You must have a proven record of excellence in whatever it is you do for you to be named Zeus. As for Rico Gathers, he has earned the name as an American football tight end for the Dallas Cowboys, hence he is nicknamed the Zeus of the Cowboys tight end.
Ricardo Darnell Gathers, also known as Rico Gathers is not just good on the football field, he is as well spectacular in basketball for which he was named the Louisiana Mr. Basketball. Although he began his professional career in the 2016 season, his efforts in the field will always remain remarkable even after he retires in the future. Here are more facts you need to know about Rico Gathers.
Who is Rico Gathers?
Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on the 7th day of the month of January 1994, Rico Gathers is the son of Rico Gathers Senior and Janice Gathers. He has a brother named Greg who was a two-time All-America defensive end for Georgia Tech, his career ended in 2001 after he was diagnosed with a kidney disorder. Before his retirement, Greg was able to lead Georgia Tech in sacks. While planning to undergo a kidney transplant, Greg works as a middle-class teacher and as a high-school football coach in Gonzales.
Back to the Cowboys tight end, Rico Gathers, he played both American football and basketball in his high school years but concentrated more on playing basketball while at the Riverside Academy located in Reserve, Louisiana, USA. His excellent skills contributed to his team’s win of the state title as his efforts paid off in seeing him being awarded the Most Outstanding Player honors at the state tournament.
In his college years, Rico continued to play basketball. Baylor University awarded him a scholarship which he accepted and became a starter at power forward (PF) as a junior. At the end of the season, he earned an honorable mention of All-American, Big 12 All-Defensive Team honors, and received All-Big 12 for averaging 11.6 points, 11.6 rebounds, 1.2 steals and one block in 29.9 minutes per game. He became popular as Baylor’s All-Time Leading Rebounder and the first player ever to Reach over 1,000+ points and 1,000+ rebounds in School History.
NFL Career
Rico Gathers began his football career in 2016 after he planned to play for Baylor’s football team but then changed his mind and joined the NFL draft. He was then picked by the Dallas Cowboys in the 6th round and 217 overall of the 2016 NFL draft.
Are you wondering why he suddenly moved away from being a basketball player to an American footballer? Gathers revealed that his decision was inspired by his family, particularly his wife Bria and son, Rico Gathers Jr.
He also gives credit to his brother Greg and his cousin Hank Gathers for inspiring his decision to join the football league. Hank died in 1990 while playing at the West Coast Athletic Conference tournament. He suffered from a heart ailment. “I appreciate both of them,” he said, adding that the two paved the way for him, especially in helping him live his dreams.
Of course, Gathers’ determination and potentials played a major role in his selection by the professional team. At first, the Cowboys wanted Gathers to play at the defensive end but in the long run, he ended at the tight end.
The Dallas Cowboys released Gathers on September 3, 2016, and he was signed to the practice roster the following day. By the early months of 2017, he made it back to the Dallas Cowboys in its initial 53-man roster but unfortunately for the young player, he suffered a concussion in the preseason and was placed on injured reserve on September 4, 2017, with the hope of making a come in the coming seasons.
Measurements and Other Facts
With a height measurement of 6-foot-6 inches and a bodyweight of about 280 pounds (129kg), Rico Gathers remains a player with physical gifts that football teams like the Cowboys cannot resist.
In addition to his physique, he is known for his confidence in himself. This is often displayed in the way he carries himself. Gathers refers to himself as the heir apparent to Jason Witten, the former American football tight end for the Dallas Cowboys who now is a color analyst for ESPN’s Monday Night Football.
Aside from his basketball and football career, Rico is making moves to becoming a music artist. He revealed his plans of becoming a rapper, adding that music is one of the activities that keep him sane through the whole process of pursuing his dream.
