Sports, more specifically sports teams, have long been a communal and social force in people’s lives. Such collective interest and passion provides common ground for friends, family, acquaintances, even strangers. These bonds often spawn city-wide and nation-wide alliances.
In addition to this offering of camaraderie, many athletes also excel at giving back to the communities that cheer them on throughout the seasons. Las Vegas is home to several such personalities whose efforts bring individuals together for a good cause and benefit the Southern Nevada community.
The men featured here exemplify a charming combination of athletic brawn, entrepreneurial mind and generous heart – proving that their interests and talents extend beyond the playing field. And as Luxury discovered, in addition to their charitable efforts and mutual love of pigskin, these men also share a penchant for the underdog.
GREY RUEGAMER – MOST VALUABLE READER
Born and raised in Las Vegas, Ruegamer’s first experience with football was short-lived. After just one year playing in the Pop Warner league of Las Vegas, Ruegamer was told he was too physically mature to continue playing in the league. It was during his time at Bishop Gorman High School that Ruegamer picked up the game again, and from there went on to play football for Arizona State University on a full athletic scholarship.
Ruegamer is currently in his tenth year in the NFL having played for the Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, Green Bay Packers, and most recently as a lineman for the New York Giants.
When Ruegamer is not on the playing field he is working on his namesake project, Ruegy’s Reader, which is a program partner of The Public Education Foundation’s literacy initiative, Clark County READS to Las Vegas. The program donates books to school libraries in the hopes of emphasizing the significance of reading as a lifelong skill.
This year, on NFL Draft Day, Ruegamer hosted the third annual “Bowling for Books” fundraiser which raised $90,000, with the proceeds going to Las Vegas elementary schools to help update their library selection. Each of the lucky three 2009-10 recipient schools will receive $5,000 for their school libraries and a visit from Ruegamer who will host school-wide assemblies. And, as the athlete reveals, the real fun starts when the kids get the opportunity to interact with the 6-foot-4, 300-pound offensive lineman.
What was your experience growing up in Las Vegas?
There is so much in Las Vegas that is of no relation to the Strip. There is a lot of family and history here – down-home places and down-home people. Vegas is fun if you know the right people.
Where did you get the inspiration for Ruegy’s Readers?
Clark County just grew so fast, so quickly, that there is not always enough funds available. I have been very fortunate in my life and wanted to give something back.
Why is education such an important cause for you?
Personally I had a tough time in school early on. I wanted to tell kids that it’s okay to not be good at something, you just have to work hard and try hard. You don’t have to be good at everything you do. I wasn’t a great football player to start with either, but I worked hard at it.
How has the organization grown since it began?
The event has grown every year. We started out with 20 bowling lanes, this year we had 50 lanes sponsored.
What is your favorite part of Ruegy’s Readers?
Going to the schools and hanging out with the kids. Kids are always very genuine – if they are happy or excited or ticked off you know right away. It’s fun to go to the schools and show them Super Bowl rings and watch their eyes light up. Talk to them about football and education, and correlating the two. To send the message that education is important no matter what you do.
How do the students react to your school visits?
It’s fun getting in front of the kids and letting them ask questions: ‘What’s your favorite food? Are you married? Have you ever been hit really hard? Who’s your favorite player?’ It’s all football and personal questions.
How does it feel knowing all these schools are rooting for you on game day?
It’s great. We send jerseys to the schools for kids to identify with the team and I receive letters from the kids saying that they watched the games. It’s cool to know kids are out there paying attention.
What keeps you playing football?
The team aspect is what I enjoy about it – the camaraderie, team effort, having to coordinate lots of things.
What is your favorite sports moment?
Americans love the underdog and both times we won the Super Bowl (Ruegamer played for the New England Patriots when they won in 2001 and the New York Giants in 2008) we were the underdog team. That feeling of being on the top, and when you are on the top and you look back at the journey and all the hard work it took to get there, it is a very humbling experience.
What is your favorite football memory?
For me personally the ’96 Rose Bowl I always remember as being a big deal because my grandpa, as well as my grandma, came to Pasadena to see me play. My grandpa had watched his son, my uncle, play in two Rose Bowls and now was coming to see his grandson play. Just knowing how proud my family was of my accomplishments and being able to see it on their faces is a great memory.
What sports teams do you root for these days?
I like to watch teams that work well together – that are teams. I’m partial to the Boston teams because my first NBA experience was the Celtics, first baseball game was the Red Sox, and first hockey game was the Bruins. Also, the underdogs always appeal to me – the ones who can go out there and prove people wrong.
NAPOLEON MCCALLUM – MOST RESILIENT PLAYER
Anyone watching the Los Angeles Raiders’ opening game of the 1994 season remembers when Ken Norton Jr., then linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers, tackled McCallum to the ground. In the ensuing pileup the athlete’s cleat stuck in the ground, forcing his left knee into a complete hyperextension, tearing three ligaments, ripping his calf and hamstring muscles from the bone, and incurring nerve and artery damage.
Despite a harrowing prognosis from doctors, McCallum endured numerous surgeries, knee reconstructions and painful rehabilitation and ultimately recovered his mobility, though not to the extent that he could pursue football again.
While perhaps most remembered for his career ending injury, the resilient McCallum is leaving a different legacy in Las Vegas. The former Raider, who lives here with his wife, Yvonne, and their four daughters, has held the title of Director of Community Development at The Venetian for the past three years and now spends his time off the field and serving the community.
What brought you to Las Vegas?
Fourteen years ago my wife and I came here on vacation and drove off the Strip one day and into Henderson. We had been looking to move and had heard about lots of people moving here. There was everything here we were looking for across the country.
What do you enjoy about living here?
I enjoy the opportunity. I live in Henderson so it is nice and quiet, but if I want excitement the Strip is close by. Anything you need is close by – I have three Home Depots near to me. I’ve got a lot of great friends here, people who also moved here and are looking for friends to be their family away from home.
How did you come to work in the area of community development?
After I sold my graphics company (Digital Pro Graphics) and was looking for something to do that involved charities and organizations that help youth, I was recommended to The Venetian by the president of the Urban Chamber of Commerce.
In the context of your work, how do you interact with the community?
As the most recognizable face of The Venetian Foundation, we work with a lot of charities in the area and help to promote diversity. All of the causes are close to my heart. My passion is to help people and help them achieve success.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I like learning. Learning about all the new programs out there and how society works together as well as sharing information, building partners, and pooling resources together.
Outside of your job, are there other ways you support the community?
If I didn’t have this job, I would be doing it anyway, but not on as grand a scale. I work with an organization called Athletes Helping Kids. I use some of my vacation time to perform at camps for kids of military families. They put on sports camps for these kids all across the country, and we teach them about football and talk about what you need to succeed in life.
Do you ever miss playing football?
Yes, but I don’t miss getting hit.
When did you begin playing football?
There was always a dream to play professional football. But I started off looking like Urkel from “Family Matters.” I was told I was too small to play so I started off as a water boy and gradually moved from there. I just had that passion and wanted to catch and run the ball. You drive yourself to get better and better.
Did the injury have an impact on your perspective on life?
No, for me always the most important thing is to get an education so that you have choices. When that injury happened it was time to do what I had been talking about. I got a great education at the Naval Academy and learned I can do anything. You can do anything you want to do.
I understand you are an avid golfer now. What do you enjoy about the sport?
I love to play the game. I had to learn that the intensity of golf is different than football. At the beginning I was throwing clubs in the water and breaking them. It’s not just a matter of the harder you hit something the better – like in football. In golf it is the technique, finesse and touch. It is a humbling game.
What is your favorite sports memory?
I have two moments from football. One was playing in my last Army vs. Navy game and being carried off the field. And with the Raiders, it was a play-off game. It was a short-yardage to the goal line situation, the QB had enough confidence in me to go to the coach and said ‘Give it to Nap, he can get the touchdown’, and I did.
What sports teams do you root for these days?
I still root for the Raiders. This year I was also rooting for the Cardinals. I always like the underdog.
RUSSELL JOYNER – MOST VALUABLE LEADER
Joyner’s love for football took root in high school, which led to a scholarship to Boston College where Joyner honed his leadership skills earning a degree in business and serving as football captain. Post-college he went on to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Indianapolis Colts. After his foray into professional football, a college buddy convinced Joyner to move to California where he chanced into the world of shopping center management. Not a career Joyner ever envisioned for himself but one he quickly discovered perfectly suited his personality, energy, competitive spirit and what he refers to as his “gift for gab.”
Joyner has resided in Las Vegas since 2004 with his wife, Brenda, and daughter, Martina and serves as the Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, and is also a member of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce where he continues his work as an active member and contributor to the community.
What brought you to Las Vegas?
I was in the shopping center business for 17 years prior to Las Vegas. I relocated here to manage the Fashion Show mall. Prior to that I had opened and managed the Hollywood & Highland Retail and Entertainment Complex in LA – which owing to the Kodak Theatre hosts events such as the Oscars. The red carpet experience was definitely my crowning moment.
What do you enjoy about living here?
I like to term it as ‘LA-light’, in the sense that Las Vegas has all the big time attractions and appeal, but without the population overload of Southern California. There’s all the amenities, lifestyle, entertainment you want. Vegas has a small-town charm but big city appeal.
How did you start playing football?
My first football experience was high school in New York City. It was always something I wanted to do but my mom was weary for fear that I would get hurt – she almost refused to let me play. I promised her that one day I would do something with it and make her proud. Then I got a college scholarship to Boston College – a full college education was a payoff in and of itself.
Describe your experience in pro football?
I had a brief stint with both the (Pittsburgh) Steelers and the (Indianapolis) Colts. I got my feet wet, earned a little money, had the chance to rub elbows with those I had looked up to, or sometimes rooted against, as a kid. I played long enough to have experienced it and short enough not to have to limp when it rains.
What did you enjoy most about football?
Aside from the wear and tear you go through, it was fun. It was a childhood dream of mine to participate at that level and in front of crowds. It was all very surreal. It wasn’t just the playing though but everything that revolved around it, the residual benefits, that were the real benefits like learning strategic thinking and how to go about achieving your goals.
How was the transition from the playing field to the boardroom?
My credentials as a student athlete helped get me into doors but it was about how you handled yourself from there on. I had to adapt to life after football. After I was released from the Colts, a college buddy convinced me to relocate to California and I stumbled into the world of shopping center management.
In what ways does your job allow you to interact with the community?
There are multiple applications. First and foremost are the jobs that are created by the shopping center. We spend a lot of time and energy in charitable work as well, contributing to organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and Boys & Girls Club. We also take a monthly collection of applications from the community, pick one, and then donate buckets of coins from the hotel fountains to their cause. When Hurricane Katrina occurred, the entertainment venues took up collections and provided tens of thousands of dollars for Habitat for Humanity.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I like working with people – you can learn from everyone. I never take for granted the ability to come away with impressions and insights from anyone, it makes it interesting.
What is your favorite sports moment?
There’s nothing like the chill of a high-intensity result moment. I have to hearken back to my college days and Doug Flutie’s ‘Hail Mary’ pass to Gerard Phelan when Boston College beat Miami. It is one of most popular plays in college history that has taken on a life of its own. It happened one year after I graduated, but I was football captain to all those guys and still consider them my boys.
What sports teams do you root for these days?
I am a New York fan but having lived so many places I have developed a ‘When in Rome’ attitude. My New York teams are near and dear but having spent so much time in LA I have become a Lakers fan as well. It’s important for local teams to do well because it’s good for the economy. The rest of the time I like to look for an underdog to rally around.
