Goat Post: Issue 14

We had the great fortune of onboarding more than 100 kids in one afternoon this week at our first Goatnet Day for a New York-based amateur sports partner.

What used to be a typical team photo session at the Metropolitan Oval Academy instead was an activation in which AI and new media orchestration elevated the experience to powerful heights.

“You all are epic,” was the feedback we got.

I didn’t ask for elaboration. Take the W. Aspire to do even better with every rep.

All it took was two minutes with each player, plus vlogging assignments, simple backdrops and the studio on our phones.

This much I can tell you. We made a difference to those children, even if just subtle initially. On a day when their devices buzzed over unfiltered, horrific breaking news, there we were in Queens, at an oasis of soccer in the city.

We chaperoned their emotions for matters of seconds, but with responses that helped frame their camaraderie, the melting pots of their teams, their whys, their fun, memories, attributes and the work ahead.

Goatnet Day was about their journeys, about their roles in the supporting cast of a storied program, but also as authors of their stories in progress. We aren’t like the usual suspects in social media. We were there to empower, as the opponent of harm’s way.

As we reflect on how we’re advancing, it’s easier all the time to connect the dots from those aspiring to find and recognize their greatness to those who’ve excelled before — who have legacies of success.

And lessons that only time can teach.

Relatability is important. But so is recognition that every great story is unique.

Which brings us to a Goat who has done it all, one I wish we could hop into a time machine and meet 40 or more years ago.

Terrell Owens. We introduced ourselves to T.O. at a charity softball event hosted by DeVonta Smith of the Eagles last year.

T.O. looked great and was gracious. His story has Hall of Fame strength. His truth and heart are off the charts. Gathering the source work for his movie would make anybody impressed by both the depth and course of his life.

You might not know how much he loved his wide receivers coach at Benjamin Russell High School in Alexander City, Alabama. Gary Powell was his name, and newly enshrined T.O. made a beeline to his home to give a hug in his gold jacket and to thank him unforgettably.

This year, as Coach Powell was taking his final breaths in a battle with Parkinson’s, T.O. was on the phone with him, doing his best to send a beloved soul — a man who helped him believe in himself — to the other side with smile on his face.

You might not know T.O. had a Grandmama who raised him with faith and honestly fierce protective love. The latter quality was influenced by the unsolved disappearance of T.O.’s great grandmother in a traumatizing Deep South backdrop.

So, yeah, Hall of Fame voters weren’t exactly deep in their understanding of T.O. the person, and they didn’t exactly even glance at stats when they decided to make him wait more than two years for the call to Canton.

But that’s water under the bridge.

T.O. is an all-time great. Because of what he did on the field. Because of how he continues to give back. The nearest and dearest cause to him now is Alzheimer’s. That’s what took his Grandmama.

T.O., forever Tennessee-Chattanooga royalty, has an open brand of staying power. He’s at charity events. He’s helping Colorado Buffs wide receivers. He’s playing pickleball. He’s mowing down bowling pins. He can still hoop and swing a bat.

And he has top-tier opinions.

Kobe Bryant, for example, better be mentioned when any of you talk about the Goats of basketball.

And Andy Reid? It is Eagles-Chiefs week after all. Andy Reid wanted Terrell on his team in Philadelphia. The Eagles put together a deal to clean up a mess involving the 49ers and the Ravens.

So Andy, all these years later, is an Always Goat in T.O.’s book.

But as for this Sunday, it’s Fly Eagles Fly, as T.O. didn’t just play hurt (on one leg, tbh) to try to win that Super Bowl for them. He’ll never forget the way the blue collar fans from the City of Brotherly Love appreciated that.

@itsgoatnet

From the City of Brotherly Love to the GOAT debate, T.O. always speaks the truth. #TO #philadelphiaeagles #kobe #flyeaglesfly

But we won’t close out without some serious Kansas City style in the house.

Just like we onboarded all those soccer players this week, we previously captured the backstory of one of the sharpest cats in KC.

His name is DeJuan Bonds. DeJuan has a barber shop in the Kansas suburb of Overland Park. He grew up playing baseball but knew his future wasn’t on a field or bench.

It was behind a chair. And two of the people who’ve trusted him behind that chair are Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.

Now, DeJuan doesn’t take credit for Kelce catching Taylor Swift’s eyes. That’s because Travis switched stylists. No hard feelings. It happens.

But Patrick? Those two have been in sync for every Super Bowl ring and every TV spot.

DeJuan’s authenticity is magnetic. We’re grateful to know him and think his Purple Label Barber Shop crushes like Q39 BBQ.

@itsgoatnet

Meet the man with the steady hands — keeping your favorite athletes right for game day. ✂️🏆 #mahomes #traviskelce #taylorswift #chiefs

Odds are, somebody will get flagged for clipping this weekend. But it won’t be DeJuan. At least we hope not.

Goat Big!