Pure Passion – Marirose Roach

Added by Gregg Snyder on August 10, 2011.

The following is a guest post written by Jen Heasley. Jen is the host of Cooking With The Pros, a very fun and interesting new cooking show. Jen recently sat down with some key members of the Philadelphia Passion football team…

On Sunday afternoon at the Fox and Hound sports bar in Philadelphia, I sat down with Chandler Brown, Marirose Roach, and Ronald J. Rick of the Philadelphia Passion. The Passion is a part of the LFL as Chandler calls it, but the acronym stands for Lingerie Football League. Chandler is the head coach, Marirose is the star running back, and Ronald is an assistant coach for the Passion.  Also, I now have a passion for the best drink ever…The Chocolate Cover Pretzel compliments of the bartender at the Fox and Hound. Outstanding!

Chandler Brown, Jen Heasley, and Marirose Roach at the Fox and Hound

Great sports bar in Philadelphia! Check it out

http://www.foxandhound.com/locations/philly.aspx

A few weeks ago, I came across the LFL on youtube.  After watching a clip, I was shocked by the level of intensity and competition. Even though the attire may be revealing (well very revealing),  I found these woman to be about the game of football. During my interview, Chandler and Marirose made it very clear that their involvement with the LFL is based on a love and passion for the sport. In Mariroses’ words, “The outfit is a non-factor.” “I just want to play football.” I have to tell you I like how this woman thinks!

Jen Heasley and Marirose Roach Philadelphia Passion #6

Great interview! Delightful woman who is dedicated to her sport!

Check out Marirose shake and bake on the field! She is a beast!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvEeZ_kBZz8

Upon seeing the video clip of the Passion, I expressed to Chandler that I wanted to meet Marirose. She is so explosive on the field and a dominating force for the Passion. As a player Marirose is aggressive and physical, but off the field she is a soft spoken, modest, young woman. Chandler frequently said throughout the interview that Marirose is the best player in the league, but she humbly waved off his comments. After my conversation with Marirose, I may have to side with Chandler.

Marirose has been playing sports since the age of 5. She started with Soccer in Wichita, Kansas. At the age of seven Marirose’s family moved to Connecticut and there she started playing football in the pee wee league. She played football until high school when she had to back to playing soccer along with basketball and track. As a stand out athlete, Marirose played soccer and ran track for University of Temple. There she earned her bachelors degree as well as her law degree. Not too shabby considering she played two sports in undergrad. Marirose currently has her own law firm, however she looks to move into sports management in the future. Basically, she works non-stop.

Chandler and Marirose expressed how intense the try outs were. The process is similar to that of an NFL combine. Skills and drills become more challenging and the numbers are reduced. Roughly 200 women start off and they end up with 20. Steep odds for any sport, but that is what pushes all athletes to bring their A game.  Clearly, Marirose Roach is pushing herself to be the best. My plan is to attend next year’s combine to show these young ladies how the game is played. Actually, I think I’ll stick with my Gold’s Gym membership.

Balancing a life of a full-time job with a very demanding part-time job, must be difficult.  Several of the women are also mothers. It is very apparent that these individuals are dedicated to this game and being successful at it. The LFL runs from August to February just as the NFL. At this point there are 12 teams and they play four games, however they have a tight practice schedule with many other commitments.  This sport is not easy on their bodies, but they are absolutely playing as hard as the guys. Honestly, I am a bit disappointed that there were no arena football leagues for women 20 years ago. I could have been a Jack Lambert-Ray Lewis all in one.

I hope this shed some light on the LFL.  For the women in this league it is about the sport and not the attire. In my next blog, Chandler will discuss his perspective as a coach in the LFL. No worries I didn’t forget about the food. I will share their favorite recipes along with the places they enjoy in the city of Philadelphia!! Don’t forget to give the Chocolate Covered Pretzel a try. Delicious!!

The Chocolate Covered Pretzel

- Whipped Cream Vodka

- Frangelico

- Salt to rim glass

- Shot Glasses

In a shake filled with ice, add 1/2 shot of  Whipped Cream Vodka,

1/2 shot of Frangelico and chill. Rim a separate shot glass with salt. Using strainer,

pure the drink into the shot glass.

Thanks for joining me. Look for part two of Pure Passion and remember…….Who Do You Want In Your Kitchen On Game Day?

 You can also read all of Jen Heasley’s writing on her Cooking With The Pros blog.