FlagPlus Football Interview Series Part 7: Jeff Rosenblatt

In part seven of the FlagPlus Football interview series, I caught up with Quarterback and seven-time All-Star Jeff Rosenblatt. The QB will be leading his team The Jamesons, into battle against the Allstars tonight for the Division A championship. Jeff and I talked about football, legacy, family, playing QB, and what he thinks it will take for his team to walk away with the top prize in FPF.

Q: You are one of a few Division 1/A Quarterbacks that didn’t play tackle football growing up. If you go could go back in time, would you have played tackle too?

A: “Football was always my favorite sport to watch. I would’ve loved to have tried to learn the mechanics of how to throw the ball properly. It would have been a cool experience learning football properly instead of figuring it out for yourself.”

Q: You started in FPF at the age of 34. How did you get involved in the league?

A: “A few friends of mine asked me to sub, so I came out and I instantly liked it. We eventually started our own team called the Legends with Cory Pecker Ryan Lelinowsy, and Dave Chitayat.”

Q: How did you decide to play Quarterback?

“I started out as a Snapper. We had a game where we needed a replacement at QB so I filled in. My first time was horrible as expected, but it got better with more reps and by both asking questions to and watching veteran guys play. Seeing what they did, and learning from it was crucial to my development as a player and Quarterback.” 

Q: Since you didn’t play football growing up, what sports did you play?

A: “I played tennis for McGill. I was a serious tennis player when I was younger, but I ended up getting burnt out because I played so much as a kid. Right now, I play softball, basketball, and golf. I like to stay active. Sports are still a big part of my life.”

Q: Away from the football field, what do you like to do?

A: “Spending time with the family. I am a married father of two daughters. They are huge into competitive hip-hop dance, so I love spending time with my family and watching them compete.”

Q: You have two daughters ages 9 and 10. How has fatherhood changed you, and how have they helped you on the field?

“It was a change for the better Having kids made me less selfish. Your perspective on life changes. You realize things aren’t all about you, they’re about your kids. We are a close family that spends a lot of time together. Making sure the kids are happy and healthy is what matters most to my wife and I.” On and off the field, they have both taught me how to be patient.”

Q: You have played in FPF for a decade this year. Which team do you enjoy playing against the most?

“I would have to say it is KGP.  They are the team that I have the most history with. When I played for them, we worked our way up from lower divisions all the way to Division. 1. Every time we play them, it is always a great game. That team is a key example of how important chemistry is. If you look at them, they are not the most physically imposing team, but they give all the best teams a tough time because of the chemistry and timing that they have.”

Q” You have been playing for a decade in FPF and have been a part of some stellar offenses both as a Snapper and Quarterback. What in your opinion are the keys to having a good team, and being a great flag football QB?

A: “Having amazing athletes around you helps, but I find that if you have guys that you connect with on and of the field, that can lead to more success than just having the best players. Chemistry is something that goes a long way. It’s a huge thing. Being a QB in flag opposed to tackle you don’t necessarily need to have a huge cannon for an arm. I always say the three most important things you need to succeed at the position is play calling, accuracy, and an ability to read the defense.”

Q: You and The Jamesons take on the Allstars for the Division A title Monday night. You guys were the only team to beat them in the regular season (Week 2). What will be the key to beating them this time with all the chips on the line?

“They were not a full roster last time. Pat Jérome wasn’t there. Kevin to Pat is the best Quarterback to Receiver combo in the history of FPF. Kevin is a buddy of mine. I know he will be looking for revenge. For us to get the win, we need to do what we have been doing all year, play our game and don’t be intimidated by going against the best, because Kevin is the best to ever do it.”

Q: Beating Kevin for a championship is not something many other Quarterbacks can claim. If you’re able to pull it off, where do you think that will place you among the all-time greats in FPF?

A: “I am not near the lists of greats that have played in FPF. I am not there yet but I hope to get there. I have only been in the top division for like a year or so, so this is new to me. Hopefully if my arm stays healthy and when I am done playing people will talk about me like they do with those guys.”

Q: Who on your team do you want to win a championship most for?

“It would have to be Anthony Brisebois. He was the first stud that I ever played with, and he has been with me the longest. Winning a championship with him would be very special.”

Q: You won a championship back in 2010 with KGP as a Snapper. How important is it for you to win one as a Quarterback, and what do you think it would mean to your legacy?

“Individual awards mean nothing to me. Winning a championship is huge, it is why we play. It is something that we are all trying to do for each other. At the same time, getting yourself in the company as the best to ever do it is important to me.”

Q: Most players stick to one jersey number. You alternate between the number 8 and 10. Why two different numbers and what significance do they hold?

“Number 8 is my younger daughter’s birthday 10, and number 10 is my nephew’s birthday. I like to rep for both of them.” 

Q: Out of all the players who you have faced over the years, is there a Rusher that you hate going against?

A: “I have three of them. Isiah Allard, Matt Kirouac, and Francois Hogue. Those guys have given me the most trouble.”

Q: You go up against Kirouac on Monday. What is your game plan going against the Hall-of-Famer?

A: “With Matt, you always need to watch what he’s doing. He doesn’t just rush. He is quick and smart enough to slide into coverage mid rush on your Snapper, and he will try to bat the ball down or pick it off.  Against him you must be aware of the angle you’re throwing the ball at and make sure to keep it away from him.”

Q: Regardless of what happens Monday night, how much longer do you see yourself playing and what is left for you to accomplish?

“I am going to play until my arm falls off. I am a pocket passer, so I don’t have to move that much. I look at guys like Carm Pollice and Lonnie Johnson, they are playing into their mid-50’s. I would like to do that. When I look at the big picture, keeping the core together and winning championships with them, that’s all I have left to do.”

Q: You had a chance to be playing for two championships on Monday, but your Division B team lost to Blessed in heartbreaking fashion in the Semi-Finals last Sunday. What did you learn from that game, and how do you make sure that doesn’t happen against the Allstars?

A: “You can’t ever take your foot off the gas. We had a two-score lead and we got comfortable. Comebacks happen quick, and it shows that anything can happen in an FPF game. We needed to stay sharp and focused on every play, and we didn’t.”

Q: What in your opinion makes FPF so unique?

A: “The League is amazingly run. From the stats to the media, podcast, and now with the road show, everything is so well done. Just as important, everyone that works for FPF is passionate and they care about the league. A lot of the players care about the league as well, so there is a real passion for the league that has allowed it to become so popular and keep growing.” 

Rapid Fire (10 words or less)

-Who were your favorite Quarterbacks to watch: Ben Roethlisberger and Peyton Manning 

-Who are the GOATs of FPF: Kevin Wyeth and Pat Jérome

-Defensive player in the league: Quaysie Gordon-Maule

-Best up and coming player in FPF: James Drysdale

-Will you ever play in Co-Ed: When my daughters become of age.

-Favorite FPF referee: Leo Gervais He’s a real OG and a good ref.

-Which QB do you love playing against the most:  Kevin Wyeth. You always want to beat the best.

-Which QB do you like playing against the least: Stephen Harripersaud. I think I am 1 and 20 against him.

-What do you do for work: Pharmaceutical family consulting business with my dad and sister.

-Who is one player you haven’t played with that you would love to: I have two. Pat Jérome and Phil Pharand.

-Where do you see yourself in the next five years: Adding a few more championships.