Tag Archives: NFL

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G2/3 Flag Football (Coach and Player)

I have enjoyed coaching both my boys throughout all sports during their athletic journey, but there is something special about coaching football. Ollie and I seem to do very well together as player and coach and this is now our third year in a row together in flag. Our town’s flag team has developed into a HUGE success and I have very much enjoyed helping a good friend grow the program through clinics, travel games and this year’s town tournaments.

Oliver has something very special when it comes to football; you can learn the plays and develop with good practice habits and with experiences comes better understanding, but the vision he possesses on the field is very advanced for his age and time playing. (Yes I know he’s seven and yes I know it’s just flag football, but it’s there and it’s very noticeable).

Throughout this blog you’ll read about “The Boop”. For referebcw when he was younger he couldn’t say “juke” (a move by a player running the ball where the runner cuts back hard and fast and makes the defender miss while then quickly cuts back up the field). Oliver, who couldn’t pronounce juke, would mistakenly call the move a “Boop” and so the “Ollie Boop” was born! Now if we can just harness ALL that OTHER energy he might just run through a brick wall!

Season Running Summary:

W: Black 6 – Green 14 (1-0)

What a way to start the G2/3 season! The “Ollie Boop” was back in action! A win and a score for Ollie! Guilford Green was awesome today! Love coaching this little animal!

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W: White 0 – Green 18 (2-0)

Another W For team GREEN. The boys pitched a shutout 18-0! Great group of kids! Oliver had the BOOP working today and almost took one to the house!

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W: Grey 12 – Green 24 (3-0)

The Packers dominated at Lambeau Field and Team Green dominated back in Guilford even without The Boop . The Packers moved to 1-1 and G-Green moved to 3-0!

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W: Black 6 – Green 12 (4-0)

Today was a very, very close game that was highlighted by tremendous defense and a team effort. We played almost the entire team at quarterback, passed the ball for big gains and pulled flags like our lives depended on it.

Oliver followed his blockers down the field and looked good as a receiver too. We look very good right now, highlighted by a bunch of boys who really like playing football and more importantly we have really grown into a team. I love watching them cheer for each other and celebrate each success together!

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W: Green – White (5-0)

“The Whistle Game”

A hard fought win for team Green today against a VERY good team White. Both teams played great defense, but when it came down to it, our defensive line (Ollie, Connor and Jakey) was just reeking havoc in the backfield making it almost impossible for team White to even get plays off! A few backfield tackles for Ollie highlighted by a Barry Sanders like run for a massive first down late in the second half iced the game for us and secured our fifth win in a row!

A little “Boop” here and a little “Boop” there!

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L: Grey 24 – Green 13 (5-1)

The Wishbone Offense

Tough loss for Team Green today, but when you fall down, it’s about how fast you can get back up. Oliver had a boop for the ages… and threw a huge block to get his BFF in the end-zone, but in the end it’s about running the marathon, not a sprint and these boys have what it takes to bounce back.

We’ve seen them be the front runners for over a month… now everyone is going to have to deal with a team with a chip on its shoulder! (PS it’s also flag football, so they just had ice cream after the game and everyone was fine).

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W: Green 18 – White 6 (7-1)

I don’t care what the score is, Team White is a juggernaut. And other than a handful of big plays, they shut down our offense all game. You would think green and white would be a shootout… But not today. Today was two defenses battling back and forth that brought back memories of Reggie, White and Lawrence Taylor!!!

Oliver broke lose on the second play of the game for a massive run that set up the first touch down of the game and again later in the second half took us from our own goal line on a third and incredibly long to a first down on our opponents goal line, leading to another score. If it wasn’t for a phantom flag that fluttered off his waste after Booping ankles all over the field, he would have scored a touchdown late in the last few minutes to further put the game away.

Let’s go Green! Today’s win locked up the NUMBER ONE SEED in the playoffs!!!

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W: Green 18 – Gray 6 (8-1)

Another big game for Ollie and Team Green! Avenging our only loss only the season! 8-1 and on to the playoffs!!!

Coach Joe needed to head to another venue for some scouting for our playoff matchups (just kidding he had to go to his niece’s confirmation). I took on head coaching duties and did him proud. We played hard and kept Gray scoreless until the last minute of the game. Ollie looked good again running the ball and used his cut back skills to boop his way to the down the field!

On to the playoffs next week!

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PLAYOFFS: Round One

W: Green – Black (9-1)

Game One of the Playoffs was against a VERY, VERY GOOD BLACK TEAM! While we beat them them each time in the regular season they had a very well coached team who developed tremendously through the season (that is exactly the purpose of this program)! We fought hard and came away with a win. Everyone on the team contributed in this game and Oliver had two HUGE runs to get us first downs, one on fourth down and another on third and a million yards! His teammates stepped up for him and blocked hard!

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PLAYOFFS: CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

W: Green 18 – White 13 (10-1)

The game of the year, heck the game of the century took place in the Championship Game… as it should! The two teams with the best record head to head for all the marbles, the Lombardi DeMayo Trophy, the Championship!

Team White simply outclassed and outplayed us in the first half and at one point we were down 13-0. Oliver and his team did everything they could to keep the game from getting away from us. They played great defense and only allowed two scores on two broken plays (I will take the blame for the second touchdown, sending our corner on an all out blitz allowing their QB to slip outside for a long score).

Nick, Matt and Jackson fire up their little brothers at half time. Some say their speech saved our season!

Heads were hanging at half time as the team had only trailed in one game all year. Enter the G5 Tackle Team Older Brothers. They gave a rousing “Any Given Sunday” speech and inspired Team Green to come out like a freight train! The defensive line stayed stout and did not give up a point in the second quarter (more impressively, Oliver did not jump offsides once!) Oliver gobbled up flags in the back field and continued to force Team White into punts. A newly installed Wishbone Motion Fullback Dive Right on the goal line to “The Pepperbush Beast” C.DeMayo put us up one point.

With less than two minutes remaining up by one point and on a fourth and a million yards to go, Coach DeMayo called on The Boop. It was now or never, it was like calling in Mariano Rivera for a six out save in the eight inning, like bringing in Reggie Miller for a game winner against the Knicks with Spike Lee starting him down. We needed a first down to put the game away and we needed The Boop… when you need The Boop… you get The Boop! Oliver took the hand off from the backfield broke a pair of ankles and outran four defenders to take the ball almost to the house. A first down and four fresh downs to put the game away!

After a QB Keeper put us up 5, Team White came storming back with less than a minute to go to cross mid field, two sacks by Oliver on consecutive plays put them in a desperate situation, but with one last play remaining, Team White took a hand off towards the left corner of the goal line, but it was Team Green’s defense standing on the field at the 1/2 yard line holding a RED FLAG high above their head with 0:00 remaining on the clock. In the voice of John Sterling, “Ball Game Over, Championship Game Over… TEAM GREEN WINS… TEEEEEEEAMMMMMMMMMMMMM GREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEENNNNN WINS!”

What a season, what a team, what a program. I hated watching the boys on Team White lose, but it is with great sadness and desire to come back stronger, that creates players who are inspired to come back for more. It wasn’t just the winning and losing, it was the team work, the friendships, the skill development AND the winning and losing. That’s how you build a program… Watch out surrounding towns, because the G2/3 kids moving up to tackle next year are going to be more than ready for you!

Champions and Best Friends!!!

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G5 Football (Coach and Player)

A while back I stopped coaching Jax and while I missed it, he seemed to thrive with other coaches giving him feedback. I started to enjoy JUST being able to be a dad on the sideline again. Although I’m sure most parents would disagree… I was calmer being just a dad and not a coach-dad.

Then earlier this summer Jax asked if I would coach him again during this football season on the G5 (fifth grade) team. Tackle football is one of the toughest sports to play. The commitment, learning curve, physicality and effort it takes to be part of a tackle team is not for everyone. Jax and I talked through what coaching him again would mean and entail for both of us. This wasn’t just about learning football, it was about the trust between a father and his son. I knew he needed me and I knew from the look in his eyes when we spoke that I needed to consider it.

The problem is that’s not just something you can “join up” for. The tackle teams here in town are coached by a group of coaches that work hard and have been together for a while. However, coincidently, later this summer I’d receive a text from the team’s head coach asking if I’d be willing to join the coaching staff, and as they say, it was fate.

I’ve been locked in to coaching Oliver’s flag- football team the last three years and have really enjoyed helping the program grow. It is a lot of hard work and I had been committed to coaching Oliver, a commitment I would not abandon and I wasn’t sure that adding on coaching a second team that competes vs towns across the state in full pads and helmets was feasible for me. We would be talking six-to-seven days of week of coaching football between both teams…

…. Yet, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

SEASON RUNNING SUMMARY:

Pre Season Jamboree vs Madison, North Haven and Glastonbury:

2 Wins – 1 Loss

I had an absolute blast today coaching Jax in football for the first time along with 29 other kids who love to compete. Jax had a PHENOMENAL day… springing two touchdown runs with two pancake blocks at WR. He played a ton at middle linebacker a new position, but he just keeps learning! There are some big time players on this team! Every one of his teammates are phenomenal and I am so stoked to be coaching this team!

The block that sprung a touchdown

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Game 1: @ North Haven

L: 28-14 (0-1)

After a great training camp and a fantastic preseason jamboree, Jax was named team captain before the first game! To be named captain of any sports team is an honor and a privilege. Being a captain is about leadership, work ethic and respect. To be named a captain is the ultimate sign of respect from your teammates and coaches. I am so incredibly proud and humbled to be this guy’s dad AND coach!

Captains on the field for the coin toss

Opening day was full of emotions for both of us. But to be coaching this football player and leader is an honor! Yes he was a captain, yes he retuned a kick for one yard (lol)… but more importantly, he is a teammate who has everyone’s back! I LOVE coaching this kid and I LOVE coaching this team! Big things coming for #G5

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Game 2 @ Pomperaug

L: 7-44 (0-2)

I hated Pomperaug when I was in school playing sports and I still hate them today! Jax did have a devastating hit on a kick off which resulted in an opposing player having to be helped off the field, but it was too little too late. We took a tough loss. The boys got hit hard, but they picked themselves up every play. That’s the mark of a champion.“It ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward; how much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done!”

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Game 3 @ Bristol:

W: 28-0 (1-2)

There’s nothing like a win at Lambeau

While our G5 team was taking care of business in Bristol, Jax and I were busy enjoying another win this weekend while in Green Bay watching the Packers beat the Colts at Lambeau Field! It was awesome getting updates via text from the coaches and other parents who wanted to keep us in the loop! The kids played well and represented Jax in the city where he was born to capture our first win on the season (also the Packers first win of the season too)!

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Game 4 vs. Monroe

L: 19-0 (1-3)

Facing an undefeated team who dismantled a team that blew us out a few weeks ago seemed a daunting task. Yet, my goal for this team and these games is not just about winning or losing, it is also about building character and character is built on the foundation of effort, perseverance and integrity.

These boys showed what it takes to make the character of a champion. Down 19-0 at halftime the team rallied around each other to not allow a point in the second half… to a team that was undefeated and no one had been able stop offensively all season. There are bad wins and there are good loses. We can take something positive from this loss… and continue to build character as the boys continue to grow and learn the game. I am very proud of this team.

Jax started the game at tight end (a position I’d love to see him get more looks at). We ran four straight plays down the throat of Monroe with Jax leading the way bulldozing the opposing linebacker and cornerback, highlighted by a block that he sustained for about 20 yards downfield until the whistle blew! He is starting to put things together and like many of the boys on this team, I feel like a full-on steam train is coming and once it gets going it’s going to be hard to stop!

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Game 5 @ Shelton

W: 24-0 (2-3)

What could better than getting on a bus for a road trip with your teammates for a game? (At 45 years old I can think of many things), but for a group of ten year olds you’d have thought they were in heaven! Very cool experience for the team and an opportunity for team bonding (and a lot of smelly people in a small area)!

The game started off slow with multiple turnovers by both teams and a huge touchdown run called back by a penalty that would have given us the early lead. However, G5 broke off huge chunk plays, (I thought Oliver was fast, but man can Hunter fly), recovered two fumbles and had an interception as well to highlight a very good defensive day. We even punted (and a good one at that) for the first time all season, and completed two big pass plays (Charney!!!!)

Jax played two new positions. For the first time all season he played at right tackle and middle linebacker, both very tough positions and be looked raw, but showed some potential at both. I was impressed with his ability to just go find someone to hit/suplex on the offensive line (at least it was before the whistle this time) and to find a gap and get into the backfield at MLB.

I hope he can get some more reps here in practice and before the season is over in games, because if we can harness the “JaxPlex” into a legal, aggressive style of play, I do think he’s going to be a very valuable piece to the team at these two new positions. Also, sprinkle in a few nice blocks as our best blocking wide receiver and add in a win and it was a very successful day for G5!

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Game 6 vs Cheshire

W: 19-36 (3-3)

We put together a dominate home victory over Cheshire by the score of 36-19 to even our season record at 3-3 with two regular season games remaining. The playoff push has begun.

At one point in the game we were up 30-6, but needed to pump the brakes a bit to ensure we did not go up more than that (league rules). But after some complaints by the other coaches and a few quick scores by Cheshire it was “all gas, no brakes.” The boys responded to playing multiple new positions during quick substitutions and played hard on every single play!

Jax played the most he has all season. He bulldozed some defenders off the offensive line and at one point was growling at defenders from his three point stance. Something his teammates got a kick out of. He was disruptive in the backfield from the middle linebacker position and also made his first tackle of the season.

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Game 7 vs Glastonbury

W: 30-6 (4-3)

Last year’s Glastonbury game came down to a last minute game winning pick six… this year we decided to make sure we didn’t need a score at the buzzer to win.

With playoff seeding on the line and a new offensive scheme coming together, the G5 Grizzlies had a statement game against a pretty good team. Glastonbury relies on teams to play undisciplined and hopes to eat the clock to prevent teams from running up the score.

With a defense that refused to fall for any tricky cadence, or hard counts and an offense that scored fast and often we took them out of their own game plan by the second quarter.

I was impressed with Jax at the middle linebacker spot again as we put in a new package that called for the MLB to creep to the line and blitz from his position. This play was called from the sideline and did not allow our linebackers much time to think about what to do. It called for discipline at the line of scrimmage to not jump offsides as they were about to rush the quarterback, all three of our middle linebackers (Oden, Jax and Theo) executed flawlessly and were able to get pressure on the QB, disrupt the play in the backfield and not be called for any neutral zone infractions.

Overall great game played and a great job by Jax being a leader, hyping up the team before the game and at halftime as well! I have enjoyed coaching him and watching him grow!

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Game 7 vs Newtown

L: 24-0 (4-4)

We ended the year with a tough loss to one of the best teams in the league. The really schemed well both offensively and defensively and we had little answer to anything they did.

At halftime the team looked downtrodden and had little life until a young man took the team on his back and gave a halftime speech for the ages. It was like Vince Lombardi and Al Pacino (from Any Given Sunday) wrote the speech in tandem for Jax to read. The team came to life and only let up 6 points in the entire second half and we sustained a few big drives. This gave us some life going into next week’s first round of the playoffs against… Newtown!

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Playoffs:

Round One: @ Newtown

L: 34-6

We held one of the best teams in the league to 12 points in the first half and we played without our starting quarterback/running back. In less than one week we installed a completely new offense and completely new defense. Talk about learning a lot in a very short period of time… our players took on the challenge and worked very hard to study their assignments. Players were playing brand new positions for the first time all season and for the first time in two years learned to play cover 2 zone defense. While those changes did not result in the outcome we wanted it showed our team has the ability to face challenges when faced with them.

At half time we, again we needed someone to step up and inspire our team to do more, we needed someone to put the team on their back…

Again, the same two players stepped up. Carter got the team up and going… and Jax finished the half time speech off like our team was going back out on the field for the second half of the Superbowl. I’ll take a LEADER over a follower all day long. Down by two touchdowns at halftime with heads hanging… this is the guy I want firing my team up!  Fraggle is a winner in my book today and everyday.

Jax played on kick off and kick return and put a shoulder into someone when he had the chance, he led one of our longest runs the of the game with a seal block from the wide receiver position and he was able to get in on defense at the linebacker position. He wanted to play more, he wanted to get in with 58 seconds left, he did not want the game to end… he did not want the season to end. That is what this season was about. The desire to play, to improve and want to work hard everyday to better himself. That is what this year became. While our season ended in a loss (as it always does for all but one team in sports), the season was a success. Jackson learned that it is he alone who can control who he becomes. It is not a teammate, a coaching staff, or one coach. It is him alone. 

I am beyond proud of what my son and my player did this season. I was not just a dad this season and I was not just a coach this season, I was both. Thank you Jackson and the entire G5 Team for inspiring me to be better this season too!

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A Letter from a Baseball Dad

Dear Jax,

I’m not the easiest guy to get along with! I’m definitely not the best at cheering you on… I think I make you nervous. But one thing I am great at… IS BEING SO INCREDIBLY PROUD OF YOU!!!

I’ve watched you grow into a confident leader on your baseball team. I’ve watched you cheer on your team when no one else is. Today I watched you pick up a teammate who tripped and carry his bag for him when he was hurt. Then watching a teammate strike out, you were the first one to meet her at the dugout and give her a high five and a hug and tell her not to worry!

You my friend are everything I have ever hoped you would be as an athlete and person. You Jackson have something NOT THAT MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE… compassion, humor and leadership.

I watched you this year work on your swing… let me tell you something, baseball is the hardest sport in the world to play! Ted Williams who is considered one of the greatest, if not THE GREATEST HITTER in the history of baseball said, “The hardest thing to do in baseball is to hit a round baseball with a round bat.” And Deion Sanders (who played nine seasons in MLB including for the Yankees, while also having a Hall of Fame NFL career at the same time) when asked the hardest thing to do in all of sports, he said “Hitting that baseball.”

For some context, remember you have been a switch hitter for six years! That means you take half as many swings as your friends and teammates, because you have to practice swinging both righty and lefty! Switch hitting, Something NOT ONE OTHER PERSON IN ALL OF A, AA, AAA leagues can do! NOT ONE!

In all of Major League Baseball there were only 17 people who could switch hit last year! ONLY 17 of 974 Major League Baseball players can do what you do (thatsmeans 957 Major League Baseball playerS CAN NOT do what you CAN do!!!).

With that being said not many players have what it takes to be a leader, a hard worker and a great teammate. I’m happy you are working lefty and happy watching you get more comfortable at the plate. I’ve never told you this, but I stopped playing baseball in high school because I never really was a good hitter. I know what it’s like to stand in the batters box and be nervous. Everyone who has ever played baseball has felt that way!

I love watching you play baseball. I am so happy when you are out there on the field! Most importantly though, I want you to be happy too! Maybe it doesn’t seem like it, but I am so proud of you. I want you to be successful and maybe I don’t tell you enough… but you are successful. You are a leader, a great player and someone who I would want on my team every single day of the week.

Love Always,

Dad

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Happy Seventh Birthday Oliver

Dear Oliver,

I feel like seven is an underrated age. Six seems so young… But, seven feels so different. I’m not sure if that means you can watch PG movies now, or maybe you’re allowed to vote or drive a car or something? But I know that the Bubble Guppies loving, Blaze and the Monster Machine quoting little guy… doesn’t seem so little anymore.

There’s still signs of that little guy there. That adorable, innocent, and sometimes menacing smile, wanting to curl up in bed with Mom And Dad in the middle of the night for no reason or a simple request to race hot wheels. Those will always be there. I know they will and mom and I cherish each of those times more than you’ll ever know more than you’ll know at seven years old and more than you’ll know as you grow older, until one day you have children of your own.

Mom and I are in awe of the boy you have become. You’re not just someone’s son or a little brother. You are your own unique person. Watching you develop a passion and love for baseball and football has been truly inspiring. You remind me of me at your age, collecting baseball cards and reading the back of the cards as you unwrap them to learn more about each player is so fun to experience. Watching you trade baseball cards with your brother and talk about sports with him and I or some of the best moments I’ve had over the past year.

This year you just picked up a chapter book and started reading it. You fold your own laundry, you make your own breakfast. You never cease to amaze us. I watch you take care of your cousins, call to check on Bammy and Mima and continue to develop into a kind and respectful boy. You are a leader and your friends look up to you. That’s what life is about… leading with kindness and respect. We can’t ask for anything more.

We have enjoyed watching you live your life through your eyes and your stories. Your crazy stories, your fearless attempts at anything you put your mind too are impressive (and at times scary for mom and I). Yet in the end, it’s those reasons your will be successful.

Anything you put your mind to, you will accomplish. You will never fail if your goal is not perfection, but excellence and improvement. We could not be anymore proud of you and we could not be more excited about what the future holds for you.

Keep being crazy! We love you!!!

Love always,

Dad

January 31, 2017
January 31, 2018
January 31, 2019
January 31, 2020
January 31, 2021
January 31, 2022
January 31, 2023
January 31, 2024
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I Love Watching My Sons Compete

I love watching people compete. I love more than anything the fire that drives athletes to do things no one thinks they can do. Not the champion, not the MVP, but the little extra that pushes people to be the best at what they do (read Slaying the Dragon by Michael Johnson).

When I was younger, I couldn’t ever imagine anyone having the drive that I had because at the time I thought it was just me, like nobody else could understand it. However this fall I watched my boys show up every weekend side by side with their teammates to a game that were so new to them. I watched the fire in their eyes burn and the excitement for each other and their teammates as the weather got colder and the games grew more important.

My sons who showed grit, determination and teamwork. Neither were ready to sign NFL contracts and neither still have a firm grip on the rules (IE Oliver’s stiff arm through defenders, or Jax’ suplex block of a linebacker), but the love they showed for the game itself and what it meant to be a teammate could not be measured by a score or a championship.

While both boys’ teams had a chance at a championship, both feel just short. Short of a win, but not short on the desire to keep playing. Oliver’s loss in the playoff semifinals resulted in him asking if they can plan another game right after, even if it didn’t count. Jax refused to agree to turn in his jersey and helmet, “I don’t want to dad, I love being part of this team!”

While we obviously want them to earn those victories and at times, those are the games we celebrate most, Steph and I just want the boys to have fun and embrace these years doing what they love to do. Of course we want them to develop strong athletic skills (which I sort of sarcastically describe here):

Flag Football

And here:

Tackle Football

I want them to develop strong character traits, self-control, discipline, respect and teamwork, because those traits will last a lifetime. One thing I learned this season, is the drive that I thought only I had… (that young naive thought)… my boys have it and I couldn’t be more proud!

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Flag Football

Flag Football?… Not what I’d expected, but I know enough about football in general to know that Oliver would enjoy a sport where he could run non stop and then occasionally (even though it’s against the rules) tackle someone! He bought in quickly last year. He enjoyed his best friends being on his team and his cool neighbor being his Head Coach (even if said neighbor only had the second best lawn on the street).

Clearly though, I couldn’t just watch from the sideline… I had to coach him. (Which is so completely different from Jax who flourishes on his own and does leaps and bounds better in football without me as his coach).

I soon discovered that football wasn’t just something Oliver would do for fun. It was quickly becoming an identity. One that was also becoming something of a slight obsession. He carries a football around the house and even after two hours of practice he asks if his friends can come over and practice (mind you it’s pitch black outside on a school night).

I can’t help but see how these games are like a practice run for the hurdles and setbacks of life. This football season has so far been a lesson in adjusting expectations. For him and for us. We watched him run for passes he couldn’t reach, have his flag grabbed at crucial moments, and be run over by kids who were bigger and more experienced than he was.

Oliver though, at least to his mom and dad, even in a loss has outshined our own expectations. While his smile is big and he enjoys goofing around with his teammates more than anything, when the whistle blows something happens to him. He changes into a lion, Barry Sanders to be specific. He had exceptional agility, balance, and acceleration.

Oliver, like Sanders has such a low center of gravity (probably because he’s six years old) allowing him to make rapid cuts and change directions on a dime. He uses unbelievably quick jukes (or as he calls it “a Boop” to evade tacklers, making defenders miss with ease. “The BOOP” as it’s been called (he literally couldn’t say the word “Juke” and started calling it a BOOP) has absolutely left multiple broken ankles on fields across the shoreline this summer. His ability to stop and start abruptly, combined with his burst of speed, have made him one of the most elusive runners in K-1 Flag Football history.

All joking aside, while I’m sure the other coaches can agree he can use a bit more work on his listening skills… his love for his coaches, teammates and the game itself is growing by the day and the fun his dad is having coaching him is too!

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Tackle Football

Last weekend, I sat on the sidelines reliving my Pop Warner and high school football days. With that being said, I’ve finally come to the realization that I’m officially living vicariously through my sons. This was never more evident than it was this weekend when I helped Jax strap on his shoulder pads and pull over his white #87 jersey.

Those WHITE on WHITES though… 🔥

It was surreal watching him walk towards his teammates as he buttoned up his chinstrap and helmet as I had all those years ago. Except, unlike I had pictured, he didn’t my help. He jogged off towards the field, but turned around just quick enough to give me a thumbs-up.

I had to stop and take in what was happening. He didn’t need me anymore… at least not then… because he had his teammates. It is so evident that his growth and independence continues to develop as his confidence levels increase.

I’ve watched him grow from the first practice- to now- more than I’ve ever imagined possible. I can not believe how much his coaches and teammates (and biggest fan: Oliver) have influenced him. Jax has shown drive and determination that I’ve never seen in him before.

His first game this weekend was a success as they won 30-6. A win is even more important when it involves waking up at 6am on a Sunday. But but if it ends in watching him and his teammates celebrate their accomplishment together, then it was all worth it.

However, as much football is a team game, there was a moment in this game in which I saw something in him that I wasn’t ready for.

There has been:

“The Ice Bowl”

“The Catch”

“The Immaculate Reception”

“The Philly Special”

But until this weekend there hadn’t been “The Block”

I’m not even sure many professional players would be capable of what Jax was asked to do. He was sent in at wide receiver a position he had never played and was asked to make a block. I’ll block on someone very athletic, quicker and faster.

As he lined up and he’s number 87 jersey thoughts of Jordy Nelson, running past a cornerback for a deep touchdown thrown by Aaron Rodgers in the Super Bowl, ran through my head… but instead… Today, on this play, Jackson charge toward the cornerback and put on one of the most technically sound blocks I have literally ever seen. He created a massive hole that you could drive a dump truck through… And his teammate broke a long touchdown.

He had many other impressive plays… And plenty of times where I had to laugh as he chirped in the ears of the other players he was bulldozing!!! I don’t know what he was saying, but I saw a different side of Jackson today and while I was incredibly proud of him… The most important part was, he was incredibly proud of himself and in the end, isn’t that what matters most, that you can look yourself in the mirror and say today I did the best that I could for myself and for others.

He’s show leadership (that I’ve always seen), but today he was named Captain, by his coaches and followed by a round of applause by his team… the smile on his face and the pride is his voice when he told me will forever be remembered. Thank You Football, thank you coaches and most of all THANK YOU JACKSON!

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Owners of the Green Bay Packers

About a month ago, it was a normal weekday afternoon as I walked down the driveway to the mailbox. Nothing pressing was on my mind other than how many Amazon Prime packages I might find. Today however, instead of finding boxes, bills or ads for extended car warrantees, I found a letter from almost 1,000 miles away (and no it wasn’t my acceptance letter from Hogwarts… although you have to admit that would be life changing too).

The envelopes were emblazoned with the Green Bay Packers logo stamped on both. I had tears in my eyes because I knew immediately what was inside, but would have to conceal both my excitement and the documents that were now in my hands.

People ask me all the time, (as I know they will both boys), how in the world did I become a Packers fan. Whenever I’m asked this question my head begins swimming with reasons…would it be Sterling Sharpe, who was Calvin Johnson before Calvin Johnson was even born and also happens to be the reason why I wore number 84 in my high school football days… Al Bundy reference). How about Brett Favre, the “Gunslinger of the North,” who kept us in every game? Or what about Charles Woodson, who displayed the heart of a lion and tried to play through a broken collarbone in order to bring the Lombardi Trophy home? Those are all obvious choices of why I became a packers fan. There are hundreds to choose from; I mean, come on! We’re the most legendary franchise in the NFL, right?

Then again, there is more to the Green Bay Packers than the legendary figures who once and still do roam The Frozen Tundra. To me, there is something else that makes our fan base a “real living, breathing thing.” Family… Vince Lombardi said it, my parents said it… heck, I’m saying it now… family is what makes being a Packers fan so special.

My boys were born seven and four years ago respectively and the joys of parenthood sometimes gets lost in dirty diapers, school events and sleepless nights… when the thoughts of Rodgers to Adams are far, far away. Yet, it’s that quick thought of ARod lofting a touchdown pass on a perfectly thrown back shoulder pass… even if for just a fleeting second, that gets me so excited. The thought of sharing the Green Bay Packers with my sons, the thought of Sundays with them in my lap, the thought of bringing them to Lambeau for the first time… that’s what it’s all about. It is the thought of something that is bigger than me, bigger than them… because the Packers make it about “US.”

Now that my family has grown, I have the opportunity to share something that is more than a game with my boys. And although there is no doubt there will be stories about that Gunslinger of the North, and the guy they called The Golden Boy, it will be more about the experiences father and sons share together. Besides, Coach Lombardi couldn’t have been wrong… he added it in his Top 3… God, FAMILY and THE GREEN BAY PACKERS

You see the Green Bay Packers are more than a team. These documents I was holding are about passing on a legacy. Now, both my boys can join me by saying they are more than fans… they are now the proud Owners of the Green Bay Packers.

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A Decade to Remember

As 2019 its door and the start of a new decade opens, it’s a time to reflect and look forward to the amazing things on the horizon. As far decades go… the 2010s were as Larry David would say, “pretty, pretty, pretty good.” And considering this last one was my fourth… I know a good decade when I see one. But really… four decades… that is pretty crazy. I’m now 40 – as in 40 years old.

This decade saw so many ups and downs, So many gains and so many losses. However, all of the losses make the gains so much more exuberant. I became a dad and also an uncle (which is like being a dad, except you can just send the little tyke home when you are done playing with them!!!)

This decade was pretty nuts… I “went viral” as is the popular phrase these days for my Harry Potter Cupboard Under the Stairs that i build for the boys… so that in of itself is pretty indicative of what this decade was like!

If I had to summarize the last ten years in a sentence or two it would read something like this… I fell more deeply in love with my beautiful wife then I ever imagined possible. I lost my person, my grandfather, but I gained two of the most amazing little boys anyone could ever ask for. (ohh… and I won a Super Bowl)!

The decade started out with me taking the career path I always envisioned, as I took my first administrative job as an assistant principal, which I later parlayed itself into becoming a principal, including turning that first building around from a “Tier 3 Schools” in need of improvement to a “Tier 1 School of High Distinction, High Achievement and High Growth” in under three years. I’m proud of what was accomplished and I’m proud of the amazing students that worked so hard every day.

As I said earlier, there were losses. I lost my last two grandparents. Pop, left us the day after Thanksgiving in 2016. Jackson still talks about him, and unfortunately Oliver will only know him through the stories that are still told at the dinner table like folk tales. Steph lost her father, which was one of the hardest to explain to our little ones.

I was able to walk in the footsteps of Harry, Ron and Hermione in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (four times). I caught wide receiver Jordy Nelson during a Lambeau Leap and visited Broadway a few times.

Stephanie and I moved into our dream house in an amazing community with some of the greatest neighbors anyone could ever ask for. Our children love all their new friends and we are so lucky to have amazing people around us everyday.

There is no better part of the last ten years than that of bringing into this world two of the most amazing little boys that have ever lived. Jackson and Oliver have made Stephanie’s and my life so much more than we could have ever asked for all those years ago. They have changed my life. They make every moment of my life better, more important and most of worth living.

To Stephanie,

It hasn’t always been perfect… but two decades have gone by with you and my hope is that the next many decades are spent by your side. Our boys are lucky to have you as their mother, their protector and their best friend.

2010 ➡️ 2020
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Kings in the North

Oliver straight up predicting the Packers win to wrap up the NFC North Division Crown was pretty astonishing. (He gave a 36-10 prediction before the game began. However there’s a debate if he skipped 24 in his counting therefor possible giving a prediction of 23-10… the actual final score).

Either way this kid in his too tight Packers PJ onesie and Aaron Rodgers are on their way to the playoffs as The Kings of the North.