Over 60 NFL Stars Ignited Chaos at ‘Bring The Juice’ Pro-Am – You Won’t Believe What Happened!

MADERA, California — This weekend, the Dragonfly Golf Club is buzzing with excitement as it hosts a unique tournament featuring 60 active NFL players. The event has transformed from its origins, moving from the traditional horse races at the Fresno fairgrounds to a lively golf competition where fans can see their favorite football players swing clubs instead of throwing passes.

Frank Dalena, a former walk-on wide receiver at Fresno State, is the mastermind behind this ambitious event. Now in its fourth year, Dalena has crafted an engaging experience for attendees and golfers alike. "The horse races are gone from the Fresno fairgrounds, why not make this the weekend where everyone who went to the horse races is now watching golf with NFL players?" he said.

Dalena's journey has taken him from the football field to the links, where he explores new avenues through his podcast, "Bring The Juice." He emphasizes that although many doubted his vision in the early days, he remained persistent. "No one likes the idea in the early days but when you come out of the mud, you start turning heads," he stated.

This weekend, the tournament not only showcases well-known players like Daron Bland and Ronnie Rivers, but also focuses on rising stars and lesser-known athletes. "The focus isn't on the quarterback or the star receiver but any player who loves the game," Dalena noted. He aims to give recognition to those who might not be as visible in mainstream media, stating, "There's so many NFL players that are in the league that don't get recognized as much, so I'm taking care of those guys that maybe aren't the most known."

Among the notable participants is Cam Skattebo, running back for the New York Giants. Skattebo has a personal connection with Dalena's family, having roomed with his brother, Mac, during the NFL combine. This year, Skattebo even donned a "Bring The Juice" hat on game day before facing off against the defending Super Bowl champions.

The tournament features a range of activities that elevate the experience beyond the golf itself. Attendees can enjoy a cigar bar and even a drive-through espresso martini bar. Dalena quipped, "Not encouraging bad behavior, but if you've been on a golf course, there are certain things you see often." The atmosphere is enhanced by a double-decker bar on hole 12, dubbed the "student section," and a stadium on hole 16 designed for spectators to watch tee shots soar over the water.

Former Fresno State head football coach Jeff Tedford echoed Dalena's sentiment about the event, saying, "It's such a fun day, you get to enjoy the weather and sit next to this guy." In addition to the tournament, sponsors are invited to bid on players like Tedford and Marcus McMaryion for a chance to play in the Saturday morning pro-am.

The proceeds from this tournament benefit the Juice Foundation, which supports local youth sports programs, such as Madera Youth Boxing, and aids in funding a NIL program for walk-ons at Fresno State. "When you're a walk-on, you don't always get the same meal plan as a scholarship player," Dalena explained, highlighting the challenges many young athletes face.

Describing the event, Dalena likens it to a mix of the Pebble Beach Pro-Am and the Waste Management Phoenix Open. His goal is to make next year's tournament even bigger. "To play a round of golf with Cam Skattebo in Fresno, California, isn't something you see every day. Creating those experiences where it's a nice sunny day in the Valley," he said.

The convergence of football and golf not only entertains but also fosters community spirit, giving fans an opportunity to engage with players in a relaxed setting. As the event unfolds, one thing is clear: the Dragonfly Golf Club is not just about competition, but about celebrating the camaraderie within the NFL family and supporting local youth initiatives.