While pickleball is our primary focus, of course, a little football talk this time of year certainly wouldn't hurt.

In case you didn't know, the pros love following all-things NFL in their downtime.

From rooting for their hometown teams to playing fantasy football, there's a real passion for the pigskin on tour. 

 

Connor Garnett – Seattle Seahawks

Growing up in Seattle, Garnett and his high school friends had quite the competitive fantasy league. 

“Once I started pickleball, though, I wasn’t following everything close enough so I was just getting my butt kicked. I had to graciously step aside and they replaced me in the league,” he explained. “If I did fantasy this year, I would have any Seahawk, but DK Metcalf is my guy. His athleticism is insane.”

Caden Nemoff – San Francisco 49ers

Nemoff was born and raised in San Francisco, so he’s a long-time fan and feeling optimistic about their campaign.

Fantasy football is also one of his favorite pastimes. 

“I do too much fantasy football. I’m in three leagues this year and one of them is a $500 buy-in league with a $3,000 winner. I have a pretty good team. I have Tyreek Hill and Dak Prescott. I stay away from drafting 49ers players, so I can just enjoy the game,” he shared. “I feel like anytime I draft a player, that player ends up not doing well or getting injured. I don’t want to risk that with the 49ers.”

Eric Roddy – Miami Dolphins

“I grew up in Miami and my dad played his junior league in their stadium, so I’ve always been a Dolphins fan because of that,” explained Roddy.

Roddy was also the former publisher and editor of the Dolphins Report for Scout Media, so he’s a big supporter of the squad.

Not only does he play fantasy football, but he won his league last season.  

“I was in six fantasy leagues last year and it was insane. This year, I dropped five and now I’m only in a dynasty league where you keep the same players and draft rookies every year,” mentioned Roddy. “I’ve got a good team with Josh Allen, De’Von Achane and Amon-Ra St. Brown. Definitely looking to repeat the win this year.” 

Alex Neumann – San Francisco 49ers 

Neumann is from the Bay area. Though he doesn't play fantasy football, he said that he’d definitely draft quarterback Brock Purdy.

And he has a unique strategy for building his club.

“I’d probably draft the most handsome guy on each team. Like Aaron Rodgers, he’s old, but he’s still a silver fox,” said Neumann. “And every backup quarterback in the league would be on my team because I want a good-looking team.” 

 Tyson McGuffin – Seattle Seahawks

“I grew up in central Washington so I’ve always been a Seahawks fan. They haven’t been great the last five years, so we’re hoping to turn the team around and get back on the right track,” he said.

McGuffin confessed that he doesn’t have time to manage a fantasy team, but he revealed his top picks. 

“I’d draft Aaron Rodgers as my quarterback, Ezekiel Elliott for running back, Tyler Lockett, and Travis Kelce for tight end,” he said.

Riley Newman – Seattle Seahawks

“I grew up in Whidbey Island, just outside Seattle, so I love the Seahawks,” said Newman. “I watch them every Sunday, and hopefully they have a big year.”

Newman loves fantasy football, and he had a fascinating draft experience this year.

“We had our draft when I was at the Las Vegas Pickleball Cup. I was in the sportsbook at Fontainebleau, which was really cool. I’ve never won fantasy football in my entire life, but I play it because it’s fun to do it with your buddies from high school. I got running back Saquon Barkley and Jared Goff is my quarterback,” he shared. “It’s nice to get away from pickleball and have some fun with other hobbies, and fantasy football is one of mine.” 

Now all that’s left to do is make a fantasy team for pro pickleball.

That would be a fun. I call dibs on Anna Leigh Waters.