If you’re convinced there’s no school like the “old school,” then you’d be hard pressed to kick it more old school than a kickball game. But when that kickball game goes tournament style, the players are pros, and their ringleader gets paid to toss balls for a living… well, the stakes get a whole lot higher.
In all fairness, it’s a charity tournament, and the money on the line goes to support The Cam Newton Foundation. Yes, Panthers’ players and other local athletes and celebs are on the rosters. And yes, some are just happy to be there— and to savor the opportunity to play any sport alongside these guys. With all that, it’s no wonder the Kicking it with Cam kickball tournament is such a blast, nor is it any surprise so many brands and fans don’t hesitate to jump in with their support.
“It’s a partnership that makes sense,” said Todd Dack, from Uncharted Creative. His company fields a team every year, and helps the Cam Newton Foundation with marketing and design work.
But this year, Team Uncharted wanted a little more from the arrangement. Specifically, they were gunning for the championship. Todd wanted to stack the squad with ringers, and “drafted” The Dunstan Group’s Director of Business Development, Brian Young.
Who knew there was an underground market for kickball talent.
“It’s a great event, and a hell of an opportunity to play ball with the pros,” added Brian. “Talk about a unique way to raise money, have fun, and get the community involved!”
Brian wasn’t able to turn his professional kickball dreams into reality, but the tournament did give him and Team Uncharted the chance to play along with NFL pros like Julio Jones. The same Julio Jones whose now-infamous “whiff” during his first at bat went seriously viral. Well, at least he looked good doing it. The event tees were from The Dunstan Group. Clearly, we’ve got game in that department.
Nearly two dozen teams played in the fourth annual tournament at American Legion Memorial Stadium in Charlotte. Storms cut the day-long event short before the championship round, but the team from Uncharted Creative left the tournament undefeated.
Caption: Storms rolling in, Cam rolling, too, in the annual Kicking it with Cam charity kickball tournament. Photo credit: Carolina Panthers
No matter the final score, the real winners were the kids, of course. Find out more about the Cam Newton Foundation and its work to improve young people’s lives academically, physically, and socially. Just click here:
