“Boomer Esiason Foundation, how can I help you?” A deep booming voice answers on the second ring.

“Um hi.  Is this Gunnar?”

“I’ll transfer you, whom may I say is calling?”

“Um? Me?  Um yeah, Klyn.  Klyn Elsbury.”  I hate those moments waiting for the transfer when my mind starts to wander.  One of my idols is about to pick up the phone and be my very first interview for my new column, “Ask the Athlete”.  Breathe.  Slow.  Not that slow, you’ll start coughing.

Meet Gunnar Esiason, the 23 year old  Hockey & Football Coach/Athlete/Boston College graduate (who also has that thing we call Cystic Fibrosis).

 

K: What sports did you play most as a kid?

G: When I was really young, football was always on in the house. The first word I ever said was, “ball”.  My first real sport was ice hockey - my parents threw me on the ice when I was 6 or 7 years old. My dad was a huge NY Rangers fan, and he took me to watch them win the Stanley Cup. Actually, the first jersey I ever owned was a Rangers jersey. 

In high school I played varsity hockey as a left wing and shattered my wrist.

I also played football, but was limited by my CF because it was such a violent sport.  One practice in particular, I was running sprints and doing pushups and just started coughing up blood. But I was raised to never miss a practice regardless of how I was feeling.  My coaches and family knew how hard to push me.  I tried Lacrosse, but I was terrible at it. And I also did soccer, like every 7 year old.

 

K: What is your workout schedule like in a week? 

G: I spend four to five days per week on the ice. I’m usually so drained after I get home. In the summer months, I usually get one or two days per week on the ice. I hate running or riding a bike.  I hated it even when I played both football and lacrosse. 

 

K: What did you do on Valentines day?

G: I uh, I uh, watched a Rangers game on TV.  I didn’t see 50 Shades of Grey or anything stupid like that, all American guy right here.

 

K: How do you motivate your athletes? 

G: Sometimes I have to just scream and yell at them, but mostly lead by example. I try to see what the kid needs to do to learn, and capitalize on where he falls short.  I feel like the attention span of a kid these days is little to none, so I like to make achievable goals - teach them they are able to do whatever they want to do. 

 

K: Fill in the Blank:  I admire people who __________. 

G: Don’t care what others think about them. 

 

K: Many people look up to you because of your positive attitude, but who is your idol/why?

G: Jerry Cahill, one of our volunteers here at BEF really is somebody I can get inspiration from whenever, any time of day. Jerry runs marathons, was a college athlete, and has done the whole thing. Also, my parents, definitely. They just always led the way in terms of, everything: my dad, being the super athlete he was; and, my mom being on point like she is.  Really, any skills in life, I take from them all.

 

K: What’s your 2 year plan?

G: I really love coaching. It's a huge part of my life, and has a big impact. And, if I’m good at it... well that is up to these kids to decide.

 

K: Fill in the Blank:  My proudest accomplishment is _________.

G: Graduating college in 4 years from Boston College as an English major.  Many friends, with CF and without, took the six-year-plan, or didn’t finish. 

 

K: I have to ask, ever wanted to try Zumba?

G: Uh no, I’m the most-uncoordinated guy you could ever imagine. I’m a tall, skinny guy who can’t even run or jump. 

 

Being an athlete and a coach is never easy, let alone when you are battling Cystic Fibrosis.  But clearly, it can be done.   We all are striving for our own version of health, our own version of accomplishment. 

Gunnar Esiason has been a leading role model in the CF community of the importance exercise can have in managing the condition.  Through the Boomer Esiason Foundation, Gunnar has contributed a great deal through podcasts and various interviews and articles to the growing belief around exercise as an important factor for people living with CF, as well as those without.  On behalf of the CFLF, I would like to thank Gunnar for his time with this article and contribution to this blog.  He is a true inspiration and brings leadership through example to others with cystic fibrosis that an active lifestyle can indeed contribute toward Living Stronger and Living Longer! 

“As long as I know people are reading this…I don’t care if one person reads this or a million… A small impact is better than no impact for me.” ---Gunnar Esiason, Coach/Athlete

 

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