If you’ve been lurking around Pats Pulpit at all this year, then you know that I represented the blog at the Best Buddies Challenge in Hyannis, MA over the weekend. I’m happy to say that, thanks to the generosity of a number of you out there, we were able to raise $4,000.00 towards helping physically and mentally disabled individuals successfully integrate into society.
It was a great weekend overall. Here’s a quick recap:
- The highlight of the weekend was undoubtedly the flag football game on Friday Night, played at Harvard Stadium, followed by the food and wine fest right next door. Tommy B played quarterback for both sides, and in addition to a few of the Buddies, he was joined by Danny Amendola, Julian Edelman, Dion Lewis, and James White. Patriots alums Christian Fauria and Jermaine Wiggins were also in attendance.
- The final score of the game was 80-74, with Dion Lewis catching a sideline TD right as time expired to secure the win for Team Pepsi. I’m happy to report that he didn’t blow out a knee in the process.
- As for Brady - initial scouting reports show that he has been hard at work on his mobility so far this offseason. He was deftly able to avoid the fierce pass rush of a few pesky eight-year-olds, who were pursuing him relentlessly all night. I’m happy to report that Brady didn’t get sacked all night.
- Accuracy and decision making, however...that’s a different story. He threw more than a few questionable passes and gave up multiple pick sixes, one of which Amendola returned to the house. A few of his throws had a little too much air under them for my liking as well. Luckily for us, it’s only June, because based on Friday night, Tommy B isn’t quite game-ready yet.
- The game was on Friday night, and the race itself was Saturday morning. 5 kilometers is longer than I have run in...well, pretty much forever...and it’s with no small sense of pride that I say that I wasn’t the last one to stumble across the finish line. Granted, most of the people who came in behind me either walked the whole way or retired before I was even born, but that’s neither here nor there.
- Celebrities in attendance included Carl Lewis, Miss America (both adult and teen), and some guy who was on Sex and the City that was apparently a big deal. The girlfriend knew who he was. I had no clue.
- There was a clam bake after the race, but I didn’t stay long at that - not really a seafood guy, and it was a long drive back to New York. Of course, I found out after the fact that Tommy B made an appearance and was throwing footballs into the crowd, but I’ll just take that as a lesson for next time.
Thanks again to everyone who donated to the cause. I’ll be sending out all photos, hats, and t-shirts over the next few weeks, so if you contributed and haven’t sent an email to PPBestBuddies@gmail.com with your contact info, be sure to do so soon.
Until next year!