National Football Foundation in Central Florida

April 28, 2009

While covering a recent NATS combine event in Tampa, Florida, this writer had the opportunity of speaking at length with junior-varsity coach from Liberty High School in Kissimmee, Florida, Paul Knight. A man who at any given time serves in a wide variety of roles, Knight remains committed to the academic and athletic well being of countless student-athletes in the Central Florida area by not only volunteering time as a testing facilitator for NATS, but also delivering curriculum from the NFL's HSPD (High School Player Development) and JPD (Junior Player Development) programs and serving as a member of the National Football Foundation / College Hall of Fame. As it relates to the latter, Knight sat down and spoke with this writer last week about recent moves on his part to establish a new chapter of the NFF in Central Florida, in order to, as he states, "become a vital part of [a] crusade for amateur football" threatened by "political and economic forces [that] have forced football programs at our high schools and our alma maters to cut back or even completely eliminate football from their athletic programs."

The following is an excerpt of that conversation, and highlights Knight's motivations and goals in launching NFF Chapter #245 in the heart of the Central Florida area.

NATS: How did you first learn about the National Football Foundation / College Hall of Fame, Inc.?

Knight: A coach told me about the web-site few years ago.

NATS: What intrigued you about the National Football Foundation / College Hall of Fame, Inc?

Knight: The Foundation not only honors great players and coaches, but also inspires our nation's youth to compete on the athletic field and in the classroom. And to assume leadership roles on the high school and college campuses today.

NATS: How long have you been a member?

Knight: Since the beginning of this year.

NATS: What experiences led you to become more involved and, eventually, head of the NFF Central Florida Chapter #245?

Knight: For starters, I was the Executive Director/ Youth Football Coach for Minority Education & Sports Advancement in New York City for many years. The mission was to offer educational guidance and sports training to disadvantaged youth between the ages of 5-17 in the local community. I was also the President, Commissioner, Football Coordinator and Coach for the KYFL youth program in Kissimmee FL., and now am a J.V. Head Football Coach at Liberty High School in Kissimmee, as well as a Site Manager for the JPD/NFL (Junior Player Development) and HSPD/NFL (High School Player Development) programs.

It is time to take it a step further for the youth and high school student-athletes in Central Florida. It is an honor to be the President for the Chapter.

NATS: What are your responsibilities as President of the NFF Central Florida Chapter #245?

Knight: First and foremost, to promote the game of football at every level. Second, I act as the catalyst for delivering scholarships to deserving student-athletes. I also serve as the main support and promoter of NFF outreach programs that target parents, coaches, administrators and student-athletes. As well, I am charged with organizing banquets and luncheons for active chapter members, while also running various college night and mentoring programs.

NATS: What visions do you have for the future of the NFF Central Florida Chapter #245?

Knight: Having a successful chapter with 1,000 members or more, as well as work to carry on the tradition and leadership of the NFF, established in 1947.

NATS: What is the rewarding aspect of being involved in an NFF Chapter?

Knight: Being a part of an organization with 120 chapters and over 12,000 members nationwide.

NATS: What are some of the ways that you and your chapter intends to reach out to the local community in Central Florida?

Knight: I personally plan on continuing to volunteer my time with the C.F.F.A. (Central Florida Athletic Association) youth organization, while the chapter will work to provide JPD/NFL camps and HSPD/NFL Character Development/Life Skills sessions during the upcoming summer.

NATS: What makes your chapter different from other chapters in the state of Florida – say like those located in Tampa, Fort Laudersdale, and Miami?

Knight: I do not like to compare for the simple reason that each chapter has its own style of doing things, though working for the same goal. The chapter, in working toward the purposes of the NFF, serves not only the youth, but the nation as well, helping to mold Young Americans to be sound in heart, mind and body.

NATS: What resources are you looking for in order to publicize what you are doing?

Knight: All resources I possible can get my hands on. It is so important that we get the word out [about the NFF] to all student-athletes in the Central Florida area.

NATS: Why should individuals consider joining the NFF / Central Florida Chapter #245?

Knight: Being a member, you automatically become a vital part of a crusade for amateur football. Contributions from membership dues go directly toward providing scholarships to deserving students-athletes who play football. Political and economic forces have forced football programs at our high schools and/or our alma maters to cutback or even completely eliminate their football programs. Amateur football needs a mobilized and energized force committed to ensuring that all young athletes have the chance to learn about teamwork, sportsmanship, competition, victory, defeat, passion and dedication by playing football and remaining in school.

NATS: Is there anyone in the Foundation/College Hall of Fame that serves/served as an inspiration for you?

Knight: Art Demmas, Ron Dilatush, NFF Director of Membership, Ronnie Lott, Archie Griffin, Archie Manning, and Gene Washington.

This writer would like to thank Coach Knight for taking the time to share with us his hopes and vision for what is now a fledgling, but growing, chapter of the National Football Foundation right in the heart of the state of Florida.

To learn more about NFF Central Florida Chapter #245,or to become a member, visit its website at www.centralfloridanff.wordpress.com, or visit the NFF main webpage at www.footballfoundation.com.