USL Birmingham Legion FC

Interview with Legion FC Defender Jonny Dean

Published on July 23, 2021 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Birmingham Legion FC News Release


Birmingham Legion FC Defender Jonny Dean
Birmingham Legion FC Defender Jonny Dean
(Birmingham Legion FC)

BIRMINGHAM, AL - Ahead of Legion FC's trip to Indianapolis to take on Indy Eleven on Saturday, defender Jonny Dean called in to chat about soccer, life, and a lot in between.

Question (Q): How are things going so far in year two for you? Year two as a pro and year two in Birmingham?

Jonny Dean (JD): It's been good! It's a lot different than the first year, because of COVID, right, where there was a real bubble for us, essecntially just play and go home, and that it. Now we're able to get out a little bit more, tour the city of Birmingham itself. As for the group we have this year, I mean, we have a really good squad. Majority of the guys are pretty personable, a lot of the new guys and guys that are returning, so I'm excited about this team.

Q: Who are the funny guys on the team or who kind of leads the way off the field for this group?

JD: I'd say some of the older guys, you know, Phanny [Kavita], Matt [VanOekel], and those guys. Even Trev [Spangenberg]... Trev is a funny guy, man. Yeah, he's got some good comments, I'll give him that.

Q: You said you've gotten to see a bit more of Birmingham this year. When you're not training or travelling what do you like to do on your off days?

JD: I like the outdoors areas around here, especially with my dog [a German Shepherd named Nina]. We go on a lot of hikes, and now we've been going to a dog park around Highland Park. I do that most days, let here run around and play with other dogs. It's good for her.

There's also a lot of good spots to go out and eat now - starting to do that a lot more now. My favorite as of now is El Barrio. Big fan, not gonna lie. I like Real and Rosemary too, a little simpler, and a nice place I've been trying to go with the family is Helen. Heard a lot of good things. We have family friends from back home who are related to the owner, so I've got to check it out. Just got to get your reservation in way in advance! Chez Fonfon is also on the list as well.

Q: Speaking of food, I've got good intel that you're a big Chick-fil-A guy, as am I. I'm a spicy chicken sandwich guy, but, lay it out for me - what's your go to order?

JD: So, it depends on how hungry I am, and if I'm feeling guilty about just eating fried food or not. But usually, it's a number one large meal, with a sweet tea, and another sandwich on the side. Love the sandwich, and I'm a big sweet tea guy.

Q: Red Diamond will be glad to hear you're a big sweet tea guy. We'll have to hook you up. I also have heard, speaking of Red Diamond, that you're a big coffee guy, too, and that the pregame ritual is a double espresso?! When did you start doing that?

JD: Yeah man! Big coffee guy. The espresso started back in college [at the University of Central Florida]. I've always tried to go towards the more natural energy drink, and other drinks are too much liquid, like a full cup of coffee is too heavy on the stomach when you're running, so I've always gone espresso. We had a really great café in college that was a 30 second walk from our locker room, and it kind of stuck.

Q: While at UCF what'd you study? What did you want to be growing up, and what do you think you'd be doing if you weren't playing?

JD: So, I graduated in December 2019 with a major in Communications, and then had an extra year of eligibility, so I got a master's in criminal justice, and finished that last December. So, to go off of that, something like going into the FBI, CIA would be cool, or I could go back to law school after I'm done playing.

Q: Very cool, man. Impressive. So, you grew up in the South, in Macon, GA, and we've got SEC Media Days going on right now, so I've got to ask about college football. You a Georgia fan? Looking forward to the season?

JD: Nah I'm actually an Alabama fan! My grandmother went to Alabama, as well as my uncle and my sister, so it's not just a bandwagon thing, there are some ties. My dad grew up going to games, they were big Bama fans, when Bear Bryant was the coach, so I got it through there. And I used to be a big Clemson fan because my cousin, Jad Dean, kicked for them [from 2004-2006]. Growing up I'd follow them because he was kicking, so I cheered for him there, but I love college football. More of a college football guy than an NFL guy.

Q: A lot of our fans will be glad to hear you're a Bama fan. I was going to ask then how you thought the season would go, but we already know, with Alabama.

JD: [Laughs] That's the plan, man, win the whole thing. Hey and I'm pulling for UCF too. Gotta support the alma mater.

Q: Of course. And we'll have to get you out to a UAB game. They always have a good squad... but I'll wrap it up with a highly anticipated question - maybe the most important one. I've heard the team calling you 'Hotlinks,' which is an amazing nickname. Where did that come from?!

JD: Yes! I think it's awesome. K-dawg [Legion FC's 2020 Equipment Manager] gave it to me last year when he was here, off of Jimmy Dean I guess, but I'm glad that it has stuck.

Catch Hotlinks and the rest of the #ThreeSparks in action tomorrow night as they head to Indiana to take on Indy Eleven at 6PM CT, live on My68 or ESPN+!

Legion FC will be back at BBVA Field next weekend to face Atlanta United 2 on Saturday, July 31 at 6:30PM , and then again on Wednesday, August 4, at 7:00PM.

The Wednesday night game is the rescheduled match that was rained out on June 30, and anyone with previously purchased tickets to the June 30 match can use that ticket on August 4. Please email tickets@bhmlegion.com with any questions or issues. Everybody Wins on Wednesday's with Legion FC, so join us on Wednesday the fourth for one dollar hotdogs, two dollar beers, and a post-game firework show!

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Birmingham Legion FC Defender Jonny Dean
Birmingham Legion FC Defender Jonny Dean
 Birmingham Legion FC Defender Jonny Dean
Birmingham Legion FC Defender Jonny Dean
 Birmingham Legion FC Defender Jonny Dean
Birmingham Legion FC Defender Jonny Dean



United Soccer League Championship Stories from July 23, 2021


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