Exploring NFL & Gaming With Cesar Ruiz, New Orleans Saints — Interview Series

Credit: Saints Wire / USA Today

New Orleans Saints and all-round NFL star Cesar Ruiz isn’t just about competing out on the field, but out on the global leaderboards of EA Sports’ ever-evolving catalog of online games, too. The question is, how does one find the balance between being a right guard on the field, and being able to devote time to the competitive side of gaming? To find out more, I caught up with the athlete, curious to learn about both sides of the coin, as well as how online gaming influences real-world sportsmanship.

It’s a pleasure to meet you, Cesar! Your New Orleans Saints NFL career pretty much speaks for itself, and yet, it appears that you’ve another passion: gaming. Tell us a bit about that.

Cesar: Thank you, it’s great to meet you too! Football is definitely my first love, but gaming has been a big passion of mine for as long as I can remember. It’s something that I’ve always enjoyed, whether it’s to unwind after a tough game or to keep my mind sharp and competitive. Gaming is more than just entertainment for me—it’s a way to connect with friends, challenge myself mentally, and have some fun off the field.

Of course, every athlete needs an output of some kind, and it seems gaming is becoming increasingly popular amongst competitors across the globe, too. But how does it affect you? Is there a deeper reason why you choose to play video games, or is it purely for entertainment value?

Cesar: I’ve always been drawn to video games ever since I was a kid. They offer a perfect blend of pure entertainment and a chance for me to keep my competitive spirit alive, especially when I’m not on the football field.

Statistically, the benefits of playing video games are far greater than the costs — especially when it comes to maintaining a healthy balance over psychological and physical health. Do you think other athletes are likely to benefit from this sort of medium?

Cesar: I see video games as more than just a pastime—they’re a great mental exercise. They help me sharpen my quick reactions and improve my decision-making skills, all while having fun.

If you had to give any kind of advice to those who’ve yet to enter the world of gaming, what would it be? Also, do you have any pointers on how to create a custom gaming space?

Cesar: My advice would be to first learn to enjoy video games for what they are. Immerse yourself in the stunning graphics and the overall experience. Once you’ve fully appreciated the fun, you can then shift your focus to the competitive aspects if that’s what you’re after.

When it comes to creating a custom gaming space, start by finding an area with ample room. Space is key. Choose a well-sized desk and chair, and then personalize the room with elements that reflect what drew you to gaming in the first place. It’s like having a little reminder of why you love it. For example, I’ve got a custom Sub-Zero themed PC in my setup, which adds a personal touch to my gaming environment.

Between gaming and training, you must be working to a pretty tight schedule. Tell us, how do you manage to find balance between the two?

Cesar: Training and football always take priority for me. Once I’ve accomplished everything I need to in those areas, I’ll indulge in some video game time. It’s pretty manageable since gaming isn’t my career at the moment, so it naturally comes after my football commitments.

Let’s talk about the games that catch your attention. Do you have a current favorite? Or better yet, are there any upcoming titles that have recently caught your eye?

Cesar: I’m quite diverse in my gaming preferences. Right now, I’m playing Call of Duty and College Football 25 the most. I’ve also just started a highly anticipated new game called Black Myth: Wukong, and I’m really excited to dive into that.

So, what’s next for you? Are we likely to catch you in the lobbies or in the online competitive arena anytime soon?

Cesar: You’ll definitely catch me in the competitive arena at some point—though not until after football season wraps up.

Thanks for taking the time out to speak with us, Cesar. We hope to see you in the online leagues real soon!

To stay up to date with Cesar Ruiz, you can check in with the NFL star over on their official social channel here. Alternatively, you can follow the New Orleans Saints for additional coverage and live updates here.