It was for over 72 years that the NFL has hosted their annual Pro Bowl games featuring the league’s outstanding performers for those respective seasons. During that duration, the Pro Bowl has been played in a traditional sense with a large upscale tackle game across various cities. It was not until this year that the NFL decided to replace the traditions of the Pro Bowl game in favor of something more similar in scope to that of the NBA All-Star weekend. On September 26th, the league announced that the Pro Bowl Games would implement skills competitions throughout the week, with the event ultimately culminating with a flag football game.
Prior to the Pro Bowl Game that concluded this past Sunday, I had the opportunity to interview Izell Reese. Reese, who has had quite a tremendous resume from his pro athlete days to now as a CEO of RCX Sports was designated as the Flag director for this year’s game. Concerning the benefits of the NFL implementing flag football, Reese stated, “it highlights the sport with the best players in the world being involved with flag football, putting it on the biggest stage” he continues on, “the emphasis that is put on the kids, just knowing that even the greatest players in the game play the same sport they play.” To elaborate upon Reese’s statement, and with the NFL advocating for flag football with the implementation in their Pro Bowl Games, it promotes a safer way to play. As seen in this past year, playing in the NFL is an extremely tall task as these athletes are taking excruciating blows to their bodies with players like Tua Tagovailoa and Damar Hamlin.
Moreover, Reese has not only dedicated time toward the direction of this year’s Pro Bowl Game but often finds himself around the progression of young and upcoming athletes. With more than 20 plus years of being involved around youth sports Reese spoke to what initiated his passion for it “looking at my path, walking on to college and getting drafted by the Cowboys is what led me to the whole recruiting process,” he further added, “I saw this as an opportunity to make a difference in making sure programs affordable as many cases kids are priced out.” As a CEO of RCX Sports, Reese ensures that his passion is shared throughout the company “you want people to share the same values and understanding the value of what we’re trying to accomplish in working with youth” he goes on to state that the company’s motto, “locker room mentality in which we play to win and when we win it’s when the kids are able to get that Pro sports experience with the teams and players.”
To conclude such an incredible conversation with Reese, he left an insightful message to young people who wish to strive in their industry “ to find something you love to do… finding your passion and what drives you is critically important with money and success being the byproduct”. Ultimately, Reese’s message serves as a reminder that when you find something you’re genuinely passionate about and love to do, there will not be a single day where it feels like work.
For more sports coverage from MLB, NBA, NFL, to NCAA contact Julian Ojeda: Call 786-501-9082 | Email: julianojeda@wepa.fm
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