Today, we feature an intervuiew twofer. It was my pleasure to interview Lindsey Mikulecky and Nneka Nwani together, before the tryouts started. As returning veterans, these ladies were there to lend a hand to the coaches and to help the Bliss hopefuls.
Last year, Lindsey was in their shoes and she earned a spot on the 2014 team. She also earned a good amount of playing time and proved to be very valuable to the team, playing steady all season.
Nani also played well last season. She came up with some pretty big plays and was a major contributor to the success of the team.
Both ladies are very much involved with fitness. You can check out "GetFitWithNani" on Instagram to learn a bit more about her. I love her tag line of "Personal Training Personality."
I have also followed Lindsey's training on social media. She posts her fitness progress regularly. Following her progression was one of the inspirations for my 2014 Marathon effort.
After you watch the interview, you can check out both women on their various social media spots or go to LFLUS.com. Of course, you should also stay tuned to Johngy's Beat, as we will be covering the Bliss all the way to the threepeat. Most important, you can check out the team in person at their home opener on April 25.
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.
The Chicago Bliss is a professional women's football team which plays in the Legends Football League (formerly the Lingerie Football League). The LFL roots trace back to 2004, but the rebranded LFL is now much more focused on actual football (although the women still wear non-traditional uniforms.
I originally reached out to the Chicago Bliss several months ago. A while later, I heard from LFL360.com about covering the Bliss. I met a few of the players and interviewed them, but did not hear back from LFL360.com. I had no idea what was happening with the site, but I saw no signs of activity. To make the long story as short as I can, Pete Richmire is now running things at LFL360.com and I am back on the Bliss beat.
I attended a practice a couple weeks ago and finally met Coach Keith Hac. Hac is a long-time coach in various leagues. I really enjoyed talking football and other stuff with him. Plus he gave me a scoop and a major headline, as you will learn in the video below.
I also talked to Deena Fagiano (tight end-linebacker) and Nneka Nwani (offensive line). These ladies were awesome, too. They are funny, articulate, talented, beautiful and tough as can be. We can joke all we want about their (lack of) uniforms, but imagine playing full contact tackle football with so little padding and protection. Like I wrote, these women are tough.
The Bliss play the Green Bay Chill on Saturday. The winner goes onto the playoffs on August 17. (Hint-the major scoop from Coach Hac involves the Green Bay game).)
I have to admit that I left practice excited about the Bliss (and not because of their "uniforms"). They are a likable, fun bunch and they are good! Quarterback Heather Furr leads the league in passing. ChrisDell Harris is among the leaders in rushing. The offense and defense is near the top of the league. This adds up to a very nice combination.
I will be providing Bliss updates here, but you can also check the Bliss site and LFL360.com to learn more about the Bliss and the rest of the Legends Football League.
