BOOMERS COLUMN

By Boomer Esiason

Eight years ago it started as just a football game, but now our all-star event is regarded as one of the finest of its kind in the country. This game has all the qualities a fundraising event aspires to achieve: lasting memories for the participants and raising funds for cystic fibrosis research and youth football. The Outback Steakhouse Empire Challenge is played annually around the Fourth of July � the celebration of our nation�s birth and the accomplishments of our high school football players combine for a fun-filled and exciting week of expectations.

Each year this game strengthens the support of football in the New York metropolitan area. From the high school coaches who attend coaching clinics to the youngsters who train with the NFL at the Youth Football Camp, football in New York City and Long Island is building for its future.

The New York Jets� commitment to our game is unmatched by any other NFL tam. Owner Woody Johnson�s love for not only his Jets, but for football in general, has afforded the opportunity for the all-star teams to practice at the Jets� complex on the campus of Hofstra University. This support alone has improved the quality of this game for the players and coaches.

I�d like to express my sincere gratitude to our major sponsors: Outback Steakhouse, Canon U.S.A, NFL Flag, the New York Jets and MSG � for supporting this event throughout the years. And to our volunteers and coaches, thank you. Nothing gets done without your commitment to excellence.

This game has emerged from a dream and has become a reality. To stand on the sideline and watch the competition on the field and the event itself become more professional every year gives me a great sense of pride for the community where I grew up and the community in which I live and work in today.