From Richard Hatch to “Boston Rob” Mariano, New England contestants have performed pretty well on “Survivor” over the years. Now, a new set of locals will vie for the $1 million prize when the long-running CBS reality series returns for its 51st season on Wednesday night.

Among the 21 castaways absconding to the beaches of Fiji is a trio of New Englanders with Ocean State ties, including Rob Antonson, a 40-year-old airline gate agent who works at Logan Airport. Originally from Johnston, R.I., but currently residing in Cumberland, R.I., Antonson is also a podcaster who wears his love for Boston sports on his sleeve — literally.

“Over here, I got the Green Monster. Here, I got the Bruins, Red Sox, Celtics, and Pats, all the logos,” Antonson told the Globe during a recent Zoom interview while showing off the Boston sports tattoos on his arms. “That was fun on ‘Survivor.’ They loved having the trademark logos all over my body.”

Here’s what Antonson had to say about his “Survivor” experience, representing New England on the show, and more.

Q. You’re a big reality TV guy, but what inspired you to try out for “Survivor”?

A. I‘m a huge reality TV junkie. I’ve been watching shows like MTV’s “The Challenge” since its first season. I don’t know if that’s something to be proud of, but I even watch the “Housewives.” I just like seeing people’s lives on camera, you know? I was an OG “Survivor” guy watching the first season, Richard Hatch from Rhode Island running around naked. I always wanted to go on “Survivor,” one of the “Big Brother” kind of the reality shows. In my early 20s, I put in for “Survivor,” I think “Big Brother” too. I didn’t get it, and I was like 21, 22 years old. I was cocky. I was a kid that burned bridges with everybody and all my jobs. It’s probably not the time.

So I had three kids. I’m 40 years old now. I said, “Hey, let me just put in for it. Let me just see what happens,” and then I started moving through the process, and I got on. It’s always been a dream of mine.

Q. What was it like meeting host Jeff Probst?

“Survivor” 51 contestant Rob Antonson.Robert Voets/CBS

A. Always been a big fan of Jeff. He’s an icon. I graduated college with a broadcast journalism degree, so I always wanted to be a host on TV or a host anywhere. Seeing Jeff just growing up, and then seeing the guy in person … it’s mind blowing. The guy’s a legend. He’s got like the greatest job in the world. He gets to go to whatever, Fiji, and just hang out and do a show for his life. It’s great. Jeff’s awesome.

Q. Do you feel like living in New England and working at Logan helped prepare you a bit for this experience?

A. The big New England part of us is we’re go go go. The West Coast is kind of laid back. I see it all the time at the airport. They’re more chill, and the people from JFK or Boston are like, “All right, let’s go, we gotta go.” So I think that prepares you big time for a game like “Survivor” because “Survivor” just changes all the time. One episode or one day is different from the next. That’s just like the airport life, and that’s also how it is on the East Coast. You got to just go with everything.

Q. As a big Boston sports guy, what survival advice do you have for the Red Sox to make it through the playoffs?

A. Listen, [Garrett] Crochet’s got to be able to pitch at least six innings. [Payton] Tolle’s a beast. Tolle should be pitching every damn game. He’s unbelievable.

Q. What about Drake Maye, how are you feeling about him this year?

A. I was at the Seattle game, so when he threw that pick at the end, I ran out so quick with my cousin because I felt like they were all gonna just rag on me for wearing Patriot jerseys. But he’s gonna be fine. Everything’s gonna work out. Pats will be in the playoffs. Pats Super Bowl against the Rams. Get ready.

Q. What else do you want folks to know about your “Survivor” experience?

A. I see that tons of people have been putting in for this show for years, and I just [want to say] don’t give up. If you want to be on the show, just keep putting in for it. I’m 40 years old. I put in for it what, 20 years later, and I got on. You just don’t know. Even if you have kids or if you’re going through a tough time in life, just put it out there.

Being on this show is just a great experience, I feel like for me or for anyone. It’s like hitting the lottery.

“Survivor” premieres Wednesday at 8 p.m. on CBS.

Interview was edited and condensed.

Matt Juul can be reached at matthew.juul@globe.com.