COURTESY PHOTO BY SEAN STELLATO
Chris Manhertz of the Carolina Panthers instructs participants on route running.
By HAROLD RIVERA
LYNN — The group of football hopefuls that beat the steamy Manning Field heat at Sunday morning’s “10th Annual All-American Fundamentals Showcase” were rewarded for their efforts with a once in a lifetime opportunity: learning from the pros.
The showcase, organized by NFL agent Sean Stellato, included a trio of NFL talents in Brandon King of the New England Patriots, Stephen Evans of the Philadelphia Eagles and Chris Manhertz of the Carolina Panthers. Lynn native and former St. John’s Prep star Brendon Felder, and Patriots linebackers coach Brian Flores were also in attendance.
In its 10th running, Stellato said the showcase has been a success since its first edition.
“It’s been very successful and consistent,” Stellato said. “It’s like Disney World for a day for a lot of these kids. They’re encouraged and I’m excited. I didn’t start a foundation, so this is a way for me to give back. It brings a great feeling to my heart seeing these kids smile and compete.”
The showcase kicked off with a group photo, sharp and early, at 9 a.m. From there, the football hopefuls took part in a number of drills such as the 40-yard dash, cone drills and speed shuttles. After being split up for positional drills, the showcase concluded with a few games of 7v7.
“We just want the kids to learn and develop,” Stellato said. “We want the kids to develop a mindset where if they want something, they can accomplish it. If you look at Coach Flores, Manhertz, Evans-these guys are all players that were probably told they couldn’t do it.”
For Manhertz, a third-year tight end who didn’t take up football until after graduating from Canisius College, where he played on the men’s basketball team, the opportunity to give back to aspiring athletes is a special one.
“It’s a blessing,” Manhertz said. “At one point, a long time ago, I was one of these kids looking up to people. It’s a blessing to even have that. I didn’t have someone coming down to my camps so it’s definitely good to give back.”
Stellato, a Salem native who quarterbacked the Witches to a Super Bowl appearance in 1994, offered a similar take on the value of giving back.
“It’s very gratifying,” Stellato said. “It’s a sticking point for me as an agent, as an entrepreneur and as a philanthropist to make sure you give back. At the end of the day, someone paved the way. Someone invested in someone at some point.”
“It’s about setting an example and paving the way for the next generation,” Stellato added.
Manhertz, who’s entering his second season with the Panthers, was impressed by the dedication and commitment showed by the 96 participants who beat the heat and took part in the showcase. The chance to improve their skills on the gridiron, Manhertz said, made it all worth it.
“They’re all getting better,” Manhertz said. “I’m sure they’re leaving here with more than they came with. That’s always a plus.”
The Panthers tight end also offered words of advice for those who are hoping to follow in his footsteps and pursue a NFL career.
“I would just tell them to remain consistent,” Manhertz said. “It’s a very early stage in their lives and there’s plenty of room to improve. Just working on the little things, instilling discipline and a strong work ethic early on, will definitely carry over.”
