Really Playing for Pizza

If you've come as far as to read this blog, you probably already have a good idea why it was started and why the title is "Really Playing for Pizza."  HOWEVER, I would still like to explain as 1) You may have just randomly stumbled upon this blog due to the curious title, raving reviews in national papers, or by word of mouth advertising (always the best type), or b) You either know me or know of me, and are curious why someone who is living comfortably in North America with a good job, a new wife, and dreams of one day having my alotted 2.5 children would give that all up to chase the football dream one last time -- all the way to ITALY.

Yes, in 15 days, 19 hours and 45 minutes I will board a plane headed for Europe as I begin my journey to play for the Catania Elephants of the Italian Football League.  (Yes, AMERICAN football, and YES, they really are the Elephants.)  Only coincidentally, just a few shorts months ago (and as I was making my final decision about playing in Europe) the world's most famous author, John Grisham, released a novel entitled Playing for Pizza, which outlines the adventures of a former NFL/CFL Quarterback who does this very thing -- in this very league.  Perhaps the ironic part is that I too am a former NFL/CFL Quarterback... or maybe, destiny?

Hence the name, REALLY Playing for Pizza... because I'm now actually doing it.  

But how did this journey begin?  With a single step -- or as is typical to my universe -- a cell phone call.  In early September, I received a call from my good friend Peter Hansen, a teammate of mine at the University of Arizona and a former alumni of international football.  He had seen a team in Italy advertising the need for a Quarterback/Offensive Co-ordinator, and told me that I should give them a shout if I was interested... knowing that I had recently "retired" from the CFL to pursue my business interests.  Not exactly sure what to make of it... and not even knowing where the city "Catania" was - I blindly shot an email to a coach named Davide to see what the universe might bring back.  Call it a positological moment.

A short while later, I received a glowing email from the Italian Head Coach, Davide Guilano, who was very interested in talking about this opportunity.  I already had a vague familiarity of the typical European Contract (house / car / salary), as my older brother Chad played quarterback in Germany for a year after his All-American career at Pacific Lutheran University, and raved about the amazing time he had.  (Interesting note: In Germany a Quarterback is called a Spielmacher... literally a 'play maker' ... I am curious of the Italian Translation).

Emails began to flow back and forth, and I was contacted a short time after by George Contreras, a 35-year coaching veteran and legend in the circles of Southern California High School Football.  George had signed on to be the defensive coordinator for the Mighty Elephants, and was very excited to hear from a quarterback with my experience - as apparently the typical level of experience for players in Europe is from small, Division III schools.  We instantly hit it off, as his sarcastic wit was instantly recognizable, as was his love for life and overall laid-back Southern California attitude.

It was in an an excited phone call a short time later that George mentioned the newly released Grisham book, and I raced off to the local book store in hot pursuit.  A day later, I was finished with the quick read, my mind dancing to the story of "Reek" Dockery, the imaginary quarterback who led the Parma Panthers over the mighty Bergamo Lions to win the Italian Superbowl.  It was at this moment that I knew this was something I had to pursue.

So here I am, soon to be REALLY Playing for Pizza (and hopefully some Pasta too... and maybe Gelato - I hear it is AMAZING... maybe I can play OLine by the end of the season...), and eagerly anticipating every step in this entire journey.

By the way, George is already in Catania, and has his own Blog right HERE, conveniently titled "Coaching for Pizza."  I have given you this link at the end of my own lengthy entry, because I was afraid if I gave it to you earlier, than you'd already be reading his and have no need for a guy who is still waiting to embark.

Also, I hope to be shooting a documentary film about my experience as well, and should be posting video clips on this blog when time permits.  Please submit to me your cliche movie titles at earliest convenience.

Arrivaderci,

J.Twice