Posted by Matt Field

The girls of the New York Majesty were ready to go this week. Due to events out of any players control, the game has been postponed until November 20th. I took advantage of the time off to catch up with Marie Nicole of the New York Majesty. Enjoy the read!

Matt Field- Ok Marie, the game has been postponed and rescheduled for November 20th and I know from talking to the other players, everyone is pretty bummed. Game or no game, what keeps you motivated?

Marie Nicole-  The competition. I always want to be the best. I train to be better than my opponent. No matter how I feel on a given day, I get my workout in and practice hard. One day earlier this summer it was about 110 degrees and humid out; I was whining about not wanting to go for my daily run and a friend said to me, “You’ve got to ask yourself, what is the competition doing?” He couldn’t have put it better.

Matt- How important have the coaches been in getting the team ready?

Marie- Extremely important and immensely helpful. Before we had our current coaches we were just a bunch of girls playing football the only way we knew how. For a while our Captain was forced to lead the team as not only a captain but a coach as well. She did an excellent job, but now having permanent coaches in place as allowed her to take a step back and really focus on being a teammate and a leader. Working with our coaches for the past month or so has really brought us together as a team and we have learned so much more about the game.

Matt- You mention your teammate taking charge. Is there a teammate that you admire?

Marie- My quarterback, Krystal Gray. She has a passion for the game that you can’t teach. That girl is the definition of dedication.

Matt- Krystal is pretty bad-ass, she has written a post for us in the past. How bad-ass are you? What does Marie Nicole bring to the game?

Marie- I’m a natural competitor and a true athlete. You can be sure that each time I walk off that field, win or loss, I will have given 110%.

Matt- Biggest challenges as you get ready for the first game?

Marie- Balancing my everyday life and current business plans with the amount of commitment involved with being a part of this league. Its about a 4 hour drive for me just to get to practice And just recently I was in a four car pile up on the Long Island Expressway!! Totally not my fault! I hate the Long Island Expressway and its become my second home..  people that don’t live in Jersey can’t drive!

Matt- What did you want to be growing up as a child?

Marie- This is funny.. I can remember in kindergarten my teachers created a book called “When I grow up…” and every student got their own page where they named a profession and drew a picture. Copies were made and sent home to all the parents to keep. Just about every kid wanted to be either a Doctor or an Astronaut, so you can imagine my parents’ embarrassment when they flipped to my page and saw “Ice-Cream Lady.”  Since then I’ve definitely given up that “dream” and plan on opening my own kickboxing gym in the near future.

Matt- Interests off the field?

Marie- When I’m not playing football I’m kickboxing. And I don’t mean cardio kickboxing to bad 80’s music in a group fitness class. Real kickboxing, on a real heavy bag. In my opinion its hands down the best total workout there is. If I’m not teaching a kickboxing class, I’m taking one. I absolutely love it.

Matt- Who is your favorite NFL player?

Marie- People are either going to love or hate this response, but my favorite player would definitely be Terrell Owens. I’ve been a T.O. fan for years. He’s an amazingly talented player and brings personality to the game. I’m always entertained when watching him play.

Matt- How do those uniforms stay on? Enquiring minds want to know

Marie- We’ve got lots of tricks to keep them in place, but I’m not too worried about the uniforms. It wouldn’t make a difference to me if they asked us to play in garbage bags or potato sacks. My focus is on the game. My main concern is running my routes and making catches.

Matt- Before we wrap up, anything you have to say to the competition?

Marie- Don’t underestimate the NY Majesty. We’re the newest team in the league and that means we’re already starting off behind, so I’m sure our opponents aren’t too concerned with us being big competition. I assure you, we are the most athletic team in the league and with the direction of coaching staff, the underdogs WILL come out on top.

Posted by Matt Field

The Chicago Bliss vs. New York Majesty game has been rescheduled for November 20th. So let’s have some fun during the off week and catch up with some of the players around the league. Today we kick things off with chat with Chicago Bliss defensive stand out, Nikki Lee. Enjoy the read.

Matt Field- Hey Nikki, thanks for the time. I have been talking to members of both teams and I know that every single player wanted to be out there this Friday night. The game has been rescheduled to November 20th. In the meantime, tell me how you first got involved with the league. What have been some of the challenges?

Nikki Lee- Wow! Where do I begin.

Now, my life is football, football and MORE FOOTBALL!!!

I found out about the LFL while looking for female intramural or flag football teams to join. A friend of mine that plays for the Chicago Slaughter sent me info about tryouts for the LFL! I was INSTANTLY in love! It took alot to get ready for tryouts and the season. I started training and conditioning..alot. I shed 20 lbs and got my body fat down. (Sadly my curves had to go) I hired 2 football trainers that took me through different “camps” with agility drills, speed training, footwork, routes, catching, blocking etc. It was a tough transition from the sports i was used to, but I loved every minute of it!  I think the biggest challenge is being prepared to play teams that we have very little info on. In alot of ways we are going into the games blind so our coaches are trying to prepare us for any and everything!!

Matt- Are getting recognized as a member of the LFL? Any great lines the guys are using?

Nikki- Its weird but a couple of people have recognized me from football. In person, I look exactly like my pictures. I hear the same pickup lines over and over “You can tackle me any day!” and “I used to play football. Can I show you a few moves?” Ugh…so lame and soooo over it!

Matt- It seems that you are having a great time with the league. Is this something you have always wanted to do? What did you want to be as a child growing up?

Nikki- Growing up I always wanted to be a professional model/dancer and travel the world. I danced pro for about 6 years. I went on tours and got to meet some amazing people! My favorite stop on one tour was Johannesburg, South Africa. I also danced in music videos, was a pro cheerleader and I also modeled! Right now I have the dream job as a Manager of Flirty Girl Fitness! Its everything I love which is dance and fitness! These are some of my biggest accompishments to date. I take pride in setting goals and reaching them! Im a go getter!

Matt- How about the future? Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Nikki- In 10 years I see myself married, 1 child, vacation home, with several investments. I want to be running multiple businesses with (of course multiple) streams of income! Im very self motivated however the best motivation of all is competition!!

Matt- What does Nikki like to do off the field?

Nikki- I love to travel! I love getting away from Chicago and going to my favorite places! I love laying on the beach and relaxing!

Matt- What will fans when they see the Chicago Bliss in action? What will impress them?

Nikki- I think fans will be impressed by our athleticism! The Chicago Bliss is full of incredible athletes. They are some of the fastest, hard hitting and hard working women i have ever played with! 

Matt- How important have the coaches been in getting the team prepared for play?

Nikki- Our coaches did a great job of bringing us up to speed. We continue to learn and grow as football players everyday! The coaches came in and broke down every position. We learned proper techniques and the tips and tricks to make executing our moves easier.

Matt- Any NFL players you look to as a role model for your play on the field?

Nikki- I would like to play like 2 of my fav Bears players, Lance Briggs and Adewale Ogunleye. I love their playing stye, they make big plays and they get the job done.

Matt- What would you like fans to know about Nikki Lee?

Nikki- I want the fans to know that Im a ton of fun, im smart, im a true sports fan, my fav color is pink and I Love surprises!

Matt- Finally, I think I know the answer to this one, but give us your SuperBowl pick.

Nikki- I have the Bears as my pick for the Superbowl!

Posted by Chris Mund

This week, I was lucky enough to have a short Q & A with the Denver Dream’s Quarterback Erika Trujillo. After a tough loss last week to the LA Temptation, they have been practicing hard and planning new strategies for their upcoming game vs. the Dallas Desire. 

Erika Trujillo- Thanks so much for supporting us all. You are awesome!

Chris Mund- I appreciate it, and it is my pleasure. Trust me…I can think of much worse jobs than interviewing the beautiful LFL players. So Erika, how did you get involved with Lingerie Football?

Erika- Great question. I was actually preparing for my first marathon race and after a long run, I came home and was stretching and watching the news and I saw an advertisement on Lingerie Football Tryouts. I thought long and hard about it, thought I would give it a shot since I have been throwing a ball since I was four, and now, here I am!

Chris- Playing quarterback places a large burden directly on your shoulders. It takes a great deal of strength. How do you help support your teammates?

Erika- Leadership, confidence, and dedication. The ladies on the Denver Dream are incredible women on and off the field, and being named as a team captain of these ladies is an honor and excites me of the possibilities we have as a team. Every day we take a step forward as a collective team and that is going to set us up for success in the long run in our athletic and professional lives.

Chris-. Being captain is an honor. How have you been preparing your team for each game?

Erika- Every team faces several challenges as they approach the season, some greater than others. I would say that the greatest challenge has been promoting ourselves as legitimate athletes. We have had a stereotype lingering over us since the start, people judge on the uniform, which is not much different from a beach volleyball player’s attire and they fail to see that we are all strong, confident, well-educated, athletic women with a drive and passion for football.

Chris- We already have seen that you are very talented football players. What else can you do better than boys?

Erika- Let’s just say, what can the boys do better than me? Hahaha. I like challenges, so bring it at me!

Chris- I’m sure that your coaches have also played an important role in your team’s development. What are the most important things they have taught you?

Erika- Coach Allen and Coach Mark have been fantastic with prepping us for the season. From explaining every offensive and defensive tactics and running us through vigorous drills day after day, they have taken women athletes of every realm and turned them into an elite, cohesive and determined football team. Without the dedication and perseverance from Allen and Mark, I don’t know where we would be.

Chris- Being the Dream’s QB, you must have an NFL player you could compare yourself to?

Erika- I admire them all, but I love me some quarterbacks! Peyton Manning and my personal friend, Tyler Thigpen, often use the shotgun formation and have been successful with that especially in long yardage situations.

Chris- What are a few things you think the fans should know about Erika Tujillo?

Erika- I am a nerd by day, athlete by night, I work in aerospace. I am a super picky eater and I wish I could live on Caesar salads and French fries! I have a habit of naming pets after professional athletes (my dog- Alex Rodriguez, my cat- Derek Jeter). My favorite pieces of jewelry are my state championship and conference championship rings. My cell phone is my life; I do not know what I would do without it.

Chris- Really? A-Rod and Mr. November? You have to have some secret story behind that… 

Erika- Oh boy, do I. I have always had the biggest crush on Alex Rodriguez. I am a huge sucker for blue eyes, dark complexion, and pinstripe pants! I would also have to throw in Derek Jeter as well. Gosh, maybe the whole New York Yankee’s lineup!

Chris- What about when the fans attend games? What will they like the most?

Erika- The atmosphere. The Lingerie Football League is providing a game on a level of its own and an unseen, unforgettable experience for athletes and spectators alike. You don’t want to miss this.

Chris- The league is definitely gaining popularity. Are fans recognizing you as an LFL player?

Erica- As we get closer to the game, I have seen a rise in people recognizing me a member of the Dream! People ask question after question because of interest in the league and get excited to have met “The Dream’s Quarterback”. The worst pickup line I have had was, “Number 4 eh, Brett Favre doesn’t look THAT good in his football uniform…”

Chris- Speaking of your uniform, I still have not been able to figure out how they stay on during the games? PLEASE! Fill me in.

Erika- Oh, that’s confidential information

Chris- Damn! I thought I might finally learn the secrets. Off the field, what do you spend your free time doing?

Erika- My family and friends come first; any time I spend with them is cherished. I am a huge baseball and football fan! I also enjoy coaching, running, editing writing (weird, I know), surfing, and sushi!

Chris- That’s a very eclectic life you live. Who were your biggest influences growing up?

Erika- I admire all the wonderful men and women in my family. Every single one of them, from my mom and dad, my brothers, my aunts and uncles, grandmothers and grandfathers, and so forth, they all have had major life challenges and they have taken it all and become successful. Their pride and will power is one of a kind and has given me something amazing to strive for.

Chris- It sounds like you had a great childhood. What did you want to be when you were growing up?

Erika- As a kid, I was pretty indecisive on my career ambitions, but I always thought it would be great to be the first female manager of a professional sports team, either NFL or MLB. 

Chris- Have you made up your mind yet? Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Erika- Talk about a loaded question! I try not to look too far into the future, I prefer to take life day to day and enjoy the experiences that are presented.

Chris- Do you have any shout-outs you would like to give, before we wrap up?

Erika- My family. Hi Mommy, Hi Daddy!!! They have always been my support group and have backed me up in every aspect of life and they keep me moving in a positive direction.

Chris- I always like end with two important questions. First, what is your prediction for Friday night’s game?

Erika- It will be a battle. It will be a tough game, but our strong defense and sound offense are going to explode when we hit the field. I see us being victorious. I can’t wait.

Chris- And of course, you super bowl pick?

Erika- I will have to go with my daddy’s favorite on this- Pittsburg Steelers! Although I have to have some hometown spirit and hope the Bronco’s are in contention!

Posted by Matt Field

The big game is Friday night -  Denver Dream @ Dallas Desire. We took a few minutes to pick the brain of Dallas Desire’s head coach, Antuan Edwards.

Matt Field- Glad we caught you for few questions coach. I just wanted to get a little insight from the coaches standpoint. As you have worked with the players, what has impressed you most from tryouts to being a “game ready” player?

Coach Edwards- My girls have dedication and competitivness. There were the girls who tried out that were simply girly girls, I was lucky to get the few real athletes.

Matt- You spent 6/7 years in the NFL. How does the work ethic of the LFL compare to the NFL? It seems that some of these girls can really hold their own, how do they stack up in comparison to their NFL counterparts?

Coach- Now hold on, let’s not get carried away here, we are talking apples and oranges. NFL players have worked their whole lives to reach the pinnacle of their sport. I will say that these girls have done very well taking in all of the knowledge and skill in a short time frame.

Matt- What have been some of the challenges as you prepare the team for gameday?

Coach- Last minute injuries. It’s been a challenge and we have had to switch some things up.

Matt- What are your expectations this season?

Coach- We have a pretty strong team and considering our number one pre-season ranking, I fully expect to be sitting on the beach in Miami with a trophy by my side at the end of the season.

Matt- I love the confidence! One more thing before I let you go. How many times a day are you told what a lucky SOB you are to be coaching a LFL team?

Coach- I honestly look at it as just football. Coaching these girls is the same as coaching kids… well minus the “girly stuff”, but my wife has coached me through that!

Matt- That’s a great attitude. The girls are beautiful but the real athletes are not here for a beauty pageant. Thanks again for the time coach and good luck on Friday night.

Posted by Matt Field

If you have been wise enough to catch any or all of the first three games, what a ride! If you have yet to see a game, what are you waiting for?! It is only going to get better this Friday when the Denver Dream travels to Dallas to take on the Desire. I had a chance to chat with Dallas Desire running back, Erin Marie Garrett aka “Crash” and she is ready to throw down! Enjoy the read boys and girls. Ready or not, here she comes!

Matt Field- Thanks Erin for taking some time and sharing with the readers. I know you have been crazy busy. How are things going?

Erin Garrett- Things are great! I was just in Reno over the weekend but I am very excited for Friday’s game. It’s been a challenge learning the plays but the coaches have been amazing. Coach Edwards, LeBlanc, AK and Big ‘E’ have taught us so much. They have dedicated their time and knowledge to us. I have really grown as a player and an athlete due to their efforts. I truly feel blessed to be a part of this league and this team. The opportunity to be coached by NFL greats is awesome.

Matt- How did you first get involved with the Lingerie Football League?

Erin- I heard about it over a year ago and contacted the league. I showed up at the tryouts in Dallas and I gave it my all. Here I am!

Matt- So you’re a bad-ass football player now, what did you want to be as you were growing up?

Erin- A performer! Music, movies, sports- it’s just how I breathe.

Matt- So being on a stage is in your blood? Any big breaks?

Erin- I performed the National Anthem in front of 32,000 plus people at Texas Stadium when I was on tour with Arenacross. It was pretty bad-ass!

Matt- Following your desire to entertain have you developed any celebrity crushes?

Erin- You mean who has a crush on me? Ha! Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, Channing Tatum and the Bear’s Brian Urlacher (he’s out for blood!)

Matt- So a guy, other than one of your celeb crushes, offers to buy you a drink at a club, how do you respond?

Erin- Thanks, but I plan on being the “sugar-mama” so.. I call the shots. And pick-ups? Ummm, too many to list. They were all pretty lame.

Matt- Well, if their pick-up lines don’t work, what are five things you want the fans to know about you?

Erin- 1) I’m more competitive than you can know. 2) I am strong and hardworking. 3) I can do a back handspring in full pads and helmet. 4) The man in my life is a 80 pound Doberman named Diesel. 5) I love stripes!

Matt- I just did a back handspring while holding a Doberman. Anything else you think you can do better than the boys?

Erin- Everything! I am a woman. Plus I can eat more than most men and rock a six pack!

Matt- Well la dee da. With all that fire, what does Erin Marie Garrett bring to the game? What motivates you?

Erin- Intensity, Adrenaline and Heart! My motivation is driven by my coaches, teammates and listening to some hardcore ROCK before hitting the field. Bring it Denver!

Matt- Is there an NFL player that compares in style of play to your own?

Erin- I’ve been told that I could play like Tony Dorsett, but I’m as intense as Lawrence Taylor in his prime.

Matt- That would make quite the combo. What are some of your interests off the field?

Erin- You name it, singing, modeling, acting, working out, traveling and playing Madden.

Matt- Madden? It’s on like Donkey Kong! You can’t stop this! Sorry, you hit on one of my weaknesses. We can settle that challenge another time. Since I’m losing focus anyways, how do those uniforms stay on? Had to be asked.

Erin- My humps, my humps, my lovely lady lumps! Does that answer your question?

Matt- (jaw dropped, eyes poppin’) Um, yeah, that is what I thought. Is it warm in here? Besides the hopes of a uniform malfunction, what will fans be most impressed by when they see the games?

Erin- The level of athleticism that our team displays is friggin’ amazing and we hit hard! Can you tell that I’m ready for gameday?

Matt- It shows Erin, it shows. Any trash talk for the other teams in the league?

Erin- No trash talkin’ here. I just take it out and I drop it!

Matt- On that note, your prediction for Friday night’s game?

Erin- Pure DESIRE baby!

Matt- How about your SuperBowl pick?

Erin- This is football in Texas baby! The Dallas Cowboys all the way!

Matt- Thanks Erin and good luck. Anything else you want to share?

Erin- I think we covered it Matt. I want to say hi to my brother. He is serving our country in the Air Force. He is a true hero and someone that I truly admire. Thanks again and see you gameday! Go DESIRE!