- May 3, 2024
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The Flagler Knights semiprofessional football program recently ceased operations. Having watched several games, I now know why men play in that league.
I first heard of semipro football 12 years ago when my older cousin played in Tampa. For some time I’ve often wondered why these men — some well past their prime — would risk serious injuries to play in near-vacant stadiums — for free. There seemed to be very little rewards but many extreme risks.
Then, Flagler Knights owner Charlie Washington became a head coach in an upper-level league, and a few of his Knights joined him. But, in spite of those passable come-ups, I still had my reservations. After, however, I read Jeff Harvell’s recent Facebook post about his Knights’ experience, I no longer question semi-professionals’ purposes.
Harvell’s post included this statement: “For most of my adult life, I let a fear of failure stop me from straying too far from my comfort zone. I had talked about putting the pads back on for over a decade, but I intentionally set unattainable conditions to justify not doing it. I went so far as to try out 10 years ago to a similar league in Jacksonville, only to talk myself out of it afterwards.”
Harvell eventually joined the Knights this past season at 34 years old, becoming the oldest player on the team.
He unfortunately broke his hand in the first game of the season and was sidelined. Reluctant to quit, Harvell waited patiently for two months and played in the season finale, helping Flagler clinch its division with a win. He said that if he could wait 17 years to play again, he could wait two months to recover.
Harvell and the Knights loss in the second round of the playoffs Saturday, April 29, but he had accomplished one of his life goals in the process.
“By getting out of my comfort zone and doing something difficult,” Harvell said, “I have found happiness and fulfillment I wouldn't have known existed, had I not taken that chance.”
For Harvell, it wasn’t about trying to make it to the NFL, make a lot of money or see thousands in the stands. Harvell wanted to play football again — and he did.
When he walked off the field for the last time, after a 17-year gap, Harvell walked off with no regrets and into the arms of a wife and daughter who were proud to have seen their man step out of his comfort zone and fulfill his dream.
