The Gaines brain gives the Cardinals a second center in the game, aside from Froholdt. Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing noted that, especially when the Cardinals are on the road and operating with a silent count, Froholdt’s eyes aren’t always on the defense. Gaines can help with the communication along the line given his center background.
“All the preparation he’s been doing over the past couple years with the injuries he’s had … it’s paying off,” right tackle Kelvin Beachum said. “He knows where he needs to be when he needs to be.
“First impressions matter.”
Gaines knows this. It’s what he learned from his parents, from his two older siblings. He is about a decade younger than his brother, seven years his sister’s junior. His father is a CEO of a non-profit, his mother a strong woman who has not let a permanent disability slow her.
Education was important in the Gaines house, as well as having a sense of self.
“You take pride in doing things the right way, and that comes from knowing what you’re doing, and that comes from expectations,” Gaines said. “Expectations were always a big thing in my family. It wasn’t like they were pressing me to do anything crazy, but if the expectations were to handle your business, you grow up understanding what you have to do.”
In this case, it’s finding ways to clear holes for Michael Carter, or protect Jacoby Brissett. Gaines’ family came en masse to watch the home finale last weekend, a chance for Gaines’ six-month old son to meet his 1-year-old cousin.
They all got to see Gaines on the field, as a starter, handling his business and showing off his smarts.
“It’s always something I’ve prided myself on, knowing what to do,” Gaines said. “To be able to do something fast, you’ve got to know it, and know it cold.”