The number of stories that I’ve started with “Fran Brown continues to do the right thing” has to be in double digits by now. There just isn’t any other way to say it. What the second-year head coach of Syracuse Football has done is truly special. Fran Brown is one of a kind. Last night, it wasn’t anything that had to do with football, on or off the field, but his love for the community. The Orange hosted a community pop-up team event in Comfort Tyler Park, right across the street from Manley Field House. The event was a free barbecue for the community.
The head coach of Syracuse Football was literally on the grill, in the middle of a local park, handing out hot dogs and hamburgers to the community because he loves to give back. Personally, this could be my favorite thing that Coach Brown has done yet. I think that community engagement is key for all sports teams. The whole purpose of athletics is to uplift the community. Luckily, our coach completely understands that. It’s especially important in a city like ours, where the child poverty rate is the worst in the country. A free BBQ for the community is truly helping people who might be struggling to put food on the table.
This started on day one of Fran being hired. Immediately, we saw players in the streets picking up trash or visiting local schools to meet with kids. When his players are out in the community, it energizes the fan base. It brings fans to the Dome. In today’s age of college sports, it can also have the effect of bringing in more money and donations. If I were a casual fan and saw what Fran was doing for the people of Syracuse, I’d be much more likely to give my money.
