The newly formed Northern Virginia Rampage football team prepares for their inaugural season

The world of semi-professional football can often be described as a purgatory for sports. For some, it is an opportunity to regain their lost days of glory on the gridiron, and for others, a second chance. Regardless of the rationale for why the semi-professional athlete dons the shoulder pads and helmet, there’s one philosophy that is universal: a sense of community. That is the core belief of the newly christened Northern Virginia Rampage, the newest member of the Major League Football Spring Elite in 2022.

Formerly the Virginia Mutiny, who concluded last season with a championship, the Rampage will seek to maintain that level of success. Although the name may be different, the same leadership is still in place. Recently, the PW Perspective spoke with one of the new owners and the other leaders on the team.

Co-owner Jason Rock, who owns the team with his wife Shantell, also serves as the head coach and linebackers’ coach. He talked about the recent signing party on January 21, which was attended by several elected officials, and its significance in receiving so much support from the local leaders.

“For me, it meant a lot,” said Rock, “to have community leaders such as [Dumfries] Mayor [Derrick] Wood, [Board of County] Supervisors [Margaret] Franklin and [Andrea] Bailey, along with Reverend [Cozy] Bailey, was huge for us because most cities and communities are trying to get rid of semi-pro football. So for them to back us speaks volumes about what we’re doing and the bridges we’re trying to build.”

“Building that togetherness is something that we go by daily. Rev. Bailey stated that the Prince William NAACP chapter will partner with us, and means a lot for us, especially since 98% of our roster is people of color, so it’s great to team with an organization to help the players succeed.”

Defensive and special teams coordinator Rod Anderson, who helped to groom Rock for ownership of the team, emphasized the importance of establishing the foundation rooted in oneness mindset. “I think that has to be the way it is, creating a culture of family and unity,” said Anderson.

“Running the Mutiny for 20 years, we wouldn’t be able to come back if it wasn’t for the structure established from the top. When you bring up family, often people will say is that there are no perfect families. We have moments when we may not see eye to eye, but for what Jason, Shantell, Trent and myself have, we will support one another to see that the organization reaches its goal. If you’re going to build something that is long lasting, then a family structure is a must, and that’s what we have.”

Trent Clark, the VP of operations, discussed the type of player that the Rampage is looking for. “Just like any other organization, team, club or franchise, it takes a specific type of person to engage and be part of our family, especially in football,” said Clark. “The ideal person we’re looking for is someone who can be a chameleon in the environment. What I mean by that is they can fit into any mold, type or structure to what the culture gives them, but also be able to give back to the team and the community.”

“The Rampage is an organization that is looking for that individual who gets it, protecting the guy to your right and left, and encourage each other.”

Rock spoke about his philosophy on a concept he learned in the military in a recent podcast, and how he applies it to the football field. “It’s an old adage called ‘Slow is smooth, smooth is fast,’ that’s my go to saying,” said Rock.

“When I was in the military, we would do these drills, and anything we did in the training portion, you don’t go in doing them at 100 mph. So the idea pertains to football as well. For instance, we have what’s called a ladder drill. You start off doing the drill with baby steps and then you pick it up one step at a time until you can do it fast. Football isn’t as much a thinking sport as it is a reacting one, so what we put into our guys is that mentality of once you get it in practice, you can apply it on the field instinctively. It allows you to move quickly on the field later on down the road.”

So what is the mindset of the semi-pro player? Anderson gives a glimpse into why programs such as the Rampage are so vital. “I will tell you that the players on our level, whatever the misconceptions are, are that they are as passionate as the guys you see on Sunday. We have players 17 years old (with a parental waiver) and if you go back to our Mutiny team, we had guys 50 years old playing with us.”

“We’ve had many players who moved on to play in Brazil and overseas, and help collegiate players maintain their eligibility. At the end of the day, it’s about players who play this for the love of the game. Some of these players we’ve signed are right out of high school and college.”

“The preconception is that this is backyard football, but you’re talking about professional men and women who work in our profession. There’s a beautiful mixture of pro athletes and workers. However, we let people know these positions aren’t guaranteed. It involves work and only the best will see the field. The rewards come on Saturdays when you see someone who their coach may have given up on. We can give them that opportunity, and they are thankful for it.”

Rock highlights one player who shows precisely what his longtime mentor speaks of. “Speaking of passion for the game, one of our key guys, he works for a moving company. There are many Saturdays in which he will move 15 to 20,000 pounds of furniture, then come and play the game for 60 minutes. It shows a commitment to his brothers and to the game itself.”

One of the unique advantages that the Rampage leadership brings to the team are their years of playing experience, so how does that work with younger players? “I look at myself as the mentor for the younger guys,” Anderson replied. “As a player I tend to stay away from, ‘back in the day,’ but sometimes these young players need to hear it. Everyone has great days, but what you are on your bad days is what people will remember you by. We hold players accountable, but our way is the best way. The brotherhood between Trent, Jason and I as well as the players is strong, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

The organization already has a footprint in the Dumfries area, including building several playgrounds, and take part in local community events. “When it comes to the Rampage,” said Clark, “there’s the understanding that football is not about winning, but it’s about building stronger people in the community, as support through various projects, and that’s what we’re going to bring here.”

So what are they looking forward to as they begin the new season? “We would love for the community to come out and cheer for us. We filled last season the championship game at Potomac High School, and that was outstanding to see,” said Rock. “We want the opportunity to grow with them and be of service.”

The season will officially begin on March 12 against the Virginia Royals. For more details, visit the team on their website, Facebook, and Twitter pages.