Appreciating Deena Fagiano

I haven't written about former Chicago Bliss football player Deena Fagiano in a while. This might be my last post about Deena because this is my last unused picture with her. We need that Bliss reunion!

Deena played offensive line, tight end and maybe a little running back, too. She was a real team player and obviously one of my favorites. I probably interviewed Deena more than any other player except Dominique Collins.

I had so many interviews with both, because they were always willing to do them. I wasn't exactly ESPN, but they always gave me their time and seemed to appreciate the coverage. Their interviews were always, fun, too.

A few years back, Deena got married and now they have a beautiful little girl. It's great seeing her happy family through occasional social media posts.

People can laugh at the women's football league, but these women were as tough as could be. They practiced hard and often, just to play a handful of games. Coach Keith Hac led a squad dedicated to winning and they won often.

I had a great time covering the team. It was one of the most fun experiences I have had. I have so many fun memories. I thank Deena and the entire team for a lot of fun.

Deena Fagiano and me in Bridgeview, IL-May 2015.

Deena Fagiano and the Chicago Bliss

Before the year ended, I had to make my yearly post about Deena Fagiano and the Chicago Bliss. I'm running low on unused pictures though.

I started coving the Chicago Bliss of the then-Lingerie Football League in 2012. It was easy for anyone to dismiss the woman and league as models trying to pay football. Don't let the league name fool you though. While there certainly were a few women who fit that description in the earlier years of the league, nobody would call anyone on the Bliss just a model.

The Bliss certainly were full of attractive women, but they were elite athletes. Make no mistake about that. Most were college athletes at some point. Look at my many previous posts about the Bliss and you will see who they were and what they did.

Offensive line-tight end Deena was one of my favorites right from the start. Deena was not at a stats position, therefore going under the radar in the stats categories. Heather Furr was the rockstar QB. ChrisDell Harris was the dynamite running back. Alli Alberts was the world class receiver. Yashi Rice was the menacing defender. They all earned stats and headlines.

Meanwhile, Deena did her job of opening holes or blocking defenders, occasionally catching a pass. Someone has to do that type of grunt work and Deena was perfect. She was also a great interview, fun with the fans and a good representative of the team and league.

We had a lot of fun back then. I was lucky enough to be around this team for several years. I miss all of them.

The league is not the X League and the Bliss is now the Blitz. I don't cover them as much, but I still support any women athlete.

Deena Fagiano and me in Bridgeview, IL-March 2015.

Friend Encounters: Clark, Ty Ali, Dominique Collins, Deena Fagiano and Matt Pike

Friend Encounters is a weekly series of my friends meeting celebrities.

This picture has everything. It's football players and a coach with a baseball mascot. It features two of my favorite Chicago Bliss players and two of my favorite interview subjects.

I covered the Bliss and the Legends Football League for years. It was a bumpy ride at times. The league wasn't very open to outside media. In fact, at one point I was criticized for being too positive about the Bliss.

First, the Bliss was the most positive thing about the LFL. They won four championships over the last decade. They had the biggest team, coaching staff and fan base.

Second, why would a league not want positive coverage? I wasn't telling lies. I was highlighting the best of the team and the league.

The league has since rebranded as the X League. I am sure it is a financial thing. It has been under criticism from former players and coaches. The pandemic caused the 2020 season to be canceled. It will be interesting to see what happens in 2021.

All of the controversy aside, I made great friends in Dominique Collins and Deena Fagiano, two of the stars of the Bliss and two of my favorite interview subjects. I only met Coach Pike a few times, but we had fun conversations and I remember him from his days as quarterback at Purdue.

I will always have fun memroies of the Bliss. I hope to remain friends with DC, Deena and several others and I look forward to seeing where their careers go.

Covering the Bliss wasn't always easy, but I had a lot of fun. Sometimes, you just take the good and forget the bad.

Ty Ali, Dominique Collins, Clark, Deena Fagiano and Matt Pike in Chicago, IL-July 2016.

Rest In Peace Jacinda Barclay

Earlier this week, I woke up to the terribly sad news that Jacinda Barclay died. All social media feeds were filled with messages of love and sadness over Jacinda's passing.

Born in 1991 in Australia, Jacinda played baseball, Australian football, and American football at the highest levels. She not only played, she excelled at all, playing for the Australian national team in five Women's Baseball World Cups, the Chicago Bliss in the Legends Football League and Greater Western Sydney in the AFL Women's competition.

A right-handed pitcher, Jacinda made her state debut for Western Australia at the age of 15 at the 2006 national championships. Jacinda played for the Australian national team in the 2008 World Cup at the age of 17. She won a silver medal at the 2010 World Cup and played in the World Cup three more times.

At the young age of 12, Jacinda began playing Australian football. Jacinda played with the New South Wales Surge for the inaugural 2013–14 season of LFL Australia. Leading the Surge to the title, she earned the Best Offensive Player award. In 2016, she joined the Chicago Bliss and won another championship.

Jacinda worked hard on and off the field. Over the years, she held several jobs, juggling her various schedules to make a living and still play the sports she loved. She was an assistant life-support technician, who worked off-shore for two-to-five weeks at a time, a laborer, a ward clerk at a private hospital and other roles. Above all, she was a gifted athlete who worked tirelessly to be the best.

Global Women's Sports Radio founder Henry Gee interviewed Jacinda several years ago. That interview is even more special now. 

I didn't know Jacinda very well. I do know she was a tremendously positive person, who exuded energy. Jacinda's impact and legacy go well beyond statistics, awards and championships. Rather than me trying to properly honor her memory, I am turning to friends and former teammates who knew her better.

Former Chicago Bliss teammate Deena Fagiano wrote, “Devastated, my heart is broken. The world has lost the brightest light, most badass athlete, and amazing friend Jacinda Barclay. 

I am honored to have had you in my life and play along side you. Your energy was Infectious and I will always be inspired by your determination.

Your bravery to travel around the world to lead a team you had never met always continues to impress me and I will always have incredible respect for you. You Always Always made me laugh by doing some goofy "Aussie" something and I will continue to hold on to those memories forever!

RIP girl. Love you and you will always be missed.”

Former Chicago Bliss teammate Dominique Collins wrote, “Speechless and devastated. The world will no longer feel your electrifying energy. The world has lost someone very, very special today. Cinda Barclay you are hands down the hardest worker I've ever met. The entire world is devastated. You've touched so many lives with your compassion, sense of humor and leadership. You played National Baseball, Australian and American Football and have championships with all of them. You are literally untouchable. I thank God I was blessed to have you as a teammate and I pray I get to corner blitz on you when we play again someday.

RIP Jacinda. We love you.”

Former Chicago Bliss teammate Yashi Rice wrote, “You were a gift to the world. Rest well teammate.”

Former Surge teammate Bonnie Gillespie wrote, “Love you always and forever Cinda Barclay. 

Yesterday brought heartache for family, Friends, Supporters/fans many all over the world . 

Receiving a message this morning, I dropped my phone in shock...disbelief as I recently  spoke with her. I couldn't believe it and was saying to myself "it cant be true!” Cinda your smile, your welcoming free loving heart, your positive personality, your uplifting spirit, the way you spoke to people, your patience, your peaceful aura didn't have to leave us.”

Former Surge teammate Shari Olney wrote, “My heart is broken, this hurts so badly, words cannot suffice. 

Your smile and laugh lit up every room. You gave everyone the time of day. A true individual, a free spirited, unique beauty and a wonderful loyal friend.

Your sporting prowess was admirable, no short cuts, no excuses, a warrior mentality, that ethic always resonated with me. Sport brought us together, but the ability to create a deep human connection and laugh until our bellies ached kept our friendship alive long after. 

You were supportive, resilient and always the optimist. You were an Inspiration to many, you’ll always be my sunshine. My sincerest condolences go out to your family. I know I won’t meet anyone quite like you and I’ll never forget you my JBomb Cinda Barclay”

Former Bliss QB coach Matt Pike stated, "I’m sitting here writing this with a broken heart and tears in my eyes. A lot of you have seen posts and videos of my amazing friend and qb Cinda Barclay, and I am saddened to share she has passed on. 

She was one of the most competitive, hard working, relentless on her pursuit to be the best. 

When I was struggling and few years ago, she always had something to say that made it better for me, she always just had a way to communicate positively about things with honesty. She was a true friend, teammate, leader, and comedian. 

This one hurts and I’m at a loss for words. 

I’m truly gonna miss our talks via FaceTime and that West Aussie accent. Love you my friend.”

Lastly, former Chicago Bliss Head Coach Keith Hac wrote a beautifully heartfelt, lengthy statement on Facebook. He started with, “I write this story with a broken heart.” Coach Hac then wrote of his history with Jacinda. He summed it poignantly with his last paragraph. “As a coach you see players come and go. Some impact more then others. For all the right reasons, Jacinda will forever be one of those that I will never forget and I am a better person for knowing her for the amount of time I did. You will be missed.”

I debated how I wanted to write this story. I wanted to give a brief biography on Jacinda, but I wasn't sure what else I could write to honor Jacinda in the best way. Then I realized it was better to let others write the most important parts.

Jacinda touched so many lives. She left everyone with warm memories that go beyond the football field. Jacinda will be missed terribly, but will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace, Jacinda Barclay.

Jacinda Barclay, Kristin Kampa, Deena Fagiano, Rosanne Ocampo, me and Dominique Collins in Chicago, IL-April 2016.

Friend Encounters: Deena Fagiano and Henry Gee

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

Hnery Gee is the creator of the Global Women's Sports Radio website. As the title indicated, Henry focuses on women's sports. In addition to covering events, he tackles harder issues such as Title IX, gender pay inequity, lack of media coverage, need for corporate sponsorships and advertising dollars and more. If it involves women's sports, Henry is all over it.

Our paths probably crossed several years ago when we were both covering the Legends Football League.We had similar experiences with the LFL. We both loved the sport, the games, the players and the experience. Unfortunately, we came out of it disappointed that, through no fault of our own,  we couldn't do more coverage. We could have done great things separately and together. Fortunately, both of us have moved on to other things, but we keep fond memories of most of our time with the LFL.

One of those memories for Henry was covering the LFL championship in 2016. My beloved Chicago Bliss beat the Seattle Mist 31-26 at WestWorld in Scottsdale, AZ. The previous year, Jack Keenan and I were in Los Angeles when the Bliss won the 2015 championship.

Proving he is a great scout of talent, Henry got a picture with "The Italian Stallion" Deena Fagiano, one of my favorites. Deena played on the offensive line and occasionally took a handoff or caught a pass. She didn't show up big in the box scores, but Deena was a big part of the Bliss for several years. She was also a great interview and just a fun person. I miss Deena.

Go to GlobalWomensSportsRadio.com to see the great work Henry and his crew do. You will even see yours truly on there on occasion. Also, check out Global Women's Sports Radio on Facebook for more frequent updates and other fun.

Deena Fagiano and Henry Gee in Scottsdale, AZ-August 2016.

Deena Fagiano: Pretty Face, Pretty Tough!

When you see Deena Fagiano, you see a beautiful young lady, highlighted by a wonderful smile and thick flowing hair, oh and lots of muscles.  Deena is much more than just a pretty face (and big muscles) though.

Deena is a former member of the Chicago Bliss of the Legends Football League.  She was a key member of 3 championships with the Bliss.

It would be easy to dismiss her ability and effort because she has the look necessary to succeed in the Legends Football League.  As an offensive lineman, she didn't play one of the "star" positions either.  Make no mistake though, Deena earned her place on the team and was a contributor to three LFL titles in four years.

I have seen her work hard in practice.  By the way, the practices are twice weekly and usually start in January.  Like the other ladies of the LFL, Deena is fully committed to this to the point that I don't even understand it.  Remember, they don't get paid, yet there they all are working so hard for months, just for 4 games and two playoff games.  Obviously, their titles prove their work pays off.

It would be easy for Deena to accept a lesser role on the team, but she continues to work and train hard to improve every time.  Actually, it might be even easier for Deena to quit the whole thing and look for work in modeling or television.  This just proves her passion for what she does.

Deena is kind of a microcosm of the entire league.  These ladies work so hard for no pay and very little recognition, but they love what they do.  I really wish the league was run differently.  I think it really could be a gold mine for everyone involved, including the ladies who make the league.

You might look at Deena and the others and think they are just eye candy, but you'd be wrong.  Check out any game or even any of my interviews with them (at On the Beat With the Chicago Bliss on YouTube).

Deena has moved on from the league and is enjoying life. I miss #5 though. It was a pleasure covering her.  She was always good for a fun interview.Deena did not play in 2017 and I don't know what her future holds.  I know she will succeed though.  

Deena Fagiano and me in Bridgeview, IL-July 2015.

Deena Fagiano of the Chicago Bliss

A few months ago, the Chicago Bliss won another Legends Football League championship. I applaud the coaches and the players on establishing themselves as a dynasty.

Absent from the 2018 Bliss was Deena Fagiano, one of the stars from 2013, when I first started covering the team, and one of my favorites over the years. Deena was always good for an interesting interview, fun promo, bicep pose and more. On a team of characters, Deena stood out and without really trying.

She played offensive line and tight end, neither of which is a glamour position, but her value to the team was never in question. The coaches, players and fans all loved #5.

I haven't seen "The Italian Stallion" in a couple years. Since leaving the Bliss amicably, she has not been around.

I have always said the LFL needs to have a convention featuring stars of the past and present. By playing only 2 home games every season, fans don't get to see enough of the players up close.

I thank Deena for her kindness and humor over the years. She was one of a kind and I totally appreciated her then and miss her now.

You can check out all of the lady athletes of the LFL at LFLUS.com. Their 2019 season starts in April. Maybe Deena will make it back for a game!

Deena Fagiano and me in Milwaukee, WI-July 2014.

Friendly Encounters: Deena Fagiano and Tommy Else

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

Today, I am featuring two of my favorite people.  I am proud to say it is because of me that they know each other.

Tommy is a wrestler at Resistance Pro.  At the time, he was known as Eric St. Vaughn.  I helped orchestrate a Chicago Bliss appearance at an RPro event.  I thought it was a cool crossover, with a similar fanbase that didn't necessarily even know of the other.  Several RPro wrestlers attended some Bliss games and also came out for a season kickoff party the Bliss held.

Somewhere during this connection, I asked Tommy to do some interviews with the Bliss.  "The Italian Stallion" Deena was one of his repeat subjects (and one of my favorite interview subjects, too).  She was always good for a good quote and a fun interview.

I haven't seen Deena in a while.  She didn't play for the Bliss last season.  Maybe, I'll see her at a Bliss game next season or sometime at a wrestling event.  I always thought Deena could have been a really good wrestler.  She has the strength, personality and charisma.

This was a good stretch of time at RPro and with the Bliss.  It was probably the high point for me with both organizations.  This pic brings back good memories.

You can find Tommy's interview with Deena at On the Beat with Deena Fagiano.  While you are there, check out the Johngy's Beat Chicago Bliss playlist for more interviews with the lovely, athletic members of the Bliss.

Deena Fagiano and Tommy Else in Woodridge, IL-Spring 2014.

To Bliss or Not To Bliss?

My association with the Legends Football League Chicago Bliss started with some interviews at a sports convention.  Alli Alberts and Heather Furr (among others) spoke so highly of the sport, I had to learn more.  One thing led to another, culminating with a trip to Los Angeles to see the Bliss win their second straight LFL championship.

Unfortunately, things unraveled a couple years ago.  The powers that be in the LFL did not want any outside media coverage.  It wasn't just Johngy's Beat, as I saw others rejected, too.

I never understood that stance.  Rejecting Johngy's Beat because it isn't big enough is one thing.  That wasn't the case though.  They seemingly do not want any of this extra coverage.

Yet, despite the stance, I am still drawn to this team.  The women athletes I knew best from the team,  like Dominique "DC" Collins, Deena Fagiano, Kim Perez, ChrisDell Harris, Yashi Rice, Alberts and Furr, along with Coach Keith Hac and Assistant Ryan Andrews were people I liked and respected.  I did not want to let go of all of this.  It was a lot of fun.

Where does this leave me?  I honestly do not know.  I plan on trying once again to offer coverage in 2018 to the team.  It may get rejected (again) or maybe not.  It's worth a try.

In either case, my respect and fandom always has gone to the women athletes.  They are tough as can be and the games are exciting.  Get beyond the "uniforms" and you would see an entertaining product with real competition.  See these women practicing hard all year round just to play a few games a year and they would earn your respect, too.

Time will tell how this all ends (or at least how it goes in 2018).  Either way, the Bliss and Johngy's Beat will go on.  It would just be fun (and make sense) if they went on together a bit.

Cinda Barclay, Kristin Morrison, Deena Fagiano, Rosanne Ornopia, Dominique Collins and me in Chicago, IL-May 2016.

Friendly Encounters: Deena Fagiano, Shari Onley and Jim Strong

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

This picture is bittersweet for me.  It features three great people during fun times.

Jim Strong and I crossed paths at many celebrity and wrestling events, before we became friends a few years ago mainly through Resistance Pro.  He's a great photographer, as well as a good dude.

Shari Onley is the Aussie brought in to bolster the Bliss.  Deena Fagiano was the under-the-radar player on the Bliss.  I really like both of these ladies.

I am glad to have a hand in bringing Jim and many others to the Bliss.  I did my job in exposing the team to some new fans through their appearance at RPro and through my coverage of the team.  I think I did a lot of good for the team.

I also had a ton of fun with the Bliss.  I got a trip to Los Angeles, where Jack Keenan and I saw them win their second straight LFL championship.  I met a lot of great people (including some beautiful women).  I had a real appreciation for how athletic these women are and how hard they work.

I am no longer regularly covering the team.  The LFL owner eliminated all of the press, not just me.  I don't know what the deal is with him.  I don't know what his goal is.  I saw nothing but positive for what I brought to the table.

I miss the Bliss.  I miss the ladies, the coaches, the practices and all else.  I take with me the great memories and the lasting friendships though.  I would do it all agin, even if I knew the outcome ahead of time.  How else would I have met a wonderful woman from down under like Shari?  How else would I consider a young "Italian Stallion" like Deena a friend?

This is the reason Jim's picture is bittersweet for me.  I'd love to still be doing this stuff, but that's the way things go sometimes.  At least Jim is still going strong (no pun intended) with his Bliss fandom.

Shari Onley, Jim Strong and Deena Fagiano in Chicago, IL-June 2014.

Friendly Encounters: Steve Harvey and Deena Fagiano

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

Deena Fagiano is one of a handful of Chicago Bliss players who have been on the team for all four seasons I have covered them.  Deena is one of my favorites, too.  As an under-the0radar Italian runner-receiver-lineman, she fits the mold.  As a person, she breaks the mold.

Deena is funnya nd fun.  She is entertaining, intelligent and goofy (in a good way).  She often gets overshadowed on the Bliss by bigger names with bigger stats, but Deena is a consistent contributor, appreciated by coaches, teammates and true fans.

Last season, she was one of the eight players featured on Pretty.  Strong., the docu-series focusing on the Bliss.  Chicagoan Steve Harvey got Deena to appear on his show.

The episode turned a bit cheesy, as part of it was about finding a date for Deena, including her throwing real passes to a couple guys.

It's kind of cute, but seriously, Deena can't have any problem finding dates.  If she does, I'm sure there are hundreds of guys at any Bliss game who would gladly take her out.

Still, it was entertaining and it gave Deena more exposure and that is all good.  The LFL itself is under-the-radar and I really cannot understand that.  These ladies deserve our attention.

Steve Harvey and Deena Fagiano in Chicago, IL-Summer 2015.

Deena Fagiano #5 (or #1?)

What better way to celebrate Valentine's Day then by featuring one of my favorite members of the Chicago Bliss.  In fact, Deena Fagiano is a real sweetheart.

Deena is my kind of player.  She is part offensive line, part running back and part tight end.  I love her versatility   She isn't one of the more recognized names on the team, but she always seems to come up with at least one big play per game.

I loved her work on the Oxygen docu-series "Pretty.  Strong."  Like her career on the field, her role on the show seemed versatile.  She didn't have a big story, but she was involved in most of the stories in some way.  If not, she provided fun commentary.

My friends will kid me that I like Deena, because she is a rugged Italian running back like John Cappelletti or Johnny Musso.  I guess I can't argue that point, but I don't need to point out that she is much cuter than those guys.

Deena and her Blissmates have worked hard in the offseason and soon will be practicing to get in championship form.  The Bliss won two straight LFL championships, before losing in the title game last year.  The Bliss are on a mission this year.

Deena is #5 for the Chicago Bliss and she is #1 in the hearts of many Bliss fans.

Deena Fagiano and me in Bridgeview, IL-May 2015.

Friendly Encounters: Devin Hester and Deena Fagiano

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

Devin Hester was a record breaking kick returner for the Chicago Bears.  They accomplished what no other team could do.  They stopped him or at least slowed him a lot by making him a below average receiver.  Why they took a huge strength and weakend two positions is beyond me, but the Bears coaches did just that.
After eight seasons with the Bears, Hester signed with the Atlanta Falcons and had a decent 2014 season.  He has not played yet this season and is currently on the Injured Reserve list.
While in Chicago, he had the pleasure of meeting Deena Fagiano, one of the stars on the two time Legends Football League champion Chicago Bliss.  I'll be Hester did not try to outrun Deena.  Who would?
Deena is a valuable part of Coach Keith Hac's offense.  He uses her sparingly, but effectively.  Every game she will have one or two rushes and receptions.  She is sort of a secret weapon.  If only the Bears coaches were smart enough to play to Hester's strengths.  This is further proof that Coach Hac knows his stuff.

Deena Fagiano and Devin Hester in Chicago, IL-January 2013.

Friendly Encounters: Deena Fagiano and Jimmy Butler

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

In March of 2013, I attended a sports collectibles convention and had my first encounter with the Chicago Bliss.  I met and interviewed a handful of the players, including MVP quarterback Heather Furr and wide-receiver-safety Alli Alberts.  Apparently, I failed to meet Deena Fagiano, one of my favorites.

Chicago Bulls draft pick Jimmy Butler did not miss the opportunity to meet Ms. Fagiano.  At the time, it might have seemed like Fagiano met Butler.  Two Legends Football League titles later, we know who became the real star.  Did I also mention that Deena is one of the featured players on Pretty.  Strong. on the Oxygen Network?

To be fair, Butler has done quite well with the Bulls.  It's unfortunate that the Bulls have not done well at all, though.  At least Butler has started to get some acclaim as a rising star.

Fagiano or Butler?  You decide.  As for me, I have already made my pick.  I've been on the Bliss bandwagon for years now.

Jimmy Butler and Deena Fagiano in Rosemont, IL-March 2013.

Friendly Encounters: Eric St. Vaughn and Deena Fagiano

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

As you all know, Resistance Pro Wrestling and the Chicago Bliss are two of my favorite organizations to cover.  Two of my favorite people within those folks are Eric St. Vaughn and Deena Fagiano.
I'm not sure if the picture below represents the first time these two met, but it definitely was the first time ESV interviewed Fagiano.  That interview can be found at On the Beat with Deena Fagiano of the Chicago Bliss.
A lot of good things have happened to both of these friends since then.  ESV captured tag team gold (with Body Magic partner Brady Pierce).  They are the reigning tag champs, having held the titles for many months now.
Fagiano and the Bliss went on to win a second consecutive Legends Football League title, continuing their dominance.  This season, the Bliss is already 2-0 and on their way to another LFL championship.
I appreciate everything both people and organizations have done for me.  ESV and Deena are especially good interviews and are always willing to do them.  I can't ask for more.  I am also proud to consider them both friends of mine.
"It's Body Magic, y'all" and #3peat.
I think that covers both of their gimmicks!

Eric St. Vaughn and Deena Fagiano in Downers Grove, IL-May 2014.

On the Beat with the Chicago Bliss at Practice

We just attended our first Chicago Bliss practice of the season and we came back with three interviews.  Many more will be coming as the season nears and all throughout, but for now, we have Deena Fagiano, Assistant Coach Ryan Andrews and Head Coach Keith Hac.

Deena flies a bit under the radar on the team.  On a team with a Ferrari, a Rockstar and several other stars, it is easy to see how some of the players don't get enough credit.  When any team wins consecutive titles, it is tough to spread the credit around enough to everyone.

Deena certainly contributed a lot to both titles.  She does steady work on the line, along with adding an occasional rush or reception.

Coach Andrews talked to us about the season opener against Atlanta, the quest for the threepeat and more.  Biggs is always good for a little entertainment, but that doesn;t get in the way of his focus in coaching.

As always, everything on the Bliss goes through Coach Hac.  I love talking football with Hac.  He makes it all seem so simple.  He breaks down everything to its basic elements.  Maybe that is why he has been so successful.

Enjoy the interviews, then head over to LFLUS.com to learn more about the Bliss and to get ticket info.  The home opener is April 25.  I'll be there and I'll be reporting back here all season.
Also, check out my debut coverage of the Bliss for Tru School Sports at Introducing the Chicago Bliss.

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.

I Miss the Chicago Bliss

About a month ago, I went to Los Angeles to watch the Chicago Bliss defeat the Atlanta Steam to capture their second consecutive Legends Football League title.  It was a fun trip and a great experience.

The euphoria continued throughout the next couple weeks, as I retold stories to various friends.  Individual moments came back to me as Bliss players and coaches posted random pictures on Facebook and elsewhere.

Now I sit here, a month later, and I still feel the excitement of the season and the championship, but I feel a bit empty already.  I miss the Bliss.

The Bliss experience was a ten month journey from the tryouts to the championship game.  Jack and I attended at least one practice a week.  There were also special events.  The Bliss even invaded Resistance Pro wrestling a couple times.  I was happily ensconced in the Bliss.

Oh sure, I still keep in touch with most of the organization through texts or Facebook.  While I am sure they are relieved and enjoying their break, I am left with an odd emptiness.

I really did enjoy the LFL experience.  The easy joke is that any man would enjoy bikini clad women playing football, but anyone, who spent real time with the team, knows it goes well beyond that.

The women work hard at honing and developing their skills.  The coaches work hard at getting them game-ready.  Nobody is doing this for the money.  Their level of commitment and dedication is impressive.  The football itself is just as good as any football you will see anyway.  If you don't believe me, check out their game films on YouTube.

Speaking of YouTube, I think I will go there now and relive some of the fun moments of the season.  That should help my Bliss blues.

Deena Fagiano and me in Los Angeles, CA-September 2014.

On the Beat with Deena Fagiano of the Chicago Bliss-08/11/2014

Resistance Pro wrestler Eric St. Vaughn was back on the Beat again, as he interviewed Chicago Bliss veteran Deena Fagiano at a recent practice.  Once again the RPro-Bliss partnership came into play.
ESV talked to Deena about the last game versus the Los Angeles Temptation, the current state of the Bliss, the upcoming playoffs and more.  The Queen of Hashtags gave us her unique perspective on all topics (but she did not give us any hashtags).
Deena is a valuable part of the Bliss organization on and off the field.  On the field, she flies under the radar a bit, but her contributions are not to be overlooked.  She recently scored a touchdown and celebrated as only Deena can.
Off the field, she is important, too.  She makes a lot of public appearances, spreading the word of the Bliss, including at a Resistance Pro wrestling event.  Could an in-ring career be in Deena's future?  Maybe she could get some tips from ESV.
After you watch the video, check out Deena and the rest of the Bliss at LFLus.com.  Keep checking back here at JohngysBeat.com for full coverage as the Bliss continue their quest to defend their LFL championship.  Thank you Deena, the Bliss organization and ESV.  Go Bliss!

Chicago Bliss Week (Game 2): Deena Fagiano #5

This Saturday, the Chicago Bliss play their second game of the season.  The Seattle Mist better be prepared, because this Bliss team is on a mission!

I first interviewed Bliss veteran Deena Fagiano at a practice prior to their big game against Green Bay last season.  That interview can be found at On the Beat with Deena Fagiano.

Deena plays tight end and linebacker for the Bliss.  These are not glamour positions.  These are not headline positions.  They are important ones, however.

As you read stories on the Bliss, other names pop up first.  I am taking nothing away from the "bigger" names on the team.  The Bliss is a team.  They function together and rely on each other.  Still, players like Deena are too often overlooked.  

I like Deena.  (Okay, I like all of the Bliss players.)  I see Deena work very hard in practice.  Drill after drill, Deena keeps coming back for more, continually working on her technique.

Come game time, Deena is ready to roll and to rock, of course.  Deena does like to have fun on the field and off.  If you catch her on any of the various social media outlets, you will see fun pictures, as well as Bliss stuff.

On the field, she is tough.  Off the field she is a great ambassador.  All told, she is a total package for the Bliss.

I highly encourage everyone to come out to the game this Friday at the Sears Centre.  Deena and her Bliss teammates will give you a show!

Deena Fagiano and me in Hoffman Estates, IL-May 2014.