Friend Encounters: Heather Furr and Alli Alberts

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.

Is today's feature really a Friend Encounter? Is a picture of two teammates really a celebrity encounter? It's my site and my rules, and I say it qualifies. Besides, it gives me another reason to write about two of my favorites from my years covering the Chicago Bliss of the Legends Football League.

Heather "Rockstar" Furr and Alli "Bert" Alberts were two key parts of the Bliss dynasty. Together they won multiple titles, collected many awards, received a lot of accolades and had a big fan base.

Heather was the quarterback and a natural leader. She wasn't the best pure QB in the league, nor did she possess the best QB skills, but she was a winner and as tough as could be. She was the female version of a healthy Jim McMahon. Heather knew how to play, knew how to market herself and the team and was just fun to watch. I would take Heather on my team every time!

Alli was Heather's favorite target. A star wide receiver, Alli also shined on defense. She had great hands and looked so smooth on the field. She could also mix it up with the toughest of them.

They were great solo and even better together. Best of all, they were incredibly nice people, who always had time for an interview or chat.

Several years removed from their playing days, Alli is well into her dentistry career and Heather is carving her niche in real estate. Both are married with one young one.

I have a lot of great memories of covering the Bliss. Actually, Heater and Alli were two of the first four Bliss players I ever interviewed at a sports convention in Rosemont in 2013. At the time, I didn't have a clue at how much fun was ahead.

I will always have great memories of Alli and Heather. I appreciate all they did on and off the field. I thank them for their time, consideration and friendship always.

Alli Alberts and Heather Furr in Chicago, IL-November 2017.

Friend Encounters: Heather Furr and Alli Alberts

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.

Today's feature is special for a couple reasons. First, this is about two friends, who are two celebrities (or vice versa). Heather Furr and Alli Alberts Hall of Fame Legends Football League players. We became friends during my many years of covering them on the Bliss.

This specific picture is special, too. Where are their uniforms? The ladies traded in their uniforms for more appropriate dresses considering this was taken at Alli's wedding. The ladies look even more beautiful than when in uniform.

Heather was one of the toughest and smartest players I ever saw and that includes men. Too often criticized for a lack of arm strength, Heather was a true leader at QB  A multi-time league MVP and champion, "The Rockstar" was a pleasure to watch, cover and know. She currently is a real estate agent in Chicago. Follow her at @HeatherFurr on twitter for real estate info and other fun stuff.

Alli is also a multi-time LFL champ. A threat on offense or defense, Alli has been a game-changer either way. Despite playing the rough game of football, Alli is a very skilled dentist. Go to @AlliAlberts on twitter for your dental needs and other stuff, too.

I have a lot of respect for these ladies. They gave me a lot of great memories on the field and some fun interviews and chatter off the field.

Heather Furr and Alli Alberts in St. Louis, MO-November 2017.

Thank You and Good Luck Alli Alberts

Yesterday, I wrote about the departure of Chicago Bliss quarterback Heather Furr.  Today, I am featuring Alli Alberts, Heather's partner in the defensive backfield and target on offense.  Alli is also departing the Chicago Bliss and unfortunately, there was also very little hoopla over her departure.

I had the pleasure of covering Alli's entire Legends Football League career.  I interviewed her before she even suited up for the team.  I watched her develop into an MVP candidate as one of the best two way players in LFL history.

I always tell the story of seeing Alli laid out after one reception.  Most players I have seen in any sport would have been done right there.  Alli isn't most players though.  Despite that bone-crushing hit, Alli never backed off from a catch or a tackle.  Like Heather, Alli is one of the toughest people I have ever seen.

My only "complaint" about Alli is her fandom of her home area St. Louis Cardinals.  Of course, with Alli, I can't hold that grudge.  Actually, I respect her sports knowledge.  She's not just a fair weather fan.

I wrote another article at Alli Alberts and Heather Furr: Goodbye, Good Luck and Thank You.  Alli (and Heather) deserve much more pub than they got.  I don't know why the LFL didn't celebrate their careers more.  Alli and Heather are two of the greatest of all time.

Again, I want to thank Alli for everything she did for the fans, the Bliss and me.  She was always a willing and a fun interview (even when she was boasting about her Cardinals).  She was a real pleasure to watch and to know.  Thank you and good luck, Alli!

Alli Alberts and me in Bridgeview, IL-January 2015.

Friendly Encounters: Alli Alberts and Jack Keenan

This is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.

Jack Keenan has done a great job as my ace photographer and videographer for the Johngy's Beat coverage of the Chicago Bliss.  Alli Alberts has done a great job as safety-wide receiver on the 2x Legends Football League champions.

Alli got some exposure this season in the LFL, but she is still very underrated.  On a team like the Bliss, it is easy to get overshadowed by stars like Heather Furr and ChrisDell Harris, but Alli has earned her place next to them. 

This isn't about the other not deserving the spotlight.  It is just about Alli deserving a bit of it.  Maybe the Bliss need a bigger spotlight.

I tried to give put a spotlight on them.  I tried for three seasons to give the team the credit, respect and coverage that they deserve.  It has been a blast all the way.  Not only did I get great access from the team, I got to watch these elite athletes up close and was privy to some inside strategy courtesy of the coaching staff.  I had a ton of fun and wouldn't trade the experience for anything.

Alli was always up for a good interview.  All of the women were.  I have nothing but praise for the ladies of the Bliss.  They are a great blend of beauty, brains, athleticism and humor.

The Bliss lost to the Seattle Mist in the LFL championship game a few weeks ago.  This ended their hopes of a threepeat, but it does not diminish all they have accomplished.  It also does not stop their dominance.  They will be back strong in 2016.

Jack Keenan and Alli Alberts in Bridgeview, IL-April 2015.

Deena, Alli and Johngy

Many friends have posted pictures wearing the Johngy's Beat shirt.  I am grateful for all of them and I always get a childish giggle seeing others wearing the shirt.

One of my favorite pictures features Deena Fagiano and Alli Alberts of the Chicago Bliss.  I was having a crappy day.  I stopped for lunch and was meandering around social media when I saw the posted picture from Deena.  Her comment was "reppin reppin we reppin Johngy's Beat.  Best journalist eva eva eva."

How could that not make my day turn around immediately?  The Johngy shirt never looked better than in the twofer picture with these two beautiful, fun and very sweet ladies.  Did I mention that they are also tough as can be members of the Chicago Bliss?

Well, at least at the time they were both members of the Bliss.  Unfortunately for Bliss fans, Deena left Chicago.  Fortunately, Alli is still here though.

Even nowm this picture makes me smile.  I remember first seeing it.  I remember great times with the Bliss during that magical 2014 season.  I remember two awesome women always being as friendly and fun as can be.

Thank you Deena and Alli.

Deena Fagiano and Alli Alberts in Darien, IL-Summer 2014.

On the Beat with Alli Alberts of the Chicago Bliss at the 2015 Tryouts

Alli Alberts of the Chicago Bliss is one of the toughest people I have ever seen.  I have seen her absorb hits that would take down men double her size.  One time, I was about twenty feet away from where she got crunched, causing her body to bounce off of the thin artificial turf.  Once again, this would have shut down most others, but not Alberts.

I remember meeting her for the first time at a collectibles convention years ago.  At the time, I did not know much about the Legends Football League.  I admit, I saw Alberts and completely underestimated her toughness.  I knew she was athletic, but that is a big leap to being someone who could take and deliver devastating hits on a football field.  It took me about five plays at my first Bliss game to realize how tough these women were and Alberts was one of the best.

She is also one of the sweetest.  She is always up for an interview or quick quote.  Like the rest of the Bliss, Alberts is very approachable and fan-friendly.

At the recent tryouts, we interviewed Alberts.  We talked about winning the title, moving outdoors to Toyota Park and more.

The only real fault I find with Alberts is her misguided allegiance to St. Louis sports teams, based on her roots.  Nah, I can't really even blame her for that.  At least her teams win titles.  Aside from the Blackhawks, the only titles Chicago has seen lately belong to the Bliss and Alberts!!!\

Check out the interview below.  Then head over to LFLUS.com to learn more about Alberts and the Bliss!  Better yet, come out to a game and see them in action.  You, too, will learn how tough they are.

Bear Down Sunday Game #11 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Chicago Bears are 4-6 and tied for last.  The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are 2-8 in sole possession of last.  This is another game the Bears should win, but nothing is certain with the Bears.  I will continue my Bears-Bliss connection from last week, by featuring star wide receiver-safety All Alberts.
Alli is one of the best players in the Legends Football League.  She should have been Rookie of the Year in 2013 and she was even better this season.
I had the pleasure of interviewing Alli before she even played for the Bliss.  That interview can be found at On the Beat with Alli Alberts.  That might have been her first interview ever.  In any case, it started me on my wonderful journey with the Bliss.
It has been a pleasure watching and knowing Alli.  She is a smart player and she plays with the ferocity of Dick Butkus.  Unfortunately, sometimes she has that mindset outside of football which has been known to cause an injury or two (which drives Coach Keith Hac crazy).
I won't go grumpy old man and complain that today's players should play both ways, like Alli does, but I will say they should play with the same level of intensity.  Alli leaves it on the field every time on both sides of the ball.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if the Bears had such a talented wide receiver who was not a head case?  Also, wouldn't it be great to have a defensive back like Alli?  Dare we dream.  At least we are fortunate that she is on the Bliss.  I am also grateful that is is on Team Johngy, as the picture clearly shows!

Alli Alberts and me in Darien, IL-June 2014.

Hanging with the Chicago Bliss

I have written about the Chicago Bliss many times and I will continue to do so, because they deserve our attention.  As my friend Jack says, "They have beauty, brains and brutality, plus really good football."

At the February Resistance Pro event, several of the Bliss rookies were on hand, as well as a few veterans, including Alli Alberts and Deena Fagiano.  I know both ladies through my coverage of the Bliss, but for many R Pro fans, this was their first exposure.

Alli was an outstanding rookie last season.  Coach Keith Hac said that she was one of the top two way players (wide receiver and defensive back) in the LFL.  I think she should have been named Rookie of the Year.

Deena is a Bliss veteran, playing excellently at linebacker and offensive line.  Deena sort of flies under the radar on a star-filled team.

I have a special spot for these two ladies, as they were two of my first interviews with the Bliss.  They are also two extremely nice people, not to mention just beautiful.

Thie Bliss has made a lot of personal appearances, including the one at R Pro and they plan on continuing to do so.  Their events are all fun times.  The players are always fan-interactive.  They never appear to not want to be at the events.

You don't have to take my word for it.  Go out to a game or a promotional event and you will meet some of the team and my points will be proven.  Their first home game is Friday, May 9.

Alli Alberts, me and Deena Fagiano in Willowbrook, IL-February 2014.

Bliss Week: The Interviews

My coverage of the Chicago Bliss started in March 2013 when I met a handful of them at a sports convention.  My first Bliss interview was with rookie Alli Alberts.
Alberts turned into a Rookie of the Year contender (she should have won).  Coach Keith Hac said she was one of the top two-way players in the league.  Alberts is as tough and talented as she is nice.  It was a great way to kickoff my Bliss coverage.
Since then, I have done about 40 interviews with players and coaches.  I have learned a lot and had a lot of fun doing all of this. I have really grown to love this team.
They don't do this for money.  The players don't get paid.  They are all in it for the love of football and it shows.  Their 2013 Legends Football League title was earned on hard work, discipline and talent.  Their repeat title will be earned the same way.
If you have not seen my video interviews, you can go to the Johngy's Beat Chicago Bliss playlist on YouTube.  Most players are represented there.  It is a good way to learn a bit more about the women on and off the field.  I am sure you will be as impressed as I am.

Alli Alberts and me in Rosemont, IL-March 2013.

On the Beat with the Chicago Bliss-02/24/2014

After missing the Chicago Bliss practices while I was in Florida, I was back at the Darien SportsPlex to get back onto the Bliss Beat.  As much as I loved Florida, I really did miss the Bliss.
We are just about six weeks away from the season opener for the Legends Football League and the Chicago Bliss.  The Bliss travel to Milwaukee to start their title defense against the Green Bay Chill on April 5.  I am really looking forward to that game!
For now though, I am enjoying the Bliss practices.  Despite all of their hard work, I think the coaches, veterans and rookies are also enjoying practices.  The team is starting to take shape.  The veterans look to be game-day ready and the rookies are learning the plays, the drills and the overall feel of the Bliss.
At the Monday practice, we talked to another interesting mix of players.  We interviewed Alli Alberts, one of the top rookies of 2013.  We also talked to Katy Massey and Emma Kuhns, two Bliss prospects.  Each brought a unique and interesting perspective.

As my coverage partner Jack says, "You have beauty, brutality and really excellent football."  We will continue to do our best to spread the word and get more people on the Bliss bandwagon!

Friendly Encounters: Noah Martin Meets Alli Alberts

This is a regular series about friends who have met celebrities.

Today is the perfect day to run this Friendly Encounter between Noah Martin and Alli Alberts of the Chicago Bliss.  I saw this picture on twitter and asked Noah if I could run it here.  I support any press and love for the Chicago Bliss.
The Bliss beat the Philadelphia Passion 34-18 to become the 2013 Legends Football League champs!  Coach Keith Hac was named LFL Coach of the Year, while quarterback Heather Furr was named LFL MVP.
Furr has such amazing chemistry with her receivers, including #1 Alli Alberts.  I have met both women and they are just super cool.  Actually, the whole organization has been super cool to me.  They deserve all of the praise they get.
Congratulations to the Chicago Bliss!  Congrats to Noah for getting a picture with a member of the LFL champs (I love writing LFL champs).
Noah ran into Alli at the Citizens Bank Arena.  Noah said, "Alli kicked ass Saturday night and congratulations to Chicago Bliss for their win against The Seattle Mist!!!"

Now that is a great fan!  Welcome aboard the Bliss bandwagon, Noah!  I hope you enjoy the ride as much as I have enjoyed it.

Alli Alberts and Noah Martin in Ontario, CA-August 2013.

On the Beat with the Chicago Bliss

Last Saturday, JohngysBeat.com's Scott Beatty and I had a "Bliss"ful experience at the Sports Collectibles Show in Rosemont.  We met and interviewed four players from the Chicago Bliss.
The Bliss play in the Legends Football League (formerly the Lingerie Football League).  The LFL has a new name and a new direction, concentrating on the football and athletic aspect.  The lingerie has been replaced by uniforms more suitable for football playing.  The LFL is aiming for real games, instead of simply presenting eye-candy playing football.
While the emphasis is clearly on football, the Bliss players we met certainly are attractive, although I think they would take umbrage at being called eye-candy, instead of football players.  From what we learned through the interviews, the athletic abilities and accomplishments of these ladies earned them the right to be called players.
The Bliss play their home games at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates.  Their season opener is Friday, April 19 against the Los Angeles Temptation.  On Friday, May 10, they host the Las Vegas Sin.  Their final two games are road games on Friday, July 26 at Green Bay and Saturday August, 10 at Minnesota.
Hopefully, this is just the first bit of coverage of the Bliss this season.  We will be talking to more players as the season develops.
After you watch the videos, head over to MyChicagoBliss.com and the Chicago Bliss Facebook page and follow the Bliss on twitter.
First up is Alli Alberts, safety and wide receiver.

Tracy Barnes is a running back and linebacker.

Heather Furr is the quarterback and safety.

Vejurnae Leal is a wide receiver and cornerback.