Former Super Bowl MVP Brad Johnson trades the gridiron for the arcade, chasing national glory at the Pop-A-Shot National Championship. Can he conquer this new challenge?
From Super Bowl MVP to Pop-A-Shot contender? Brad Johnson is making headlines, trading touchdowns for two-pointers (and sometimes three!) at the Pop-A-Shot National Championship. It's a wild ride from the NFL to the arcade, and Johnson's all in!
Gridiron Great Goes Arcade Ace
Brad Johnson, the quarterback who led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to Super Bowl XXXVII victory, is now setting his sights on a different kind of national glory: the Pop-A-Shot National Championship. After stumbling upon a broadcast of the competition last year, Johnson's passion for the arcade game was reignited, leading him to dedicate himself to mastering the art of rapid-fire basketball shooting.
Training Like a Pro (Again)
At 56, Johnson is the oldest competitor in the field, but he's not letting age slow him down. Since January, he's been practicing relentlessly, sinking up to 1,700 shots a day. He even qualified for the tournament after an 11 hour drive to St. Louis! This dedication echoes his commitment to football, showcasing the same competitive spirit that propelled him to Super Bowl stardom.
A Tribe of Shot-Poppers
Johnson has joined a dedicated community of Pop-A-Shot enthusiasts. Competitors train rigorously and view the championship with utmost seriousness. As Jarrod Shappell puts it, it's a subculture akin to K-Pop in its zealous devotion, but filled with joy.
From NFL to NBA... to Arcade?
Even NBA players are getting involved! Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski even practiced against Pop-A-Shot National Championship qualifier Jarrod Shappell. Turns out arcade skills don't always translate to the court. Shappell drubbed him in practice rounds, proving that Pop-A-Shot prowess requires a unique set of skills.
The Legacy of Pop-A-Shot
Invented in 1981 by college coach Ken Cochran, Pop-A-Shot has evolved from a simple amusement for sports camps to a fiercely competitive national phenomenon. Tony Stucker, who bought the company in 2016, revived the national championship after a 25-year hiatus and expanded the game's reach through online marketing and licensing deals. NBA stars like D'Angelo Russell and Devin Booker even have the home version!
So, Can He Win?
Johnson faces tough competition from seasoned Pop-A-Shot players. Despite his Super Bowl pedigree, he acknowledges that he's an underdog in this arena. But with his unwavering dedication and competitive drive, don't count him out! After all, who would've thought we'd see a Super Bowl champ vying for arcade glory? It's a fun event, and with Johnson's love for competition, this should be one epic event!
You gotta love a guy who goes from leading a Super Bowl team to chasing points in Pop-A-Shot. Talk about a second act! Whether he wins or loses, Brad Johnson's bringing some serious star power (and maybe a few trick shots) to the Pop-A-Shot National Championship. Now that's what I call a Hail Mary... or should I say, a Hail Basket!
