Jarron Gilbert, YouTube Sensation and the Bears ‘First’ Pick
May 1, 2009 – 10:00 am by Will Brinson
Jarron Gilbert was drafted as the Bears’ first pick in the third round. And he was drafted because of his talent as a football player. But he’s more famous because of YouTube (and, really, who isn’t these days?)
That’s because he once had someone film him leaping out of a pool, put the clip on YouTube and watched it blow up across not only the blogosphere but mainstream media as well. It’s a fascinating clip, and it’s no surprise that WSCR in Chicago asked him about it when they got him on air. Note that they also ask him about, you know, playing football. But the YouTube stuff is much more interesting, obviously.
On being a YouTube sensation (currently has 964,396 views):
“I never thought it would get as much attention as it did. I just kind of threw it up there for fun. It’s crazy how much attention it’s getting.”
On how he ended up doing the pool thing:
“We went out there after the summer workout last year and just went out there having fun. When I found out I could do it, I had to put it on film. Trying to explain something like that is kind of hard to grasp.”
On his basketball skills:
“Yeah, my wingspan is 86 inches, so, uh … Yeah I used to be a basketball player … I can actually take no steps and do a 360 dunk …”
On how soon he can contribute:
“You know, I’m going to contribute right away, as soon as I get there. I don’t know in what capacity, but I definitely want to help the team out as soon as I get there. Whether it’s coming in on third downs or coming in and playing right away. I just want to help the team out and I’m working hard to do so.”
Listen to Jarron Gilbert on 670 the Score
Tags: Chicago Bears, Jarron Gilbert, NFL, NFL Draft, Pooljumping, sports radio interviews, YouTube
