The Overhead Compartment with Robbie Gould

Shining a spotlight on celebrities and athletes who love to travel. Created and developed by Stacy Steponate Greenberg.

When you play for the Chicago Bears, toughness and perseverance are the price of admission. Especially when every game may very well come down to you. Meet Robbie Gould, who knows all about staring down pressure. A one-time walk-on at Penn State, by the beginning of his sophomore year he had earned a scholarship and ultimately went on to rank fifth on the school’s all-time scoring list. In 2005 Gould joined the Monsters of the Midway and, today, is the most accurate kicker in the long and storied history of one of the NFL’s original franchises. During the off-season, Gould, an avid golfer, can be found on the PGA Celebrity charity golf circuit, as well as hosting his own tournament, The Robbie Gould Celebrity Invitational, raising money on behalf of The Goulden Touch. Started in 2011, The Goulden Touch focuses on education, health and wellness, medical research and social services. The Overhead Compartment snapped a few questions back for Robbie Gould to blast through the uprights, about his busy life as a father, his love for golf, and what it’s like to play for one of the most famous franchises in American sports.

The Overhead Compartment with Robbie Gould begins now….

OC: Tell me the story of the time the Bears first called to invite you to try out.

RG: It was 2005 and I was working a 9-5 job at a local construction company in my hometown of Lock Haven, Pennsylvania. I received a few calls from the Bears that day, but I honestly thought it was my buddies playing a joke on me so I kept hanging up on them. I finally listened and hopped on a plane that night to Chicago to try out. I was so excited for the opportunity.

OC: What’s the best and worst thing about being a kicker in the NFL?

RG: Kicking the game winning field goal when it’s on the game to make it, and the worst is when you miss it, letting down your teammates.

OC: Which is more thrilling, kicking a fifty yard field goal or scoring a goal in soccer?

RG: Kicking a game winning field goal.

OC: When the opposing coach calls timeout to “freeze” you, what thoughts go through your mind?

RG: Stay focused, continue my routine.

OC: How do you feel about the decision that made extra points more challenging?

RG: I actually like it more than I thought I would—to be able to see the ball flight longer helps you with kicks throughout the middle of the game.

OC: What’s your favorite stadium to play in on the road?

RG: Lambeau Field.

OC: When you have down time on the road, what do you like to do?

RG: Check out local restaurants, typically a steakhouse as a pre-game ritual.

OC: What’s the key to staying warm playing in Chicago during the winter?

RG: Sit on the heaters.

OC: NFL teams travel via charter, what’s it like to travel with a group of football players?

RG: It’s like traveling with your best buddies. You are focused, but you also enjoy the camaraderie and the team building aspect.

OC: You’re the father of two young boys, what’s the one place you can’t wait to take your boys when they are old enough?

RG: Driving range and Golf course.

OC: Have you ever had any of those “You know you’re a parent when….” moments?

RG: Every day…my kids always ask me to play the alphabet game.

OC: Favorite place for family travel?

RG: Hawaii.

OC: You’re an avid golfer and play in many celebrity charity golf tournaments. Do you have a favorite course?

RG: Medinah Country Club.

OC: What one golf course is on your bucket list?

RG: Bandon Dunes in Oregon.

OC: What is one thing a visitor to Chicago must not miss?

RG: Wrigley Field—Cubs Game.

OC: Top three favorite restaurants in Chicago?

RG: Cut, Prime & Provisions, Summer House Santa Monica.

OC: First thing you do when arriving at a hotel in your room?

RG: Turn on the tv to watch football.

OC: Complete the following sentence, I never leave home without:

RG: My Microsoft Surface.

Robbie Gould, please use care upon departure as items may have shifted in The Overhead Compartment during our journey. Thanks for choosing us for your travel tips! Have a wonderful day!

Photo credit: Maria Ponce and Robbie Gould.

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