FlagPlus Football Interview Series Part 1: Dom Benevento

In Part 1 of my FlagPlus Football interview series, I recently had a chance to catch up with eight-year FPF veteran, Two-Time champion, Buffalo Bills fan, and the self-proclaimed “World’s Greatest Snapper” Dom Benevento of the Moretti Crime Family. We touched on everything from football, to FPF to family, while having a lot of laughs in-between

Q: Your first season in FPF was back in 2016 with the n.w.o in Division 6. How did you get involved, and what first attracted you to the league?

A: “My sister’s friend (Pietro Mignacca) asked me if I wanted to play FPF. I didn’t know the league existed, but because I love football, I was down to play right away. It is hands down the greatest sport in the world. I was hooked immediately. There are so many great players in the league, and the competition is not only legit, but it keeps growing every year.”

Q: What do you bring to the field as a player and a teammate?

A: “I play with intensity, and I really enjoy the competition. I believe that those two things are infectious, and I try to spread them to my teammates. I’ve come to develop tons of great relationships with so many players in the league. I love to hang out before and after games. I am very competitive, and I want to win, but I also want to have fun along the way. Those two things are enough for me.”

Q: Speaking of fun, for the last several years, you have referred to yourself as “FPF’S Greatest Snapper.” How did you come up with that idea?

A: “Correction, I am the world’s greatest snapper” Says Benevento while laughing. “I came to this realization the first time I snapped the ball in FPF.” “My snaps are crisp and I can run every single route on the route tree. When I get the ball in my hands in the open field, I have the speed and shiftiness to put players on skates”

Q: You recently had your first child, how has fatherhood changed you?

A: “Fatherhood is indescribable. Seeing my daughter come into the world has been the single most amazing thing to ever happen to me. I can only wish that everyone has the chance to experience something this special. I realized how quickly I dropped to the bottom of the totem pole. My daughter is the boss of our house, and both my girlfriend and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Q: Speaking of younger ones, what advice would you give to new players coming into the league trying to establish themselves and their teams ?

A: Don’t get caught up in your stats. Always focus on winning and making your team better. Develop your squad down the middle. Quarterback, Snapper, Rusher, and Safety, and surround them with skilled and speedy players. That is how you win.

Q: You are turning 40 in a few months. What keeps you coming back, and have you had any thoughts about retiring?

A: “Age is just a number. Playing football keeps my body moving, and it reconnects me with my youth. I’ll consider calling it quits the day I become the slowest player on the field, which is never going to happen” He says with a laugh. “Until then, I will keep strapping on those flags.”

I hope you enjoyed the interview. Life is always better when you don’t take yourself too seriously. Clearly, Benevento has mastered that.

Next week, I talk to another FPF vet who is also a stand-up guy, as well as a friend to many in the league.