LYNN — The 12th annual All-American Football Fundamentals Showcase at Manning Field was all about having fun. Young football hopefuls beat the steamy heat Sunday by sharing laughs and memories with a handful of NFLPA Certified Agent Sean Stellato’s clients.
“We do this in such an organic way,” Stellato, who represents 20 clients, said. “Everyone’s having fun and there’s no entitlement. It’s gratifying for my clients and I to work with these kids. They come from all different backgrounds. They competed, they worked hard and they improved. That was the goal.”
The 95 participants sharpened their gridiron skills by learning directly from the pros and local coaches. Patriots safety Obi Melifonwu (a Super Bowl 53 champion) and Washington Redskins linebacker Marquis Flowers guided the campers through a series of drills.
“It speaks volumes to the guys’ characters and virtues,” Stellato said. “These NFL guys, they have a very small window of down time. Marquis flying up here, Obi starts camp Wednesday. They just volunteer and donate their time. Kids’ lives were touched (Sunday). For them, the main thing is educating them on the fundamentals of combine drills and positional work. We hope they take something from here and get closer to their dreams. That’s really what it comes down to.”
Organizing the camp isn’t easy but Stellato has a supportive group by his side.
“My brother Mike has been phenomenal,” Stellato said. “He coached St. Mary’s to a Super Bowl in 2005. He loves the city. He’s at Tech now. He’s been great. My wife Krista has been unbelievable with this year in and year out. She was up until midnight pairing groups. It takes a village to have success and I’m blessed to have so many great people in my life.”
Stellato, a Salem native who quarterbacked the Witches to a Super Bowl appearance in 1994, said he enjoys bringing the camp to Lynn each summer.
“I’m such a big fan of Lynn,” Stellato said. “Guys like Harry Agganis paved the way. Tony Conigliaro, all the greats that have come out of Lynn. It’s a blue-collar community where there’s been a lot of great athletes. I like to come out here because I think it’s a great central landing spot where kids can come from all over. They have the best venue in the state, they have great resources. It’s a place where a lot of history was made. For me, I competed at Manning Bowl at seven years old all the way to the Agganis Game. It’s gratifying to put this in Lynn and keep it in Lynn.”
And the pros enjoy the experience too.
“It means everything to me to be able to give back to kids, especially young kids,” Melifonwu, a Grafton native who joined the Patriots last season, said. “I remember when I was a young kid, wishing I was coached by NFL players and collegiate athletes. Anytime I get the chance to come out here and help be an inspiration to the kids, I go for it.”
Melifonwu, 25, offered words of advice for those who wish to follow in his footsteps and pursue a career in the NFL.
“I’d tell them to follow their dreams,” he said. “Understand that it’s hard work and requires sacrifice. Nothing comes easy. If you set your mind to something, you’ll be able to accomplish it if you have the right people around you, if you listen and take advice. Be open to criticism, especially if it’s constructive. That’s only going to help you in the long run.”
Melifonwu and the Patriots begin their pursuit of another Vince Lombardi Trophy Wednesday, when the team begins training camp. He’s looking forward to stepping on the field and competing at his best.
“I have another year under my belt,” Melifonwu said. “I’m learning. Every year I’m in the league I’m gaining experience. I’m excited about this year. There’s definitely opportunities and I just have to capitalize on them.”