Author Archives: @jaxbrown725

NFL Draft Party Presented by Agent Sean Stellato: Sights and Sounds

Ever wonder what it’s like to attend an NFL draft party, complete with NFL players, agents, and staff? Look no further, as I’m going to take you through my experience this past Thursday, when the NFL kicked off the 2018 season with the annual NFL Draft. This event was graciously hosted by Stellato Sports and its founder and NFL agent, Sean Stellato.

Arrival

I arrived in Middleton, MA around 5 PM on Thursday, April 26th, at this gorgeous country club where you could see employees and vendors setting up and getting ready for the arriving guests as you pulled up. Being early, I decided to poke around and get a feel of the place and a realistic perspective of how poor I really am. This place was nice. The lot was flooded with BMWs, Porches, and I even spotted a midnight black Lambo that would stop any car enthusiast in their tracks. Making my way into the clubhouse, I ran into to some folks discussing table placement, buffet arrangements, and where to put bags and coats. Being unfamiliar, I asked this kind gentleman in a suit where I might be able to check in at the media desk for entry. He let me know I was early, but didn’t mind if I wondered the grounds so long as I was back for check-in. No problem. I headed up to the rooftop deck where they were also setting up for the event, but I decided to take in the scenery and snap some beautiful pictures of the course from above. The smell of grass and the sounds of golf balls getting hammered down the green was in a way soothing, and with the sky a pretty blue, it created the perfect backdrop for the party. As time ticked away, and check-in being 6 PM, I went back down stairs to get ready for entry.

Let’s Get This Party Started

As I stood in line to get my wristband, in plain sight and about 50-ft away, was New England Patriots LB Marquis Flowers checking his phone and chatting up a group of kids and fans who were excited to see him. All smiles, Marquis was kind throughout and never wavered when approached. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I spot the whitest Benz I think I’ve ever seen pulling up to a parking spot. I mean whiter than white out. Out comes Sean Stellato, NFL agent, party host, and author. When I say this dude was stylin’, he would have given Michael Jackson a run for his money. Also, Sean if you’re reading this, nice shoes that day (picture below). After the “Hello”s and “See you all inside”s, we got our bands, goody bag with gifts (gift cards to eateries, party favors, etc), and headed to our designated areas. I was upstairs on the VIP/Media deck.

Networking/Pre-Draft

After getting upstairs, the rooftop filled quickly. CEOs, Founders, and Owners of things were mostly in attendance, but you had your fair share of the everyday fan. You could hear conversations ranging from “This is nice, good weather”, to “Let me tell you about this new high-tech water my company makes.” There was no short in levels of interaction. Chatting it up with a few big-wigs and becoming friends on LinkedIn, I grabbed a drink from the bar and mosied my way to the number of buffets that were provided. Sushi, cheese and crackers, wine, and a dinner buffet that featured classic Italian cuisine. Meanwhile, event employees were setting up a display for a photo-op with New England Patriot players who were slated to be there, while they also placed the five shining Vince Lombardi trophies from each of New England’s Super Bowl victories on a stand for viewing and pictures.

Once most had a bit to eat and drink, Sean made the announcement that Patriots players Marquis Flowers, Brandon King, and Rob Ninkovich would be attending. He also noted that Tony DeMarco, aka “The Boston Bomber” (58-12 pro record), would be there. Not many people got excited, but I did as this dude is a stone-cold legend around Boston. He even has his own statue! Even so, the crowd started to hover around the display hoping to get their chance to meet and greet with the players, phone in hand already on camera mode.

Then comes out the players and the crowd gets chatty. Some fight to get up close, some yelling from the back, but it was all in good spirit. I happened to be lucky enough to get a “front row seat”, but admittedly found it difficult to have a lengthy conversation with the stars of the show due to them being pulled in all directions. I did manage to get a few pictures and chat it up with both Tony and Sean, who were equally as pleasant and accommodating. My time with Tony lasted longer, which was pretty cool to hear a few of his “war stories” from the ring. Overall, it was neat to shake hands and talk with polarizing figures. With the actual draft beginning at 8 PM, I made my way downstairs ready for the draft to begin.

Draft/After-Party

Once the draft started and all were full and happy, the networking and conversation seemed to remain steady. There were a few still sticking to their marketing pitch and investment strategies, but most wanted to have a good time at that point. Flowers, Jones, and Ninkovich were saying hello and making conversation while ESPN was on the projector screen for viewing at the head of the room. There was a nice speech thanking all of us for coming and enjoying ourselves, which was nice. Pick after pick people chatted and enjoyed themselves and the wonderful reception that followed the pre-party. As the draft grew later in the night, a good portion of folks started to head home for the evening, myself included, as an hour and 40 minute drive was staring me in the face. Leaving shortly after, I relived the events of the evening and how cool of an experience it was.

Recap

This was such a unique experience, and shout out to Boston Sports Extra and Sean Stellato for allowing me to attend. Not only was I able to meet some pretty cool and smart business executives, I was surrounded by the energy and prestige of upper level executives and NFL caliber talent, as well as positive spirits. I met a boxing legend in Tony Demarco, shook hands with NFL players, and took a picture and chatted with a real, big-time NFL agent. I ate 5-star food and got free stuff, not a bad deal. Overall, it was the perfect event to network, grab some free stuff, and just have a low-key good time especially as a football fan. If I were you, I would absolutely recommend to one day attend a draft party if you’re able. Aside from a good time, you never know who you might meet.

Don’t worry, that’s water 😉

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Playoff Preview: Celtics – Bucks Game 2

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Game 1 Recap

With Game 2 tonight (8 PM tip-off), the Celtics are coming off what some would consider an instant classic Game 1. The C’s rallied late to overcome a game that provided extra basketball for the fans, and some electric moments for the die-hards.

To summarize – it wasn’t the prettiest display of basketball. The energy and defense was great from the Celtics. But, a hurtful 15 turnovers from Boston kept them behind. It’s also the same reason Milwaukee didn’t pull away either, giving away the ball a game-high 20 times. The scoring felt dead at moments, although the Celtics did pick it up late. Each quarter was close, so that made it watchable.

The highlight from the game came when Terry Rozier hit a late 4th quarter three, leaving 0.5 seconds in regulation. Not to be outdone, Bucks youngster Kris Middleton threw up a Hail Mary three from 35-feet to send the game into extras. From there it was all C’s. Jayson Tatum put TD Garden and all of Faneuil Hall on his back and carried Boston to a 113-107 OT Game 1 win. Selfishness and the lack of shots falling was Milwaukee’s downfall, while the Celtics tightened up on both ends to victory.

Going forward, both @B_Murph1021 and myself @JaxBrown725 will predict each game for the Celtics Playoff run. Here are our predictions for Game 2:

Game 2 – Bucks even the series at 1-1

With the young C’s still feeling themselves from Game 1’s comeback, they’ll be looking to extend that for Game 2. Although being plagued with injuries has hurt the C’s, their defensive has come through when it needed to. Offensively, however, improvements need to be made if they want the streak to continue. “The Three Musketeer” trio of Brown (20 pts Game 1), Tatum (19), and Rozier (23) must come to play as the playoff pressure increases. The Godfather (Horford) showed why he’s built for this with a big-time 24 points and 12 boards. The Beantown Bully continues to beat up the competition posting 21 and 7. Was it enough for what was at most times a lackadaisical game? Sure. Will the Greek Freak step up the D and continue making posters out of Aron Baynes? Probably.

Giannis and Co. come back in Game 2 with a force and show why even The Green Monster isn’t big enough to hold him back. Dropping a stat-line of 35, 13, and 7 while adding three steals in Game 1 will be a hard cover for anyone on the Celtics roster. Middleton lit it up with 31 points, while Brodgon dropped 16. Eric Bledsoe was a no-show, and for the Bucks to pull away from the bright-eyed/bushy-tailed Celtics he simply needs to play better than a 4/12 shooting night.

What to Expect:

Giannis shows up and expect the duo of Middleton/Brogdon to continue their play. I’m predicting Bledsoe to do more than just put on a jersey tonight. He’ll be putting up close to 13-15 points. Bucks center John Henson has been streaky, but could be a factor as well. The trio of Rozier, Tatum and Brown continue to provide buckets but youth shows up and turnovers could be the story. Horford anchors the middle, but Giannis picks up from Game 1 and is more defensively sound down low. Morris and Parker could be the x-factors for their teams respectively. A down game can’t happen for the Bucks to see this series through.

Side note – The Greek Freak averages 34, 11 and 5 vs. Boston this year.

Bucks take this one going home, 103-96

Follow me on Twitter, @JaxBrown725 or on IG @Drew_Joseph1020

The Curious Case of Colin Kaepernick

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“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. To me, this is bigger than football, and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way.” – Former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, on his decision to sit during the national anthem in 2016

Kap’s Stance

In today’s society, breathing the wrong way could get you arrested. Or shot. Or even killed. It’s crazy, right? Back in 2016, Colin Kaepernick blew the house down. By refusing to stand for the National Anthem and waving of the flag, he set the sports world on fire. Because to him, as an African-American athlete, the flag had recently represent what was wrong with the country.

All around the United States, minority shootings have increased ten-fold. Today, there are statistically more news stories now surrounding the mistreatment of minorities, mainly shootings. This is from a place where we’re all chasing the American Dream. Is that truly the case, though? Was is dreamt that racism and over-use of police force would take the place of peace and equality? Probably not. Athletes, celebrities, and politicians have all come to the support of Kap. In fact, they range from different demographics and skin tone. The issue that was the basis of his stance, is truly much bigger than a game of pigskin and a flag. It’s about the treatment and lack of support given to those who are “minority”, or anybody for that matter. How that’s been difficult to miss is hard to understand.

The American Dream?

The only thing Kap did wrong… was nothing. He wasn’t belligerent, he wasn’t even aggressive towards his stance. He was able to professionally explain and stand by what he believed in. Isn’t THAT the American dream? Hardly, I guess. It’s troubling that in a time where we live with such heightened sensitivity, that there are still those out there who base their opinion on Colin Kaepernick SOLELY on their perception that he “disrespected the flag”, missing the more prominent issue. He shined a glaring light on something that so, so wrong with this country.

Not only all of that, but he’s been the face and the example for other athletes and celebrities who have done, and are doing the same thing today. Upsetting high-profile figures so much, that they leave football stadiums (VP Pence). Consequently, it opened up platforms for other like-minded individuals to share their thoughts and opinions. It’s an easy out for the close-minded to make an argument to blame the person who started it, rather than take responsibility for being part of the problem.

Leave the guy alone, who cares if he never plays football again. He’s done so much more. Kaepernick has made so much of a wave that he’s created a world-wide debate. Wrong, right, doesn’t matter. Colin Kaepernick has made himself into a pioneer. No golden enshrinement in Canton will ever highlight what he’s done.

Land of the free, home of the brave, eh?

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Cover image courtesy of Medium.

Playoffs: The Celtics’ Season is Barbecue Chicken

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After the news broke, it’s become apparent that Kyrie Swerve-ing has split double teams for the last time this year. It was announced by ESPN’s Woj that he is out for the season. What does that mean for the Celtics’ high-hoped playoff run? Nothing good, with a side biscuits. Kyrie’s 24.4 PPG, 3.8 RPG, and 5.1 APG will sorely be missed.

Playoff Push

Terry Rozier (11.4 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 2.8 APG) will become the starter for the time being. Marcus Smart (10.2, 3.5, 4.8) isn’t going to be available until about the second round of the playoffs, if they even make it that far. Last night’s showcase against #1 seeded Toronto, or lack there of, from the young Celtics showed how much they are in desperate need of a floor general heading into Round 1. So many turnovers last night, to a point where they had more turnovers than FGM during the first half. This will not bode well for Boston having to potentiality play the ready-to-go Washington Wizards.

A 2017 ECSF Rematch

John Wall and Bradley Beal will be the two names who are going to haunt TD Garden come Game 1. The two are perennial All-Stars who have more than enough to prove, having lost to this team last year in the Eastern Conference Semis. Expect Beal to light it up from deep, and John Wall to be John Wall. This isn’t the same team from 2016-2017 (obviously), and injuries have plagued the last leg of the Celtics season. The back court will absolutely have to step up. The post presence of the Celtics could ultimately be the detriment that knocks them out Round 1, as the duo of Tatum and Brown will simply not be enough. Horford also has to show up to make this interesting, and Monroe should continue his consistent play.

With Rozier and (potentially) Smart, the two together don’t equate to a Kyrie Irving, unfortunately. Theis was also a big loss as the defense since hasn’t stepped up in pivotal points of crucial games. This is going to be a tough first round for the Boys in Green. If not Washington, the Greek Freak (whose Milwaukee team sits right outside the #7 seed) has his sights set on a ‘ship. And hell, he’ll jump over the Green Monster to do it. Here’s hoping a strong outing vs. Chicago tomorrow night in Boston is used to work out some kinks.

For live Twitter updates during Celtics games, please follow @BosSportsExtra.

Cover image courtesy of Hypebeast.