First Responder By Day, Football Player By Night

Spring is here and for some first responders, that means football is in the air. The Charlotte Cobras is a team made up of some of the best in charlotte. The Cobras’ president had plenty to say about his team.

“A kid that worked for me at the police department and his dad passed away and he wanted to do something to remember his dad. He found the NPSFL and that is how the charlotte cobras were born.”

For the past 16 years, first responders from around the queen city have put on the pads and hit the gridiron as part of the National Public Safety League.

“They have to be a sworn public safety first responder of some sort, could be a federal agency, medic, or anything like that and the teams play for charity.”

Along with playing for charity, it gives those who face pressure packed situations daily a chance to let go.

“It gives these guys a way to work through some mental health that is related to them being on the job and things like that so it is a great release for them and it is a way for them to give back to the community.”

When the games are over, every player on the teams go from battling on the gridiron to coming together as a family of first responders.

“We usually have an after-party, a meal together so we can just network and have camaraderie with each other and then you have those resources at your disposal across the country.”

the Charlotte Cobras play four games this season. Their first is this Saturday at North Meck High School where they will take on the Tri-State Shields.