The Safest Game in America
Throughout February, you can hear the crash of football pads on Howard Jones Field, but none of the players on USC's practice turf are wearing Trojan jerseys.
Meet the California Blue Knights, a team of police and other law enforcement officers. A large number of the players serve in USC's Department of Public Safety. Don't picture any wild scenarios from The Longest Yard. Although one of their nearby opponents (Bakersfield Falcons) is made up of prison guards, they play other agencies from around the country in the National Public Safety League. The last few years, the Blue Knights have scheduled games in Florida, Texas and Washington, D.C. Ultimately, they're doing this to have a good time and raise money for charity.
Most players have high school (and sometimes college) experience, but many haven't worn a uniform for a long time -- at least not the football variety. Greg Nesbitt played in the CFL about a decade ago. He also spent time with the NFL's Seattle Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings.
Nesbitt echoed a number of players when he said the camaraderie is his favorite part of the Blue Knights. For him, it's all about "playing on the weekends, getting together, seeing these guys outside of uniform, and just having fun!"
DPS officer Rick Gonzalez has been with the team for four seasons, but it had been about 11 years since he played his last high school game. Law enforcement officers are expected to be in good shape, so Gonzalez said it wasn't too hard getting back on the field. "I work out every day lifting weights. I actually work out with the football players here and their strength and conditioning coaches. The only thing I have to do is adjust to hitting and being hit."
The Blue Knights are coached by John Elder, a detective from LAPD's
Southwest Division. The gregarious coach has experience leading a number of southland high school teams. He observed that
"the police officers really enjoy it. It keeps them in shape and it's a
great stress relief."
Several players praised Elder's dedication and pointed out how much time and money he has volunteered to the group over the past few years.
Besides DPS, Elder's players hail from LAPD, Inglewood PD, Inglewood School PD, Huntington Park PD, LA Sheriffs Department, and even the DEA. Without one giant agency to draw from, they play in one of the league's smaller divisions. Some agencies sponsor everything or consider their officers on duty while participating in team events, but the Blue Knights are on their own time and purchase their own equipment.
Their biggest rival is the LAPD Centurions, a perennial national championship contender. Gonzalez sized up their 55-man roster as "pretty much like a college-level team." Even though the Centurions are in a higher division because of the large pool of officers they have to draw from, the two meet regularly and the games can get competitive. Having a few LAPD officers on the Blue Knights makes things all the more interesting.
Tragically, the Centurions lost one of their own last week. Randy Simmons had started for Washington State University and tried out for the Cowboys before joining LAPD. During a recent shoot out, he became the first SWAT officer to ever die on duty. It was a harsh reminder of how dangerous these player's day jobs can be.
One of the other difficult things about their profession can be taking custody of abused children. Recognizing an opportunity to do something good for the community, the Blue Knights pick one game per year as a major fundraiser for the Orangewood and Hillview Acres Children's Homes. This year's game will be in Anaheim on March 29 against Central Texas. They plan on selling tickets and t-shirts, holding a raffle, and accepting donations.
Another highlight of the year should be a trip in May to take on the Washington D.C. Generals in the nation's capitol.
You never know who might show up at these games. Last year the Blue Knights hosted a squad from the Marine Corps at Howard Jones Field. USC's Pete Carroll came out to watch, and even called a few plays for the home team. Afterwards, he led the both sides on a tour of Heritage Hall.
The Blue Knights play their first game this Saturday against the Venture Police. For a complete schedule, click here. If you're interested in donating or otherwise supporting their charitable efforts, email John Elder at jte4964@aol.com.
06:00 AM PT, Feb 15 2008 in Football
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Once again, great article. Thanks for mentioning the fallen LAPD SWAT officer. He represented everyting that our football league is about. Thank you.
Posted by: Gonzo | February 15, 2008 at 01:32 PM
thanks for the support great article and god bless our fallen heroes
Posted by: 918 DAWG | February 15, 2008 at 06:43 PM
I'm really proud of The Blue Knights! That's my team. I'm especially proud of my little brother Rick Gonzalez for being one of the most dedicated players along with a few others. God bless all of you. I will continue to be one of your favorite sponsors, as long as you guys are playing. Love ya!!
Posted by: Betty Boop | February 16, 2008 at 12:39 AM
Great article and I do appreciate that even our fallen officers are recognized. It just shows everyone that officers are not only "officers", but human beings, fathers, brothers, sons...regular people. Keep up the good work Blue Knights and stay safe, not only on the field, but on the streets as well.
Posted by: Soria | February 16, 2008 at 10:44 AM
Its always great to see brothers in law enforcement come together to reach a common goal. Working together and building camaraderie is what its all about. Some depts sadly seem to forget this. Im proud of all you guys. Good luck and have a safe and rewarding season.
Posted by: chuy SC PO PO EM dog | February 17, 2008 at 12:46 PM
Great article!!!
Posted by: Young | February 18, 2008 at 07:05 AM
I am really proud of all that Law Enforcement officers do. I am especially proud of my two brothers that are officers for the Inglewood PD, and members of the football team. Though I live in Louisiana, and hardly get to see them, I know what they are doing is special.
Posted by: Coach Patrick Lindsey | February 18, 2008 at 02:39 PM
Great article. Next year the team should be named the "Blue Trojans."
Posted by: Trojanman51 | February 18, 2008 at 11:17 PM