Trying out for the New York Dragons had me breathing fire.
Word has spread around Long Island that the arena football team, which called the venerated Nassau Coliseum home during the 2000s, is making a much-anticipated comeback in the 516 this June.
As someone who grew up on the thrill of watching the black-and-red brawlers, I had to throw my hat — or rather, my helmet — in the ring with some of the best local talent Tuesday night during open tryouts for a chance to make the Entertainment Football Association (ENTFLA) squad.
For the first time in ages, I was hitting blocking pads, firing out of my dormant O-line stance, doing quick-cut agility drills, running routes and, unfortunately, a 20-yard dash while trying to keep up with the skillful bunch vying to be one of 26 heading to camp.
“We’ve got an eight-game regular season, but we’re going to play 10 games because we’re winning the championship,” he boldly told me of the coming inaugural season.
“You’ve got to win in New York. That’s what the fans want, and that’s what we’re playing for.”
