Empire Challenge Built on Volunteers & Supporters

            When Boomer Esiason started the Empire Challenge 10 years ago, he believed that he could insert summer high school football into the crowded local sports calendar. That’s exactly what has happened - but it isn’t easy.

Producing and managing the Empire Challenge each year takes the combined efforts of several hundred people, most of whom donate their time and talents. Staff members of Boomer Esiason Foundation, as well as the staffs and interns of Hofstra University’s athletic department and the New York Jets, are supported by a network of additional volunteers to make the Empire Challenge run smoothly.

            “Anyone who’s been involved in this game knows how much work it takes,” said Boomer Esiason. “Look at it. All the coaches are volunteers, and so are the people at Hofstra and the Jets. Then Outback Steakhouse alone brings about 75 people to cook and serve food at the pre-game party. I’ll bet we had over 200 volunteers here tonight, doing everything from setting up the field, to selling programs, to broadcasting.”

            Financial support comes from companies such as Under Armour�, the rapidly growing sportswear company, which provides uniforms for all the players. “There are so many great causes out there, and we all want to help out every one of them,” said Shannon Febrache of Under Armour. “But when we look for groups to support, we put the Boomer Esiason Foundation at the top of the list because it’s sports-related and it’s credible, both with athletes and the public. Also, the BEF staff always brings something to the table that exceeds our expectations…and they make sponsors feel very welcome and appreciated.”

Copyright � 1996 Revised: August 01, 2026 Empire Challenge.  All rights reserved.