Tyrod Taylor, quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, is not only a superb athlete, he is also smart and humble.  In high school he was an honor-roll student and obviously understands how important athletics, academics and hard work is... which will hopefully motivate the teens that look up to him.

Gabrielle Reilly:  So Tyrod, as you may know, I interview billionaires, block buster movie stars, the world's best athletes, supermodels etc. to inspire our readers to excel in all areas of their life.   

Tyrod Taylor:  (Giving me a big smile) so why if you interview those people do you want to interview me?

Gabrielle Reilly:  At the time of the interview, Tyrod's question left me speechless (which rarely ever happens to me.)  I didn't answer, I just stared at him blankly. 

So here is my delayed answer to that question Tyrod.  People excel in so many ways using the natural gifts bestowed upon them.  How can one amazing God-given talent be valued and compared to another?  What must be most admired about all my celebrity guests is their commitment to optimize the special gifts they have.  It's just a crime not to use your gifts.  Everyone has something very special about them and I hope that by talking with you, you'll inspire people to kick it up a notch in some area of their life.  So, it's my honor to interview such an inspiring person and a little bit of your greatness has rubbed off on my workout ethic, so thank you. 

You really do become who you surround yourself with which is why I love to share my celebrity interviews with people.  It's not because they are celebrities, it's that we can all learn a little something from people who are the best in there industry.
 

Gabrielle Reilly:  When you are in the fourth quarter of the game and absolutely exhausted, what motivates you to keep going?

Tyrod Taylor:  We need to win, we've got to win.  You have to dig deep.  This is what all the hard work is for, this moment here.

Gabrielle Reilly:  For people aspiring to be professional athletes, what advice can you give them?

Tyrod Taylor:  Set a goal, work hard towards it, don't give up and don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it.

Gabrielle Reilly:  How many hours do you work out a day?

Tyrod Taylor:  It depends.  As long as my body can cope, I don't really set a limit for my workouts.  I just get as much work in as possible.

Gabrielle Reilly:  How about sleep?  How much sleep do you get a night?

Tyrod Taylor:  At least 8 hours of sleep a night.  That is kind of hard sometimes but I always try to.

Gabrielle Reilly:  What is your diet like?  Chuckle, I'm seeing Five Guy fries sitting next to you.

Tyrod Taylor:  Well every now and again you have to step away from your diet.  As far as my diet, I don't eat beef or pork.  I don't eat fried food either.

Gabrielle Reilly:  Really, you don't eat beef?  Is there any particular reason for that?

Tyrod Taylor:  It is something I got from my Mom.  She doesn't eat it so she is not going to cook it so I'm not going to go buy it.  I eat fish and chicken.

Gabrielle Reilly:  Ha ha... I see.  Well fish and chicken will certainly buff you up. 

So did you always want to be a professional athlete?

Tyrod Taylor:  Yes.  Where I grew up there were a lot of professional athletes.  I was inspired by seeing those athletes come home and help in the community.  What they did for our hometown motivated me to want to be a professional athlete too.

Gabrielle Reilly:  So tell me why you are supporting the LaQuan Williams Foundation which, as you know supports, at-risk teens?

Tyrod Taylor:  LaQuan Williams is a good friend of mine.  I've known him since college and he is a great guy.  He is giving back to his community which is my community to and I support that. (Click here for more on the LaQuan Williams Foundation.)

Gabrielle Reilly:  Thanks Tyrod, it is my honor to feature you on The Global Townhall along side so many amazing people (but sorry, go Chiefs!)  :)  I look forward to sharing Torrey Smith's interview with you which is coming soon also.