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Jeremiah Pope- Giving Back to Long Island

February 12, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
New York Dragons News Release


One by one, the kids step onto the practice field and they all scream with joy at the same person.

"Coach Pope!"

Even the kids who have moved on to the next level are equally excited to see him.

"Coach Pope!"

Dragons wide receiver Jeremiah Pope stays busy during the AFL's offseason as the offensive coordinator and running backs coach for Island Trees Middle School. The Elmont native has such an impression on all of his players that even the ones who graduate to the next level are still in awe of his presence.

"I think its funny and it makes me feel good," said Pope who just finished his third season with Island Trees. "It means a lot that they look up to me. They probably consider me a good role model. For the players who move on, we've developed good friendships and they come back to me for advice."

Pope has actually turned into quite a cult hero at Island Trees. When he walks into a room or steps on the field, he gets rock star treatment by everyone he has encountered past at present.

"He's developed quite a following here," said head coach Sean Burns who guides the staff that includes Pope and fellow assistant Patrick Scanlon. "Every year, the kids come out and are psyched to see him. We still have our kids who graduated middle school and play on JV and varsity and when we go out on the field everyone calls his name."

It's not a common occurrence for a middle school or even a high school to have a current professional football player on their staff. So for the parents of the kids at Island Trees, it's a special feeling to have Pope tutoring their children. Pope understands what his presence means for the kids because he would have loved to have been coached by a professional when he was a kid.

"I would have been very honored and probably star struck," admitted Pope. "I know that some of the kids feel a little star struck. Not even the football players, but the soccer players and the girls don't want to say hi or ask questions. They're scared until one of them would come up and say 'are you a professional football player?'

There's no reason for the kids to be afraid because Pope is a special person. He doesn't let his success get to his head and doesn't constantly remind his kids that he's a professional player. He doesn't flash his business card at the kids. When he's coaching, he checks his ego at the door.

"If you didn't know that he plays Arena League football, you wouldn't know it because he never mentions it and just goes about his business in a professional way," said Burns. "Jeremiah is easily one of the most humble and down to earth guys that I've ever met."

Pope's humility is a by-product of the fact that he's having fun teaching the game of football.

"I really do enjoy coaching them because at the generation they are now, they're learning more things then I ever learned," said Pope. "I think it's good to give back to them because they can be better when they get to high school."

And his efforts do not go un-noticed. Having Pope on the staff is huge for the kids because they get to learn from a professional and it's also important for the coaches because they also have someone in Pope that they can bounce ideas off of. But the ultimate seal of approval comes from a much higher authority.

"The parents appreciate it because they know that there is somebody on the staff that's bringing something to the table that not too many other middle schools or even JV and varsity teams can say that they have," said Burns.

But clearly the big winner is the kids. Not to diminish what Burns and the rest of the staff brings to the table, but there's a something special about having a professional football player working with 7th and 8th graders. It's clear that Pope has a way of getting through to his players because the kids are excited to listen and learn. His presence has had a big impact on the team.

"They listen to us and appreciate what's going on and I appreciate them for having me coach there," said Pope. "It feels good, but not because it gives a big head but because I'm likeable over there not only by the kids but by the teachers also."

Pope played high school football at Sewanaka and then moved on to Long Island University at C.W. Post. His road to Island Trees started in 2004 when he attended Philadelphia Eagles training camp. When he came home, a buddy that he used to run track with told him that Island Trees was looking for another coach.

"I took the courses to be certified and started coaching in 2005," said Pope who loves it at Island Trees and really has no intention of leaving. "They've been good to me so I'm not looking to go anywhere regardless of money issues."

This is good news for Island Trees who can see how his efforts have helped the players.

"It means everything," said Burns. "It's something that's hard to explain unless you're in the room to see how Jeremiah can gain the kids attention."

Pope spent the first two years of his AFL career with the Arizona Rattlers. Last season, the Rattlers paid a visit to the Dragons and Pope looked at it as an opportunity to have a cheering section at the Coliseum. Pope told Burns near the end of the Island Trees season in 2006 that the AFL schedule for 2007 was out and he wanted everyone to come to the game.

"We were able to get over 120 people including players and parents to come out and watch," said Burns. 'Unfortunately he had hurt himself and was on the sideline but it was still awesome to see him."

It had to be difficult for the kids to not get the chance to see "Coach Pope" on the field that day, but as luck would have it, they're going to get another chance.

Pope became a free agent after the 2007 season and starting on October 29th, he was free to sign with any team. In his mind, he only had one choice and that was to come home. The free agency period coincided with the end of the Island Trees 2007 season. Pope already knew he was going to sign with the Dragons. After meeting with his agent to go over the contract, Pope missed practice the next day to sign the deal that would once again make him a year round Long Islander. Coach Burns had to explain Pope's absence and delivered the good news.

"The entire team erupted," recalled Burns. "We were extremely happy because now that he's back home, we're going to be able to see him more often."

And when Pope returned to practice the next day, the kids had some topics of conversation to discuss with him.

"As soon as I got back they all said 'What number are you going to be and I'm going to get season tickets and I'm going to get a jersey',' recalled Pope.

Memo to Director of Merchandising Terry Goldstein. Order some extra Jeremiah Pope jerseys for the souvenir stands. They could be a hot seller.

"I'm sure they are going to be very excited if they see the 'Pope" jerseys on the hangars because they will want to get one," said Burns.

When the Dragons are introduced by the public address announcer at home games this season, each player and coach will be cheered by the fans. But when Pope runs through the dragons mouth and the fire, he'll probably hear something very familiar.

"Coach Pope!" "Coach Pope!"

"I hope so," said Pope. "I just want to concentrate on getting through camp and making the active roster before being guaranteed that they're going to be there. I'll have a big fan club, not only to support me, but to support the team also."

The support will be a big "thank you" to Pope for what he has meant to the middle school football program at Island Trees.

All Dragons tickets are on sale now! Call 1-866-AFL-TIXX or visit newyorkdragons.com.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 12, 2008


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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