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Charlotte, North Carolina
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Let’s begin by stating that what these individuals are doing is
very commendable as public safety officers and also using their
off time to train and compete on the Gridiron. The Charlotte
Cobras are a non-profit organization composed of police officers, firefighters, medic personnel and
volunteers whom compete in full contract football each year. They are a part of the National Public Safety
League. These athletes’ playing experience ranges from none at all prior to joining the Cobras up to
former NFL players.
Some of the Charlotte Cobras players sat down with Sports Passion’s spokesperson Felicia Mitchell, to
discuss the correlation between training, staying fit, and sacrificing themselves for the sake of their
passion for the game of football and charity.
It was clear from the start of our meeting that these guys have a very competitive spirit, just enough to
keep each other on their toes, but it was also clear that enlarged egos are not a factor with this team.
One question that I asked each of the guys was what’s behind the name of their team, why the name,
Cobras? Ronald Smith, defensive tackle, was the first to state, when you see a Cobra what is the first
reaction? The Cobra mascot is a great representation for the team because it strikes fear, its cunning,
overall venomous creature.
Training Comes Easy
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On the football field the Cobras want to be known for their toughness, competitiveness, and heart but
under those pads they are some pretty cool guys.
One by one, I went through and asked them about how they train and remain in football form throughout
the year. It’s apparent that some sort of training and exercise regimen is needed as part of their jobs as
police officers, firemen, and medics but the guys noted that they train hard during the offseason to prove
that there isn’t a need to get in shape when the season comes around because their goal is to continually
train and stay in shape all year long.
Reggie Blackmon, wide receiver and running back, is a huge fan of plyometrics, strength training,
core and ab exercise routines. He commits to doing some form of training each day. Blackmon played for
North Carolina Tar Heels and also had a stint in the semi-pro league. Therefore, he knows the importance
of being active and staying fit.
Aaron Webb, tight-end, also spoke of the importance of staying active and breaking a sweat every day.
Not only does he play football for the Cobras, he is also a baseball player for the Charlotte Fire
Department. For him, training and playing sports is a relief mechanism when he is not fighting fires.
I was impressed with Cobra’s wide receiver, JD Williams. He is one of the oldest guys on the team, but
you could never tell by looking at him or by the way he was so active during the time I observed him. He
trains 4-5 days a week. Williams’ conditioning consists of hill sprints, wind sprints, power lifts, flipping
tractor tires, boxing routines, among other strength training routines.
Sports Passion Magazine | 18
www.sportspassion.net