NFL player Terrance Ganaway takes offseason job at sandwich shop

Running back Terrance Ganaway runs through a drill during the 2012 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 26, 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana. / Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Many professional athletes spend their offseason by the pool, on the beach, or relaxing at a five-star restaurant.

Not so for St. Louis Rams running back Terrance Ganaway, who decided to spend his down time building submarine sandwiches. That's right, Ganaway - who earned the NFL minimum of $390,000 as a rookie last year - took a $7.50/hour gig at Jimmy John's in Waco, Texas.

"I'm on the line that makes the sandwiches. I bake bread, take the cashier spot," Ganaway told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "I had to sweep the other day. Clean the tables. I mean all types of stuff. Slice the meat. Wrap the meat."

It all started last month when the former Baylor star said he "jokingly" tweeted that he had too much down time and was looking for a job in Waco. An employee at Jimmy John's called his bluff and now the Rams running back is working three night shifts a week.

"I just wanted to stay fit, stay out of trouble and really just try to save money and not spend a lot of money," Ganaway told the newspaper.

The New Boston, Texas, native, who appeared in only three games for the Rams last year, seemed surprised by all the attention his modest job has garnered, tweeting:

Never intended for the story to grow. I am grateful for platform that God has provided. Truly honored that so many respect my work ethic.

— Terrance Ganaway (@RepChrist24) February 22, 2013

But Rams coach Jeff Fisher need not worry that Ganaway will permanently trade his NFL cleats for hoagie gloves.

"My No. 1 job is being an NFL player," Ganaway told the St. Louis Dispatch-Post. "So don't get it confused as to me working at Jimmy John's has me lazy. ... I know what I have to do. I know how to get in shape and I know what it takes to perform at a high level. Really, Jimmy John's is just to keep me out of trouble in all the down time we have in the offseason."

Ganaway is not the first pro athlete to take a creative employment route during down time. In 2011, former NBA player Delonte West got a gig at a furniture store during the league's protracted labor lockout.

[annelysepayne]

First of all the reporter did not do his homework. He is from DeKalb - not New Boston. Second I know his family and if you knew him, you would understand his work ethic and why he took the job. He is a great role model and not like the others who are blowing thier money and doing drugs. Good grief! Be happy that someone is doing something good. The job was posted and anyone else could have applied long before he did. Way to go Terrance!

[julianpenrod]

NECROSCOPE84 iso certain Ganaway disn't take the job away from someone who needs it!
It's a crime that, in this country of "plenty", there are actually those who desperately need jobs even for that few hours and that little pay!
But Ganaway is taking the job from them!
And, consider, NECROSCOPE84 "argues" that Ganaway is "only working part time, 3 nights a week". Then how does that help him "stay fit, stay out of trouble and really just try to save money and not spend a lot of money"? That limited a work schedule leaves him more than enough time to get into trouble, it doesn't necessarily keep him fit, and, being so poor paying, it doesn't do his finances any good!
It is malingering in the extreme to try to defned Ganaway thuggish act.

[Necroscope84]

He didn't take the job from "someone who needs it". Just because he makes better than average money doesn't mean he can't work at a samwhich shop. He has the same rights as everyone else. Not only that but it's probably very good for Jimmy John's having him there, the media and free advertising that place is getting will probably bring in alot more money hence they can hire even more people. Quit being morons and think for a second. I mean god lord, he's only working part time, 3 nights a week. Most people who claim they're looking for work won't work part time like that. I've known so many unqualified people who turn down decent jobs because they think their nonexistent skills are worth so much more.

He's setting a good example, he's not out partying and doing drugs, he's earning a wage and probably bringing in more business there than ever before. He should be commended and not put down by small minded morons.

[LM9876]

So anybody who is not in agreement is a small minded moron ? Sounds like "the pot calling the kettle black". The simple fact is any job anybody takes means others can not have that job. Or is simple logic too much ? So are you also saying most NFL players are out partying and doing drugs ? Maybe many of them are out doing charity work instead of grubbing around.

[lnytnz]

great role model, hopefully inspiring to today's youth. he knows there is dignity in all work

[julianpenrod]

The fact is, as MATTRICK78 stated, Ganaway did take the job from someone who needs it! Not everyone earns $390,000 a year! Some people need $7.50 an hour jobs! This is far fropm heart warmiong or an ennobling example! Ganaway is acting as advertisement for the restaurant and taking food out of someone's mouth! That is, if he even takes the money! He's only looking to "keep himself busy"! An excellent strike breaker maneuver, get highly paid individuals in who build visibility for the company and olikely won't even ask for wages! The best scabs in the world!
And anyone who expresses approval of this shoddy behavior is only admitting that they have no sentiment for the oiverworked and underpaid, so anything they said or will say condemning woerkers must be completely suspect.

[Necroscope84]

You are a bonafied moron! Use your brain for just one second, really think about it. It's not that hard to do!

[mattrick78]

He probably took the job from someone who really needed it.

[jlawsram]

Good for this guy, speaks volumes to his character. Something we need more of our world.

[3march]

It would make a great TV ad- a pro athlete working the counter at a fast-food joint calls back to the short order cook, another pro athlete who turns to the golf star/ French frier.