QUICK 10 WITH.....HEBBURN DEFENDERS

 

Where is Hebburn?

I have no idea either.

This has been a question posed on league podcasts, in chats and I had to ask Mrs Commish and she didn't know either.

Let me educate you (or rather let Google educate you)

Hebburn is a small town in Tyne & Wear between the larger towns of Jarrow and Gateshead. A few facts about Hebburn. Hawthorn Leslie was a large locomotive and shipyard, with many Royal Navy ships built in Hebburn. The factory built the D-Day landing craft. A former short-circuit testing station was the location for the Gary Numan video "Metal" and there is a BBC TV series called "Hebburn", set within the town. The Parachute Regiment have a base in Hebburn and the name of the town derives from an Old English term of 'heah' meaning high and 'byrgen' meaning "a burial mound".

In sporting terms, the nearby Monkton Stadium was home for British athletes Brendan Foster and Steve Cram, but it is fair to say that Hebburn Defenders are, to date, the most successful sports franchise to emerge from this town.

Hebburn finished second in the BFC East but were unable to proceed passed the Divisional Playoff. They compete in a very tough division and are hoping to go better this season. The GM, Kris, is eager to take the small town of Hebburn to the heady heights of the top level of the BFFL.

This is Kris, he can be heard shouting "We Are Hebburn!" on a Saturday afternoon in the town centre, and these are his Quick 10 Questions.

1. How did you get involved in the league?

I saw the Commish tweet out about the BFFL and that they were looking at the possibility of expanding. I love fantasy football and the idea of a national league in a dynasty format really appealed to me. I sent a tweet and the rest is history!

2. What team do you support and why?

Philadelphia Eagles - When I was a 'laird', I used to love playing on my Game Boy. One of my favourite games was NFL Quarterback Club. My favourite QB was Randall Cunningham as he was the fastest on agility level. He, of course, was at the Eagles at that time so they became my favourite team.

As luck would have it, one of my best mates went to Uni in America to play soccer. He ended up coaching a team in Philly, so I've been over to a few games. There's nothing like a tailgate at the Linc to get you up for a game!

3. How did you get into NFL?

I always enjoyed the video games as a kid. As well as the QB Club, I loved playing Madden on my SNES. I had a ball and used to play with my mates, throwing it around the street. I remember the old Channel 4 days, but really got into it through school and Uni when Channel 5 started to cover it. I often missed Monday and Tuesday morning lectures as I'd been up all night watching the games.

4. Who is your favourite player and why?

Mike Vick. I have a thing for scrambling QB's and I loved watching him at the Falcons. I hated him during the dog fighting stage, as I love dogs and found it difficult to forgive him. When the Eagles gave him another chance, I decided to as well and regained my love for him as he was still exhilarating to watch.

Along with him Weapon X is my favourite all-time Eagle. I love 'big bits' and seeing Dawkins run around the field and smash people was just as good as seeing a big offensive play. I was gutted when we let him go to the Broncos!

5. What is your experience with fantasy football?

All good. I first started my home league about 15 years ago and the Nee Fat Lasses is still going strong. It's a mix between Brits and Americans (2 of the Brits are expats so a couple of their friends and now my friends are in the league). Since then I have joined other leagues and the community is brilliant. The BFFL is right at the top of that and the craic is great.

6. What are your views on a potential London franchise?

I don't really have any strong views. I think the NFL is definitely a more global sport these days and the Wembley games have been great. I would never change my team from the Eagles though and have only been to Wembley for our game. The best thing about a London team would be when they played the Eagles as I would get to see them there again.

7. What other hobbies/sports do you enjoy apart from NFL?

I love football and I'm a Newcastle United season ticket holder (for my sins). I also go to watch Hebburn Town (yes, it's a real place) and help run a Sunday morning team. I love fantasy football (FPL) as well and currently sit atop (at the time of publishing) of the BFFL fantasy league 😅

I captain a local darts team so also love to play and watch that, I'm also a keen golfer. Basically, I'll watch and have a go at any sport!

8. What's your favourite film?

Lord Of The Rings is definitely up there, but if I had to pick one to watch it would be Remember The Titans. Left Side! Strong Side!

9. What's your favourite music?

I love all types of music really. Been to gigs and festivals all over the world, so it would be hard to pick one particular band or genre. If I had to go for one I'd have to go with my mates band Catfish And The Bottlemen.

10. Who is your Super Bowl tip this year?

Hard to look past the Chiefs, although they have just lost both of their starting tackles. The Bucs should be there or thereabouts again and I think the Bills look good.

If I had to go with a bit of an outsider, I'd go for the Rams. I think Stafford is a really good pick-up and they could be in with a shout!

We would like to thank Kris for taking the time out from all his sporting activities to answer the Quick 10 and wish him and Hebburn the best of luck this season.

The Commish

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