Do I hear another ‘Invincible’ movie taking place? The 1976 Philadelphia Eagles holding open tryouts at the cost of being the NFL’s laughing stock for the season. Them actually finding someone in the mix and inviting him to training camp where he somewhat proves himself.
What do the Denver Outlaws hope to accomplish?
For one, in 1976, the Eagles were struggling in the NFL, getting booed by their own fans off the field, and having lost all their mojo.
The Outlaws won the MLL Championship last season in Atlanta, Georgia. They’re a top-notch MLL program who recently drafted Jeremy Noble and boast a roster of numerous talented athletes.
Frank Papale: I know. That touchdown got me through 30 years at that factory. Got me through all those times your mother being sick. When I told you not to get your hopes up… didn’t MEAN that I wasn’t.
Secondly, the Eagles were being coached by a new guy (Dick Vermeil) coming into his inaugural season in the NFL from the NCAA. Not only did he not have 100 percent of a grasp on professional league PR handlings (the organization strongly disagreed with him for holding those open tryouts), but the times were different in that the team needed to redraw their fans back to them. So, the open tryouts doubled as team fanbase marketing.
Denver is much different. For one, no one hates the lacrosse team, especially not to the level of the hometown the Eagles created for themselves. If anything, people from all sports backgrounds openly accept the Outlaws as a new, exciting sport team for their town.
The Outlaws don’t need a public relations campaign and they don’t need the talent. What’s the angle?
Could it be that lacrosse is played across all levels that another talent acquisition is possible? I highly doubt it because most parents and adults who play recreational leagues are getting older and less into being hit themselves. Many complain about the aggression in box lacrosse at their older ages. (My back, my this, my that).
There’s many young lacrosse players in their early 20s. I’m one of them. I promise you I’m not capable of performing with the Outlaws. Many players my age, even those who played at top notch NCAA programs, that didn’t enter any drafts don’t have an interest in that lifestyle. They don’t want to worry about four-day work weeks, three-day lacrosse weekends, physically training on their own, etc. It’s a major commitment from any player, especially one who might just show up to tryouts at the bidding of their friends.
I may attempt to attend these tryouts as media. Again, I’m way too out of lacrosse shape to even attempt such a feat. If a following builds up, this could make for an event that’s either genius and progressive, or an entire bust.
