting me in the position to be able to coach the game I love!
The Macon Report: Ok, so lets jump right into it. Can you just give your thoughts on the current atmosphere in Macon, Ga as it pertains to the high volume of crime that is taking place right now — specifically among the youth?
Tony Gilbert: [Brief pause]… It’s unfortunate that kids are losing their lives (death or lengthy prison sentences) over nonsense and petty crime. I sympathize for the families. When these terrible crimes occur, it effects a lot of people and I wish that the kids would just realize that. It is just my prayer that things turn around quickly. There needs to be more positive initiative taken by the adults within the communities. I think something like this blog is a step in that direction because it can potentially lead to something much greater.
The Macon Report: Given that you are a Macon, Ga native and have experienced so much success in your personal life, what encouraging words would you give kids in Macon, Ga on remaining focused even when times are not favorable?
Tony Gilbert: Well first and foremost, I want to always stress to Keep God First! I am from some of those same neighborhoods, so I know it is a struggle at times. I would just encourage them to pray and get their education — don’t become discouraged, ask for help when needed, and stay away from negative influences. We as a people can not do anything without furthering our education, so take your studies seriously. College should be in all of their plans. In order to achieve the goals that have been set, they must go above and beyond in the classroom.
Next, I would encourage them to strive to be leaders, respect themselves, respect others, and respect authority figures. Having those qualities will take you a long way in life. Strive for greatness, do not settle for being average. Whatever you set your mind to do, it should be done to the best of your ability. Have a great work ethic. Be great in the classroom, your respective sport, and in your personal life. Moreover, be teachable in the classroom and be coachable in athletics. Greatness is inside of us all. I want the youth of Macon to achieve all that they desire and dream for.
The Macon Report: Thanks, that’s great stuff Mr. Gilbert. So, do you have any future plans of working with the youth in Macon, Ga? Also, could you share whether or not the University of North Carolina recruits or is currently recruiting any football athletes in the Macon & Middle Georgia area?
Tony Gilbert: Sure! In the near future, I look to restart and expand my annual MACON KIDS A PRIORITY program. Basically, it is a program put together by me and my team that rewards kids for demonstrating great behavior throughout the year. We would have a big party (Games, Food, Festivities, & Guest Speakers) for them at Central City Park. At least 5,000 kids would show up. When the program restarts, we plan to start recognizing kids that excel in academics and athletics during the year in addition to those who display good behavior.
Additionally, I am currently brainstorming some ideas on establishing a scholarship fund that would help fund kids way to college. Me and my team are in the beginning stages of that, so stay tuned!
[Rubs face, smiles]… As far as recruiting goes, I’ll just say this, UNC always keeps their eyes and options open. If you are handling your business in the classroom, on the field, and are the right fit, there is always an opportunity for you to be recruited. [Again, smiles]… Take that for what it’s worth.
I ALWAYS LIKE TO STRESS TO KIDS TO JUST CONTROL WHAT YOU CAN CONTROL AND THE REST WILL FALL IN PLACE — IT NEVER FAILS.
The Macon Report: Fair enough. We understand that you can’t be too specific about the recruiting process, we just wanted the kids to hear it from someone who has been recruited by D-I programs and is currently coaching in Division I — FBS football.
On the other hand, that’s great news about the scholarship fund idea Mr. Gilbert. I’m sure the kids will be excited to hear about it. We will definitely be in communications with you on that so that we can properly relay the message to the community when the program becomes available.
Well, we appreciate your time. Are there any closing remarks that you wish to share?
Tony Gilbert: Yeah, in closing, I would like to say thanks to you guys for having me to be a part of this. I’ll continue to support you guys, and I would like to leave the great kids of Macon, Ga with this quote:
“Limitations live only in our minds. But if we use our imaginations, our possibilities become limitless.” ~Jamie Paolinetti
BIO:
High School:
- Central High School — Macon, Ga (Class Of 1998)
- All-City, All-Middle Georgia, & All-State Selection — Football
- Played in Georgia/Florida All-Star Game
College: ←Click Link
- University of Georgia:1998- 2002
- Bachelor of Science in Special Education — Class of 2011
- Football Player — Linebacker
- Lead UGA In Tackles For 3 Consecutive Seasons — 2000,2001, & 2002
- Team Defensive MVP — 2001
- All SEC 2002, All Academic SEC 2002
- Played in East/West Shrine All-star Game.
Professional:←Click Link
- 6th Round Draft Pick — 7yrs.
- Arizona Cardinals: 2003
- Jacksonville Jaguars: 2003–2007
- Atlanta Falcons: 2008–2009
Coaching Career:
- University of Georgia: 2011 Assistant Strength and Conditioning
- Auburn University: 2012 Defensive Graduate Assistant coach- Assistant Linebackers Coach
- Georgia Military College: 2013 Linebackers Coach
- John Milledge Academy: 2014 Defensive Coordinator- Linebacker Coach
- University of North Carolina: 2015-Present Defensive Quality Control Assistant- Assistant Linebackers Coach
Family:
- Parents: Mr. Milton Gilbert & Mrs. Evelyn Gilbert (Retired Educators)
- Siblings: Candace Black(Eric Black- Brother-Law), Lester Gilbert, Ashley Gilbert, Rhonda Pettigrew (Charles Pettigrew-Brother-In-Law)
- Kids: Isaiah, Jacobi, Amir, and Brianna Gilbert.
Future Goals:
To become a head football coach at a SEC program, win a National Championship, and become a Super Bowl winning NFL head coach.
FIVE THINGS YOU DID NOT KNOW ABOUT TONY GILBERT:
1-AS A TEEN HE WORKED IN SUMMER PROGRAMS HELPING KIDS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
2-LOVES WATCHING MOVIES: FAVORITE MOVIE — THE FUGITIVE
3- LOVES TO FARM— AS A KID, ENJOYED FARMING AT HIS GRANDPARENTS HOUSE (BUENA VISTA & LAGRANGE GA) COUNTRY BOY TO THE HEART!
4-FAVORITE FOOD: MACARONI & CHEESE
*LOVES EATING FISH ON FRIDAYS — FAMILY TRADITION*
5- FAVORITE BOOK: MALCOLM X (AUTOBIOGRAPHY)
GOOD LUCK COACH TONY GILBERT!
THANKS FOR YOUR TIME, WE APPRECIATE IT AND LOOK FORWARD TO TALKING TO YOU AGAIN SOON!
