T

he Greater Pensacola Jets have 
become an established football 
team thanks to the visionary 
efforts of their founder, owner, 

and Head Coach Fred Barnett, Sr. The Jets are 
a professional minor league team founded right 
here in Escambia County. Starting in 2013, 
the Jets have now played four seasons. Their 
current league is the APDFL (Amateur to 
Professional Developmental Football League). 
The league has over 30 teams, representing 
states from Arkansas to South Carolina. The 
Jets season usually runs from January to June 
and their home fi eld is Brent Athletic Complex 
(Victor Randall Stadium). They also play at the 
Myrtle Grove Athletic Park off of west Jackson 
Street. 

This organization is designed to develop 

athletes, front offi ce staff, coaches, dancers, 
and models to further a more prosperous 
career. When discussing the mission of the 
Jets, Fred tells us that the organization’s 
mission is to develop his young men into star 
athletes regardless of their future level of play, 
be it NFL, college, or Canadian Football 
League (CFL). He strives to teach them to 
succeed in life and make it to the next level in 
everything they do. He does so by developing 
their football skills and enforcing values such 

as respect and the importance of community. 
Their community efforts include toy drives 
for Christmas, food drives for the local 
food banks, and clothing drives for the area 
homeless. The team also serves as local liaisons 
for Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital and the 
Pensacola Police Department. 

Always looking for helpful sponsors, this 

team is a nonprofi t organization. Fred says, 
“We like to help other businesses advertise and 
become successful through a great partnership 
but our boys pay to play, instead of the 
opposite.” He tells us that the team has even 
had one of their players make it to the NFL. 
This talented player is Whitney Richardson of 

Washington High. He also mentions possible 
CFL deals in the works for local Kenny 
McGhee of Pensacola High. 

Fred’s primary full time job is being the 

operations manager for Tropical Smoothie 
Cafe here in Pensacola. His second full time 
job is the football team. He says that it is very 
hard work, but the end result is to be able to 
help young men live their dreams. The Jets 
have announced a new Game Day Announcer 
and MC this season, Ron Spradling, who is 
extremely entertaining and deeply rooted in 
the Pensacola community. 

Fred also raves about his staff including 

his assistant Kailen Williams, Defensive 
Coordinator Tammy Parker and Team 
Massage Therapist/Trainer Kristen Johnson. 
Tropical Smoothie Cafe is one of the primary 
sponsors for the Jets. The team will be led this 
year by returning All-American Quarterback 
Tyrone Jones, Offensive and Defensive 
Lineman Mike Jones, and a host of other great 
players.

For more information on the Greater 

Pensacola Jets, check out their website 
at www.leaguelineup.com/welcome.
asp?url=pensacolajets, their Facebook page 
Greater Pensacola Jets, or give them a call today 
at 334-294-1772. 

story by

 

Kimberley Sabens

56     |    VIPPensacola.com

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2/25/18   11:45 AM