Former NFL quarterback Jake Plummer enjoys some easy volley shooting ahead of his Difference Celebrity Match against the Dinks. (Photo courtesy of USA Pickleball) By Sebastian Mondaca Sepulveda | Cronkite News
Jake Plummer never imagined that a paddle and a plastic ball would reignite his competitive spirit after he retired from the NFL. Still, he was on the court two hours before the game, sharing laughs and volleys with another legend in volleyball sports, Shane Doan.
For Plummer, it wasn’t just about the game, it was about staying active, connecting with others, and championing a sport that attracts players of all ages and abilities.
“For me, pickleball is fun and makes me happy,” said the former NFL and Arizona State quarterback, who played Dinks during the Difference Celebrity Match, the highlight of last week’s BioFreeze USA Pickleball National Championship. said Plummer, who partnered with Yasu.
“It was really fun to come here and play this game to keep active. Six years ago, I was able to understand my body position and it helped me get up from my seat and I was able to start moving.
“Pickleball is more appealing to multiple demographics and is a broad (broad) game that can be played by many people. I like the fact that you can play the game with anyone.”
The 2024 Biofreeze USA Pickleball National Championship concluded Sunday night, with many athletes achieving their goals of winning medals in the competition.
The premier tournament, which took over the Arizona State Athletic Grounds this month, featured more than 2,600 athletes from across the United States over eight crowded days. This was also the first year that a wheelchair tournament section was held for those wishing to participate.
Makayla Perkins, social media and communications manager for USA Pickleball, emphasized the importance of this event and demonstrated the sport’s mission to remain accessible even as its popularity explodes. Ta.
“Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America,” Perkins said. “It’s great to see this sport gain wings and take off. We had over 2,600 athletes competing at the national championships here, including a 94-year-old woman. This sport is open to everyone. It’s a fun sport and that’s what makes it special.”
That includes many actors, singers, and other famous entertainers who have embraced pickleball.
“It was so great to see so many celebrities come out and show their support for USA Pickleball,” Perkins said. “We wanted to be clear about who we wanted to come out to, and we realized that a lot of the celebrities here already play pickleball, which speaks to the growth of the sport. ”
The tournament was highlighted by the inaugural Dinks for a Difference Celebrity Match, hosted by pop star Joey Fatone and reality star Macy Neely. In addition to former NFL stars Eric Decker and Plummer, the celebrity match also features former Coyotes All-Star Doan, six-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer Amy Van Dyken, actor and NASCAR driver Frankie Muniz, and more.8 A player participated.
This event partnered with USA Pickleball Serves, which focuses on court enhancement, youth education programs, and promoting inclusive play from a pickleball perspective.
While some star players like Plummer began playing pickleball professionally, others were relatively new to the sport.
Muniz, known for playing the title role on the TV show “Malcolm in the Middle,” is currently a NASCAR driver and would like to try something new if the opportunity arises. Pickleball opened up a whole new world to him.
“It was a lot of fun,” Muniz said after competing in Dinks’ Difference Celebrity Match. “The fact that we can be active for a good cause. Raising awareness, raising money and having so much fun. I just started playing pickleball yesterday and it’s my new favorite.
“This is the fastest growing sport in the world and I can see why. It doesn’t matter what your level is, we hope you have fun doing it.”
As many celebrities have pointed out, pickleball is spreading at an alarming rate. According to USA Pickleball’s annual growth report, a total of 78,766 members registered for the 2024 tournament, a 15% increase over last year, when 66,952 members played.
The mission of the 2024 Biofreeze event was to try to educate more people about the sport and connect interested players.
Doan, who played 21 seasons with the Coyotes, started getting involved with pickleball after retiring from hockey in 2017, but never took it seriously. Leading up to this tournament, he found himself playing alongside Plummer in the Dinks for Difference Celebrity Match and was excited to see where pickleball could take him after retirement. I made it.
“I always heard about it,” Doan said. “It’s always around you. I’m definitely not the biggest here, but I’m always ready to put on a show. It’s a great sport to stay active in retirement. The event was great and I was able to meet new people and play events like this.”
The 2024 Biofreeze USA Pickleball National Championship demonstrated the sport’s rapid growth, inclusivity, and ability to unite people from all walks of life. The event showcased the fun and community spirit that pickleball promotes, from veteran competitors to first-time players, while benefiting worthy causes through philanthropic programs.
“I’m still learning the ropes of the game, but I’m enjoying it,” Doan said. “I think that’s the best part about getting older. I’m learning more about pickleball and I think everyone is excited to learn.”
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