I visited my family in Charlotte, NC this past weekend and my brother-n-law Kevin asked me if I wanted to work the Panthers/Jets preseason game on Saturday night for one of his buddies. He said it was an opportunity to work behind the scenes for the Panthers equipment staff. Shag some balls, move some equipment, be on the field during the game, easy stuff. I said sure, sounds like fun. Damn, was I wrong!
The Panthers outsource the moving of the visiting team to Kevin’s buddies’ company T-N-T Movers – Tom Tulowiecki and Todd Koepke. The main responsibility for T-N-T is to assist the Jets equipment staff on and off the field.
Prior to the game my duties were shagging punts from their lone punter Steve Weatherford, relaying footballs to the snapper, carting bags of ice and towels to the Jets bench. I never ran so much in my life fielding punts and chasing footballs kicked all over the field. I was so worn out! I can really appreciate kick and punt returners at “all” levels. Oddly enough, I can even recognize the value of punters too.
During the game we would just hang out on the Jets sideline and watch the game. It’s a treat to watch and hear the players up close, especially the veterans. Not to mention the diehard Jets fans who all sat in a section right behind the bench.
At halftime, we did the same thing as pregame –shag more balls. We also had to clean the player’s area, refold towels, throw away cups, etc. I did get my pay – a hot dog and cookie.
What made the experience fascinating was HBO’s Hard Knocks was on filming. They had five crews with about 35 people shooting from every angle imaginable. Over 15 player’s pads were wired. HBO even took over one of the press rooms for their own studio.
However, when the game was finished, the real work started.
Our responsibility was to take everything from the Jets locker room and visitor’s bench to two moving trucks which were located adjacent to the stadium. The moving trucks were in a staging area next to the team buses.
The visitor’s locker room was a dump compared to the Panthers. It was something you would see at a high school. It was so small that 15-20 players got chairs not lockers for their belongings.
It was amazing how much stuff we lifted and carried in the two trucks. Everything from the player’s luggage to Gatorade barrels to video equipment to laundry to stationary bikes – over 500 items.
Each player had his own Jets duffle bag with his number on it. In each bag were his pads, cleats, gloves, helmet, sneaks, and other team apparel. Each one weighed 20-30 pounds.
I thought it was amazing how efficient it went. It took us (four guys) about 75 minutes from when the game ended to leaving the stadium with a police escort. The police escort to the Charlotte Douglas Airport included six police on bikes, two police vans, five team buses and our two moving trucks.
Once we got to the plane – chartered Continental aircraft, which was parked on the tarmac, each truck pulled up to a conveyor belt – located at each end of the plane. My job was to pull everything off the truck and onto the conveyor belt. This took about 25-30 minutes. It was equivalent to about two hours on a treadmill. I was sweating profusely. I think I lost five-seven pounds.
Overall it was a real humbling experience. I understand it’s a privilege to work in sports, and I have never taken it for granted. It’s definitely long hours, but for the equipment staff; it’s an extremely thankless job. These guys bust their butts by providing so much manual labor. Unfortunately, you feel like a “nobody” on the sideline and in the locker room. Some of the players look down on you – no respect.
However, I guess the stories and perks are what make it all worth it.
Quick hits:
The Jets owner Woody Johnson – more popular then the players – he signed autographs to the Jets fans for about 30 minutes prior to the game.
Mark Sanchez “Nacho” – This “kid” has so much energy. He was jumping around the sideline the entire game. He didn’t fare that well in the game 5 for 6 13 yards. I was told from one of the equipment guys that he is still dating Jamie Lynn Singler (Meadow from Sopranos)
OU Connection – I ran into my former classmate from Ohio U Sports Ad Program Bruce Speight, who is the PR guy for the Jets. I asked how it was going with HBO around 24/7 “Once you get them started, they’re fine.”
Coach Ryan – Not nearly as big in person as you see on television.
Game – By far one of the worse football games I have ever seen. Final score 9-3 Jets – Special teams was brutal! The Jets punter must have been so sore on Sunday. Jets defense looks good and the offense was horrific. Panthers special teams are absolutely horrible. Stadium staff is extremely gracious.
Credentials – The south is so laid back. I didn’t even have a game day credential. I wore NFL issued t-shirt, shorts and Reebok shoes. Amazing!