The third annual NFLPA Legends Brunch held up to its promise to treat the people of New Orleans to the “ultimate breakfast of champions.” The lucky few who scored a ticket to the event held at the National World War II Memorial Museum were able to see some of the greatest players to play in the NFL. The 300 guests listened to NFL legends share their take on some unique perspectives on the Super Bowl, just a few hours before the big game.
Willie Roaf (Hall of Fame 2012, 11-time Pro Bowl, Saints Hall of Fame), Kevin Mawae (8-time Pro Bowl, LSU Hall of Fame,Seahawks/Jets/Titans), Rickey Jackson (Hall of Fame 2010, Super Bowl XXIX champion with 49ers, number retired by Saints), Charlie Joiner (NFL Hall of Fame 1996, Chargers Hall of Fame, 3-time Pro Bowl,Oilers/Bengals/Charger, retired Chargers WR coach) and Dermontti Dawson (Hall of Fame 2012, Steelers center 1988-2000, Super Bowl XXX participant) shared the stage. Spencer Tillman, lead analyst of “College Football Today” on CBS, hosted the event and remarks by NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith opened the panel.
Current players attended to serve as table hosts and roved the room as field reporters including: Will Smith (Saints), Jerome Felton (Vikings Pro Bowler), Robert Safford (Rams), and Duane Brown (Texans).
Players who made available to the media shared some of their thoughts on a myriad of topics ranging from their involvement with the NFLPA Brunch, an offering of their favorite Super Bowl memory, and even their take on the Big Game.
Duane Brown, offensive lineman of the Houston Texans, said that he felt “humbled” to be a part of the NFLPA Brunch. “To be able to sit down and chop it up with some of these legends of the game.” One individual that Brown hinted at looking forward to speaking with was Willie Roaf. “He was one of those players that I look up to. To be able to talk with one of the greatest to ever play the position [as a left tackle] it’s really an honor.”
Kevin Mawae was also in great spirits about sharing his Super Bowl insights. Mawae said “we were 10 minutes away from playing Atlanta for the Super Bowl…that’s when Elway did what John Elway does and led a comeback that cemented his legacy in this league.”
Among NFL players in attendance, Dermontti Dawson was a name that stood out to Mawae. “Many regarded [Dermontti] as the best Center to play the game. He was one of my idols growing up and some said that I had maybe taken over that role as a dominant offensive lineman in the earlier part of my career when he retired. But to be able to sit around with these guys and share our experiences is a privilege…it’s not just one guy, it’s all the guys. I am surrounded by greatness,” Mawae further explained.
Dawson shared his appreciation for the NFLPA Legends brunch as well. This All-Pro center for the Pittsburgh Steelers and 2012 Hall of Fame inductee said, “It’s very special to be invited to be a part of this. It is a great honor to be up there with Spencer Tillman to narrate event and Charlie Joiner, Willie, and Jackson. It’s an honor. ”
Viking’s Jerome Felton was invited to sit around the table with the panel of greats. Felton was recently selected to play in the Pro Bowl 2013, and has seen much success for what he has done for Adrian Peterson (Most Valuable Player and Offensive Player of the Year). Felton’s blocks have helped Peterson break loose many times this season and with this success he remains humble to be sitting amongst NFL legends.
The fullback sums up the event, “When you were guys like Willie Roaf, obviously he is a Hall of Famer. It’s humbling to be around guys like that. I just want to enjoy it, meet the people, and learn as much as I can from them.” Felton furthers, “I saw Demaurice (Smith) walk in and it’s always good to catch up with him. The legends here have played this game for a long time and have a high level of success. I implement my own approach to the game, but today I will learn as much as I can from them. ”
–Interviews by Zach Younker and Theresa Villano
