Quan’s Kitchen
MR. JULY, VEAL SEALS DEAL FOR NASHVILLE
In New York baseball laurel there are two nicknames that are affiliated by months that stand out. When you say Mr. October, you automatically think of Reggie Jackson taking over the postseason in the 1970’s. Mr. November? Well, that name is reserved for Yankee great Derek Jeter because of his World Series heroics throughout his career.
With the Nashville Venom winning the city’s first ever professional football championship, the Music City now has their own player nicknamed after a month. DB Kenny Veal is now Mr. July for the two clutch interceptions he made to propel the expansion Venom to the Professional Indoor Football League Championship (PIFL).
Mr. July Kenny Veal
When I began attending Nashville Venom football games this past June I immediately became a fan of not just the team, but of one player in particular Kenny Veal. Veal is one of those players that you just love to root for. When the season started he had a rough go of it, as he was trying to get adjusted to the nuances of the PIFL. He never lost his confidence though. “I was just trying to give it my all.” said Veal. He did just that in the Venom’s two playoff games the year.
Venom DB Kenny Veal with fans after the game
This year was Veal’s first opportunity to play in the playoffs on any level. So when the chance for him to “seal the deal” he did just that against the Columbus Lions. Late in the fourth quarter and down by five points, Columbus was driving down the field to try to win the game. The Lions were deep in Venom territory and were primed to score. Veal had none of that as he intercepted a Luke Halpin in his own end zone to cancel Columbus’ comeback.
“Before the last play I told the other DBs to not be the one to make us end the season. I told myself if he goes at me then I will have to make a play. I am blessed to have been in the right position at the right time. ”
L-R OL Chris Thompson, Kicker Christian Reed celebrates with Kenny Veal
This past Saturday the Venom played for the PIFL Championship Cup against the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks. Kenny made a statement before the game that he dreamed of making the game winning play. Once again Veal made the play to put their opponent away, as he intercepted a Shane McSweeney pass and returned it 13 yards to close the door on a Steelhawks comeback. Mr. July Kenny Veal struck again.
“I asked people on social media what would be a good nickname for me,” said Veal. One person said Velcro, another guy said Kenny “Seal The Deal” Veal. I kind of like Mr. July. What it shows me is it isn’t always how you start, it’s how you finish.”
JaQuan Johnson is a local chef that loves sports. You can find more sports banter from him on Twitter @ChefQuan
McCULLUM NAMED CHAMPIONSHIP CUP MVP
Nashville Venom QB Charles McCullum was named the Most Valuable Player of the Professional Indoor Football League’s Championship Cup game this past Saturday. McCullum threw for five TDs and ran for another in his team’s 64-43 victory over the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks.
Championship Cup MVP Charles McCullum
QB Charles McCullum leaps into the endzone
McCullum started the season for the Venom in Week 8 versus the Steelhawks. He has a 7-0 record for the Venom and had an impressive regular season leading the league in total offense and passing efficiency. Many thought he had a chance to be named All-PIFL but wasn’t. McCullum took it in stride.
WR Phillip Barnett
“I don’t get into individual stuff too much so it didn’t really faze me to be honest,” said champagne soaked McCullum after the championship game. “Heck, this is what it is all about. My teammates and I celebrating together winning the whole darn thing. I didn’t win the MVP by myself. This may sound redundant but my line kept me clean, the receivers were always open and Mack (Ogletree) and Stan (Bradley) made our offense tough to stop with their running. Shoot, throwing to Jordan Jolly, Phil Barnett and George Murray made my job easy. This award is a team award. I just did my job.”
WR Jordan Jolly
Center Chris Thompson holds up #2 Mack Ogletree after a TD
Nashville Venom Owner Jeff Knight