| |
By Steve Cook
If the name John Morris doesn’t ring a bell, stick around.
Chances are it’s a name you’ll be hearing a lot more often
in the months to come. Morris, who says he grew up
in the “ghettos of Baltimore,” began his association with
the automotive industry as a teenager, when he took a
job washing cars for local dealerships. From there, he
moved into sales, sales management, and ultimately to a
position as general manager for one of Maryland’s largest
automobile dealerships. Morris then moved into the
advertising business, where his drive, ambition, and acumen
led to his own successful company, JME (John
Morris Enterprises). But it isn’t autos or advertising that
has brought the enterprising Morris to the attention of
many Richmonders, and, presumably to many more in the
months to come.
It’s his passion that has done that. Morris explains,
“I always wanted to give back. I wanted to help young,
talented athletes to fulfill their dreams.” Recognizing that
many, if not most, college football players don’t make
it to the NFL, Morris started a developmental team in
Tampa, Florida several years ago. “There were so many
great players who didn’t want to give up on their dreams
of making it into the NFL, or the CFL (Canadian Football
League).”
In helping others see their dreams fulfilled, Morris
has created something that he says goes way beyond
his wildest dreams. That developmental football team
ultimately led to Morris becoming co-owner of the
American Indoor Football Association, which with a
few variations, is virtually the same as Arena Football.
The AIFA, which currently has 14 teams, primarily in
the East as well as the Midwest, has recently completed
its 4th season. That still doesn’t explain Morris’ Richmond
connection. But, hold on, we’re almost there.
Morris, himself explains that connection. “Richmond
has had its struggles supporting minor league sports
franchises,” he says, “but it’s a great market.”
Did you hear that? He likes us. He really likes us. So
much so, that in 2010, the AIFA will feature a new team,
The Richmond Raiders. Besides being a “great market,”
Richmond is also, according to Morris, “smack in the middle
of our other teams (in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and
the Carolinas). We want to create rivalries, where fans
from one city are close enough to follow their team on
the road.” Because of the close proximity to several other
teams in the league, Morris says the Richmond Raiders
will benefit from an ability to keep their travel budget low.
“Most of our road games will be day trips.” Home games
will be played in the Richmond Coliseum.
While taking care not to criticize other local sports franchises,
Morris does emphasize that the Raiders will be a
family-oriented team. “The fans will be invited to come
down on the field following every game and meet the
players,” he says. “We’ll also have events during breaks in
the games that will have kids coming down on the field.
And, when balls go into the stands, the fans get to keep
them.”
But, Morris is taking a proactive approach to ensuring
the success of this latest incarnation of professional sports
in the River City. “Our players will be involved in the
community.”
And, apparently Morris really means that.
He continues, “A lot of teams say they want to get involved,
but with the Raiders, it will be mandatory that our
players visit the community... in the schools, the churches,
the YMCAs.”
And, there’s one more thing that Morris believes will
create a more loyal fan base... local players. “We’ll have
ten to twelve local players on the team,” he says. While
that’s somewhat a goal of all the teams in the league,
Morris says some franchises don’t offer a pool of talent
that allows for that. “Richmond is very fortunate,” he says.
“There are many talented players right here in this area.”
Will the Raiders break new ground? Will John Morris
be able to do something that isn’t often done around
these parts? Time will tell, but if past performance is
any indication, chances appear good that the Raiders will
make their mark. Many Richmonders will heartily agree
that we need it. With the Renegades shutting down operations,
and with even our beloved Braves having forsaken
us for a little upstart town near Atlanta, the consensus
is we need a professional sports team here. Thanks to
John Morris, that’s about to become a reality. And, as to
whether the Raiders are successful, common sense would
indicate that, in large part, that’s up to us. |
|
