From Realtor to Flag Football Coach

Last fall, I decided to sign up my son Nico for flag football for the very first time.

Over the last few years, he had really honed in on baseball, and we’ve loved watching him grow and develop in that sport. Still, we thought it would be a good idea to try something new. I didn’t think much about the change, other than it would keep him busy and active.

That changed when we received an email from the league saying they still needed a volunteer head coach and assistant coaches. I thought to myself, I don’t mind helping out. I fired off an email to the league director and said they could count on me as an assistant coach.

A week later, I received another notice. No head coach had committed, and if one didn’t step up, the league would have to issue refunds. Or, I could be the head coach.

No pressure, right?

I said Yes. We jumped right into the season blind as a bat. It was the blind leading the blind since most of these boys had never played a single snap of football.

The season consisted of ten games. With the help of my oldest son, Ricardo Jr., and an old neighbor, we put together a simple coaching plan just to give these boys a chance to learn the game. What followed was, at times a complete train wreck.

We lost more games than I could count. But somehow, the boys kept showing up. They kept trying. Slowly, they started to click and grow more comfortable playing together. By the end of the regular season, we had defined positions, some actual plays, and managed to squeeze out a couple of wins. One may have come from the other team not showing up, but regardless, a win is a win.

We accepted that it had been a rough season and thought that was the end of it.

Then came the announcement that all teams were eligible for the playoff tournament. One more weekend. One more chance.

That cold, windy weekend in December told the story. We scored on our opening drive of the first playoff game. Then again and again. We walked away with a surprising win and were told to return the next day, in even colder weather, to face a tougher opponent. And somehow, we got it done again.

The boys were in sync. Our quarterback was making confident throws, and his receivers were stepping up when it mattered. I remember looking at Ricardo Jr in disbelief, thinking, "Where have these boys been all season?"

One win turned into another, and suddenly the biggest underdogs were headed to the championship game.

Before that final game, I gathered the boys and told them that no matter what happened, I was proud of them. Proud of their effort, their grit, and how far they had come. I told them to stay sharp, help their teammates, and believe in each other because I believed in them.

And they did it!

Take a look below at our fifth grade Bronze Champions from The Farm League.

I’m beyond grateful for the moments built with these boys. I’ve now committed to coaching again this spring, with Ricardo Jr. by my side. None of this would have happened without the encouragement of my wife, the help of family and friends, and most importantly, these boys sticking together.

Sometimes the best moments in life come when you simply say YES!