Men Behind the Badge Tackle New Role

**Willowdared** · 05-19-07, 10:28 AM

San Diego Union-Tribune
By Kristina Davis
STAFF WRITER

May 19, 2007

Dodging hits from criminals on the street is all in a day's work for these guys.

Yet every weekend, they trade in their bulletproof vests for shoulder pads and helmets to take an even heavier battering on the field.

“It's hard to walk for a couple days afterward, sometimes it takes a week,” said sheriff's Deputy John Cannon, a punter for the San Diego Enforcers football team. “But I'm 39 years old and still trying to play it like a young man's game. It's fun though.”

The 55 teammates, who work as law enforcement officers around the county, welcome the opportunity to take out their aggressions on one another while raising money for charity. The players come from agencies including the Sheriff's Department, the San Diego Police Department, the FBI, the California Department of Corrections and the Border Patrol.

The team, part of the National Public Safety Football League, returned to action this year after a seven-year hiatus following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorists attacks.

The season didn't get off to a great start, with losses against police teams such as the LAPD Centurions, Orange County Lawmen and L.A. Heat.

But last month, the Enforcers got their first win, against the Orlando Guardians.

Today, they wrap up the season in Dallas.

“Some of the cobwebs are getting knocked off right now,” Cannon said from the sidelines during a recent game at Cathedral Catholic High School in Carmel Valley. “Next year should a lot better.”

What's more important, he said, is the money they raise for charity.

This year, all proceeds went to the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, which provides financial assistance to injured Marines and their families. The money goes toward travel, child care and lodging, and long-term disability needs such as modified homes and vans.

“We are basically street soldiers and we are playing for real soldiers,” said San Diego police Officer Scott Holsag.

The amount the Enforcers raised this season was not available.

The players pay for their gear and plane tickets to away games. The home team traditionally picks up the hotel tab.

“The friends and relationships we build transcend across the country,” said Escondido police Sgt. Greg Ellis, who played with the team 10 years ago when it was known as the San Diego Posse.
For many, it's a chance to relive their youth.

“It's a tough sport and we probably shouldn't be playing at 40,” Holsag said. “It's a young-man's sport, but it's a wonderful experience as a grown man. You never get to play tackle football unless you're a pro. The opportunity to play again is once in a lifetime.”

The season ended early for him, though, when he tore a bicep during their first game against the Marine Corps.

“We do play with the risk of injuries, but it also keeps us in shape. A lot of us have disability insurance,” said Holsag, who was on light duty at work for weeks after the injury.

“Would I do it all over again? You bet.”

Enforcers Video