The Reach Out: Doug Flutie
The Reach Out: Doug Flutie
How does the former quarterback and host of the 'Flutie Flakescast' stay in shape? Surfing, pick-up hockey, baseball, and basketball -- and more surfing.
Doug Flutie is a former Heisman Trophy winning quarterback whose football career spanned twenty-one seasons.
While playing with the Canadian Football League’s BC Lions, Calgary Stampeders, and Toronto Argonauts, Flutie won three Grey Cups and was named the CFL's Most Outstanding Player six times.
As quarterback with the Buffalo Bills, Flutie was awarded NFL Comeback Player of the Year after leading Buffalo to the playoffs.
After retiring from the NFL, Flutie served as a commentator for college football games on ESPN and ABC, and a studio and pre-game analyst for Notre Dame Football on NBC.
Doug and Laurie Flutie established The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism after their son, Doug Flutie Jr., was diagnosed with a rare autism spectrum disorder at three years old. They also created a cereal, Flutie Flakes, with all benefits going to the Foundation.
On his weekly podcast, Flutie Flakescast, Doug Flutie invites friends from the sports world and beyond to chat about football news, and to share stories and memories.
When I reached out to Doug Flutie, it was one week before the birth of his grandson, Brady Flutie Sumner.
How is exercise and fitness a part of your life?
I like to stay active by surfing, participating in men's baseball and hockey leagues, doing some yoga, or running if my knees hold up. I have also done lifeguard competitions.
Do you have a specific routine or do you fit in exercise whenever you can find time?
I don’t have a formal workout plan, but love being outside and staying active. I generally surf every morning, usually stand-up paddle surfing, and I play in my hockey and baseball men's leagues in the afternoon or evenings. I also try to find some pick-up basketball games.
Have your exercise habits changed since COVID began?
My exercise habits have not changed because I do most of my workouts outside anyway. During the first year of COVID, I didn’t have to travel as much, so it allowed me to be outside surfing more.
Is there something that motivates you to keep active and exercise regularly?
To make myself feel young again (LOL), as well as to be able to play with my new grandson.
Do you watch the news, or listen to podcasts or music, while you exercise?
I usually listen to classic rock while I exercise, but for surfing, just the sound of the waves and ocean motivate me.
Is there a sport or fitness trend that you would like to try?
I love throwing a knuckleball, so I wouldn’t mind training to be a pitcher.
How do you think we can encourage young people to be more active?
Kids should do things that they enjoy doing — surf, run, even a long walk. Try to get kids to put down their phones and video games for a few hours everyday, and get some fresh air outside. That might mean thinking up some kind of fun challenge with a reward, or establishing more creative ways for them to exercise, like building more outdoor gyms, or teaching kids how to surf.
This interview brought back memories for me. In 1998, my boyfriend and I drove from Toronto to Buffalo specifically to see Doug Flutie play. It was my first NFL game. I kept my Flutie Flakes cereal around for many, many years.
Thank you, @DougFlutie
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