Welcome everyone! Mark Callous here and joining us today is Luca Scabbia, WR of the Dallas Birddogs. I have a wide variety of questions for him so lets get right to it.
Why did you decide to play Football?
I come from Italy and football wasn't a very popular sport for a while. I grew up watching Adriana Falconi with the Philadelphia Liberty and I soon found out I had a passion for that sport.
How long have you played in the DSFL?
This is my second season with the Birddogs.
How do you like playing for the Dallas BirdDogs?
I love it. When I was drafted by the Butchers, we considered having me start in Chicago right away but after talking with my general manager, we agreed it would be better for me and especially my confidence to play one more year in Dallas. My teammates are awesome, very friendly and funny and I feel like I have my place on that team. I also love that management is extremely involved and know what they are doing. We are a brand new team and we already had a great season and reached the playoffs. That shows how good they are.
What position do you play and why did you decide on that position?
I am a wide receiver. I wanted to be a quarterback just like Falconi when I was little but I seriously lacked the talent. I started playing as a receiver and things clicked for me. I was much better at catching passes than throwing them.
What skills and attributes do the best athletes have in your position?
The joke in this league is that the fastest players have the most success, and it's really true. If you run faster than anyone, you will have success. Of course, you need to have the smarts to get open and then have the skills to catch a pass, no matter where it's going. So yeah, speed is important but you need to have a balanced game if you want to make things happen.
What has been your fondest memory in the DSFL so far?
Knowing we were going to the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. I can't tell you how happy I was. The game didn't go the way we wanted but it's a huge milestone for the Birddogs and I am proud I was a part of it.
Do you have any role models? And if so who and why?
As I said, I grew up a Philly Liberty fan and I loved Adriana Falconi. Her favourite target for a while was Jordan von Matt so I grew to really like him too.
If you could achieve anything you wished for in the DSFL/ISFL what would it be?
I would like to win a championship for sure. Individual awards are nice but people remember the players who won the Ultimus and that's my main goal for my career. I'm disappointed I'll never win a championship with the Birddogs but it's definitely something that could happen during my career with the Butchers.
How do you best prepare for a game mentally?
I'm not the kind of guy who needs to get "in the zone" before a game. I like goofing around with my teammates, chat with them, discuss strategies. Some people like listening to music, put their hoodie on and speak to no one. I'm the one who will annoy those people.
What about Football brings you the most joy?
I like being part of a team. Being with people who share the same goal as me and who will have my back no matter what. We're all super different but we all have our love of the team in common.
When you move up to the ISFL, is there a specific team you would like to play for? Why?
Well, I was drafted by the Chicago Butchers so I will be reporting to them next season. I spent some time with my future teammates and even though the next couple of seasons will probably be tough because we are in a rebuild, I already love these guys and I'm sure we'll push each other and when we do taste success together, it will be super worth it.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I'm proud that I was able to get a starting spot and show my team that I can be an asset even if I was drafted in the 6th round. I know some members of the management team had reservations drafting me but I'm sure I put all these doubts to rest and helped the team maybe in ways they didn't expect on the night of the draft.
Who is your favorite player and why?
I'll go with Sean O'Leary. He's the star of the Chicago Butchers and I'm excited to play with him and hopefully help him out as a receiver.
What was your childhood like growing up in Italy?
It was awesome! I grew up in a beautiful town called Grosseto. We're very much into sports so there was always something to do. The weather is always nice and it's never extremely cold so I could always play outside. I have nothing but fond memories for my childhood. I was always proud of where I was from and being away so much made me appreciate my hometown even more.
How did your parents react to you wanting to play Football?
They thought I meant soccer so they were happy for a moment because they are huge fans of that kind of football but then they understood I meant the OTHER football, the american version. They have always been very supportive anyway and now they'll pester anyone they are with to watch Birddogs games and give away Chicago and Dallas merch. They often fly here to spend time with me and I know they're proud of me. I couldn't have asked for a better reaction from them.
Why did you decide to go to Syracuse?
I always associated the state of New York with having a big Italian population. I thought I would feel at home there. I had fun for the year I was there but I do think switching to the DSFL was the best move for my career and I've grown more as a player there than I would have if I stayed at Syracuse.
Do you have any tips/advice for us prospects?
Be seen. General managers don't care if your player does well on the field. They want good personalities and people who will do the work needed to get better. Who you are as a person is way more important than your skills on the field. At least for now.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love to walk and go sightseeing. I like to stay home occasionally but I prefer to be out and discover new things. Even back home, I enjoyed going out with friends and have fun. I'm very social and I'm always down to do anything.
What is your favorite food?
Italian pizza, of course.
If you were any animal what animal would you be? Why?
A turtle roaming the Galapagos. You live extra long and the islands are mostly untouched so you don't need to worry about dumb humans too much.
What sport would be the funniest to add a mandatory amount of alcohol to?
Watching two dead drunk guys fight is always funny so maybe MMA. I feel like the sport could still exist even if you are drunk, unlike stuff like football and baseball where the ball would just never land where it's supposed to and end up being boring.
What’s the best Wi-Fi name you’ve seen?
I always enjoyed the classic "FBI Surveillance Van".
What was your favorite toy growing up? Why?
If game consoles count, I'd go with my N64. I had my cousins' old NES growing up and seeing a game on the N64 for the first time blew my mind. The graphics looked so good back then. I still have it and it's still a blast playing it. F-Zero is the best game ever.
What’s the most beautiful place you’ve ever been? Why?
I haven't visited too many places. We vacationned in Italy mostly. I would have to go with Venice. It's just such a special place. Many cities get called "the Venice of..." but there's only one like her. Everyone should see it at least once in their life. The simple fact that it even exists is amazing to me.
What are your 3 favorite movies?
Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Blade Runner. I like them as franchises, I hope it still counts.
What is your favorite genre of music and who are your favorite bands? Why?
I like post-rock a lot. It's mostly instrumental but I think it's one of the kinds of music that can make you feel the most things anyway. You can understand songs how you like and let them affect you how you want. The masters are of course God is an Astronaut but I also really like bands like The American Dollar, Tides of Nebula and Mogwai.
Do you play any instruments? If yes, what intrument(s) and why? If no, is there any instrument you would like to learn? why?
I was never gifted musically unfortunately. I would like to be able to play guitar. I had some lessons when I was younger but gave up pretty quickly. It just feels like something incomplete in my life.
If you were guaranteed to be successful in a different profession, what would you want to do?
I would open a pizza shop and show Americans what real pizza tastes like.
If you could have a conversation with any one of our world leaders, who would it be and why?
I don't even know what I would say. Politicians seem deaf and blind to their people's problems. They say they care when they notice that an issue can land them votes. I guess I would speak with Giuseppe Conte since he's the prime minister of Italy and speaking with another leader would be even more useless. Just tell him how I feel about his politics. It wouldn't change anything but it would make me feel good.
Well alright, that's all the time we have today. I would like to thank Luca Sabbia for joining us today and being so open and cooperative to these questions. I wish you all the best in your career and to everyone else have a great day!
Why did you decide to play Football?
I come from Italy and football wasn't a very popular sport for a while. I grew up watching Adriana Falconi with the Philadelphia Liberty and I soon found out I had a passion for that sport.
How long have you played in the DSFL?
This is my second season with the Birddogs.
How do you like playing for the Dallas BirdDogs?
I love it. When I was drafted by the Butchers, we considered having me start in Chicago right away but after talking with my general manager, we agreed it would be better for me and especially my confidence to play one more year in Dallas. My teammates are awesome, very friendly and funny and I feel like I have my place on that team. I also love that management is extremely involved and know what they are doing. We are a brand new team and we already had a great season and reached the playoffs. That shows how good they are.
What position do you play and why did you decide on that position?
I am a wide receiver. I wanted to be a quarterback just like Falconi when I was little but I seriously lacked the talent. I started playing as a receiver and things clicked for me. I was much better at catching passes than throwing them.
What skills and attributes do the best athletes have in your position?
The joke in this league is that the fastest players have the most success, and it's really true. If you run faster than anyone, you will have success. Of course, you need to have the smarts to get open and then have the skills to catch a pass, no matter where it's going. So yeah, speed is important but you need to have a balanced game if you want to make things happen.
What has been your fondest memory in the DSFL so far?
Knowing we were going to the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. I can't tell you how happy I was. The game didn't go the way we wanted but it's a huge milestone for the Birddogs and I am proud I was a part of it.
Do you have any role models? And if so who and why?
As I said, I grew up a Philly Liberty fan and I loved Adriana Falconi. Her favourite target for a while was Jordan von Matt so I grew to really like him too.
If you could achieve anything you wished for in the DSFL/ISFL what would it be?
I would like to win a championship for sure. Individual awards are nice but people remember the players who won the Ultimus and that's my main goal for my career. I'm disappointed I'll never win a championship with the Birddogs but it's definitely something that could happen during my career with the Butchers.
How do you best prepare for a game mentally?
I'm not the kind of guy who needs to get "in the zone" before a game. I like goofing around with my teammates, chat with them, discuss strategies. Some people like listening to music, put their hoodie on and speak to no one. I'm the one who will annoy those people.
What about Football brings you the most joy?
I like being part of a team. Being with people who share the same goal as me and who will have my back no matter what. We're all super different but we all have our love of the team in common.
When you move up to the ISFL, is there a specific team you would like to play for? Why?
Well, I was drafted by the Chicago Butchers so I will be reporting to them next season. I spent some time with my future teammates and even though the next couple of seasons will probably be tough because we are in a rebuild, I already love these guys and I'm sure we'll push each other and when we do taste success together, it will be super worth it.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I'm proud that I was able to get a starting spot and show my team that I can be an asset even if I was drafted in the 6th round. I know some members of the management team had reservations drafting me but I'm sure I put all these doubts to rest and helped the team maybe in ways they didn't expect on the night of the draft.
Who is your favorite player and why?
I'll go with Sean O'Leary. He's the star of the Chicago Butchers and I'm excited to play with him and hopefully help him out as a receiver.
What was your childhood like growing up in Italy?
It was awesome! I grew up in a beautiful town called Grosseto. We're very much into sports so there was always something to do. The weather is always nice and it's never extremely cold so I could always play outside. I have nothing but fond memories for my childhood. I was always proud of where I was from and being away so much made me appreciate my hometown even more.
How did your parents react to you wanting to play Football?
They thought I meant soccer so they were happy for a moment because they are huge fans of that kind of football but then they understood I meant the OTHER football, the american version. They have always been very supportive anyway and now they'll pester anyone they are with to watch Birddogs games and give away Chicago and Dallas merch. They often fly here to spend time with me and I know they're proud of me. I couldn't have asked for a better reaction from them.
Why did you decide to go to Syracuse?
I always associated the state of New York with having a big Italian population. I thought I would feel at home there. I had fun for the year I was there but I do think switching to the DSFL was the best move for my career and I've grown more as a player there than I would have if I stayed at Syracuse.
Do you have any tips/advice for us prospects?
Be seen. General managers don't care if your player does well on the field. They want good personalities and people who will do the work needed to get better. Who you are as a person is way more important than your skills on the field. At least for now.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love to walk and go sightseeing. I like to stay home occasionally but I prefer to be out and discover new things. Even back home, I enjoyed going out with friends and have fun. I'm very social and I'm always down to do anything.
What is your favorite food?
Italian pizza, of course.
If you were any animal what animal would you be? Why?
A turtle roaming the Galapagos. You live extra long and the islands are mostly untouched so you don't need to worry about dumb humans too much.
What sport would be the funniest to add a mandatory amount of alcohol to?
Watching two dead drunk guys fight is always funny so maybe MMA. I feel like the sport could still exist even if you are drunk, unlike stuff like football and baseball where the ball would just never land where it's supposed to and end up being boring.
What’s the best Wi-Fi name you’ve seen?
I always enjoyed the classic "FBI Surveillance Van".
What was your favorite toy growing up? Why?
If game consoles count, I'd go with my N64. I had my cousins' old NES growing up and seeing a game on the N64 for the first time blew my mind. The graphics looked so good back then. I still have it and it's still a blast playing it. F-Zero is the best game ever.
What’s the most beautiful place you’ve ever been? Why?
I haven't visited too many places. We vacationned in Italy mostly. I would have to go with Venice. It's just such a special place. Many cities get called "the Venice of..." but there's only one like her. Everyone should see it at least once in their life. The simple fact that it even exists is amazing to me.
What are your 3 favorite movies?
Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Blade Runner. I like them as franchises, I hope it still counts.
What is your favorite genre of music and who are your favorite bands? Why?
I like post-rock a lot. It's mostly instrumental but I think it's one of the kinds of music that can make you feel the most things anyway. You can understand songs how you like and let them affect you how you want. The masters are of course God is an Astronaut but I also really like bands like The American Dollar, Tides of Nebula and Mogwai.
Do you play any instruments? If yes, what intrument(s) and why? If no, is there any instrument you would like to learn? why?
I was never gifted musically unfortunately. I would like to be able to play guitar. I had some lessons when I was younger but gave up pretty quickly. It just feels like something incomplete in my life.
If you were guaranteed to be successful in a different profession, what would you want to do?
I would open a pizza shop and show Americans what real pizza tastes like.
If you could have a conversation with any one of our world leaders, who would it be and why?
I don't even know what I would say. Politicians seem deaf and blind to their people's problems. They say they care when they notice that an issue can land them votes. I guess I would speak with Giuseppe Conte since he's the prime minister of Italy and speaking with another leader would be even more useless. Just tell him how I feel about his politics. It wouldn't change anything but it would make me feel good.
Well alright, that's all the time we have today. I would like to thank Luca Sabbia for joining us today and being so open and cooperative to these questions. I wish you all the best in your career and to everyone else have a great day!
![[Image: McCransky_Sig.png]](https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/679741230761902088/745080191805685770/McCransky_Sig.png)
![[Image: heFnCwQ.png]](https://i.imgur.com/heFnCwQ.png)
Lucaaaaaa
![[Image: kyamprac.gif]](https://sig.grumpybumpers.com/host/kyamprac.gif)
