Friendly Encounters: Jack Keenan Meets Emily Greiner

This is a weekly feature about my friends who have met celebrities.

I met Jack Keenan through AU Sports and Memorabilia.  Jack helped me in my coverage of the Chicago Bliss last season, including an exciting playoff victory.  When I signed on to cover the Bliss in 2014, I asked Jack back to work with me.

I have written many times about how much fun I think the Bliss are.  I believe Jack would echo those sentiments.  He certainly is not doing this because I am great company!

This is a perfect example for all of you non-fans.  Until last season Jack was not a fan of the Bliss.  I am not even sure he had heard of the Bliss.  Yet, within a few practices and games, he developed an interest, just like I did.

I cannot say it enough.  The Chicago Bliss is a blast.  The Legends Football League is a blast.  These women are as tough and beautiful as can be.  There is no better combination of toughness and beauty than found in the LFL and on the Chicago Bliss in particular.

Be like Jack.  Be like me.  Discover the Chicago Bliss.  Their first game is April 5 in Milwaukee.  Their second game is their home opener on May 9.  Come on out and see what we already know.  The Bliss is one of the best kept secrets in Chicago and I am doing my best to make it not so secret!

Emily Greiner and Jack Keenan in Darien, IL-January 2014.

On the Beat with the Chicago Bliss-01/20/14

There is no pro football today (the Pro Bowl does not count), but football is on my mind because of the Chicago Bliss.  As I have previously reported, the Bliss is back and ready to defend their 2013 Legends Football League championship (and I am ready to head to Vegas with them in September).

Bigger!  Faster!  Stronger!

I keep hearing those words from everyone with the Bliss.  I can also see it in the players as I watch their practices.  These women won the title last season, yet they probably worked harder than ever in this offseason.  It's almost scary.

I never doubted Coach Keith Hac last season when he boldly stated that the Bliss would win the title, because they were simply the best team.  Coach Hac has repeated that prediction for the 2014 season and his fellow coaches agree, as do the players, the fans and everyone around the team.

At the second practice of the 2014 season, I saw the players more focused than ever.  Simple drills were performed with midseason intensity.  The veterans want to show their improvement, while the rookie hopefuls want to show they belong.  The result will be a bigger, faster, stronger Bliss team as a unit.

We interviewed a cross-section of the players.  We talked to Nani Christine (a returning veteran), Emily Greiner (a member of the 2012 Bliss who is coming back) and Bridget McDonnell (a rookie trying to make the team).

Each gave a unique perspective on the situation, but all agreed on the depth and talent of the team.  All had the look of a hungry athlete.  All were totally ready to contribute in any way to the 2014 Bliss.

Every time I leave a Bliss function, I already look forward to the next one.  There is just such an energy about the team and the individuals.  I encourage everyone to get on the Bliss bandwagon now and enjoy the ride all season.  For more information, you can check out LFL360.com or the Chicago Bliss Facebook page.