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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