E. J. Nemeth former Harrisburg Stampede QB and Current York Capitals QB

More than meets the eye to York Capitals’ Bearded Field General

After blowout game against Lancaster QB EJ Nemeth was found signing autographs and running for pizza. I asked him for a picture and he stood back pizza in hand and smiled wide. As a new sports reporter I’d been warned about QBs. I was told they’re temperamental, cocky, and arrogant. Don’t approach them before a game and as a young reporter, know the question you want to ask. As I approach E.J. for the first time I notice that this guy isn’t your typical QB. I had watched him play for the Harrisburg Stampede last year and I thought he would be all of the above. He’s actually, anything but.

E.J. has grown quite the beard and on his birthday the team got him a birthday cake, he threw himself a party on the field throwing 8 of 11 with 70 plus yards and three touchdowns. Nemeth is an approachable guy, he’s got a lot of experience with Capitals Head Coach Rick Marsilio but his major debut this year with the Capitals has been stellar.

A few things you may not know about E.J. is that his face has not been graced by a razor in several years to his mother’s disdain. He went to Sacred Heart and King’s College, and he played for the Philadelphia Soul, and a number of other minor league teams. He once played for four different teams in four months and he likes to pregame barefoot.

Getting to know E.J. we sat down with him and asked him a few questions:

1.What is your philosophy at your position and its relationship to Arena Football? Was it a hard transition from outdoor football to Arena Football? 

To make smart decisions with the football and get the ball to our playmakers. The indoor game happens at a quicker pace with less room to operate. 

2. Describe a typical practice?

Warm up. Route tree. 3 vs. 3. Team. 

3. What is your favorite memory as a York Capital so far? 

That we have been able to come together as a team. 

4. Coach Marsilio has constantly emphasized player development as a coach in this league, where is your dream destination as a Professional Football Player?

I’ve worked myself up the ladder a bit in my younger years. As I’ve gotten older I look to play with teammates I know and trust and enjoy playing with. 

5. What player do you most emulate?

I get told that my play reminds people of Ben Roethlisberger   

6. What is your pregame ritual?

I like to relax, talk with teammates, and listen to music. Sometimes like to warm up barefoot. 

7. Are you superstitious? If so name some superstitions.

NO REPLY GIVEN

8. What is playing on your headphones?

Mastodon, (old) Metallica, Johnny Cash, Living Sacrifice, Clutch, Onyx, Black Sabbath, A Life Once Lost

9. Who gets the most credit for where you are today in life? 

My mother and grandfather. 

10. What do you plan to do if you win the Championship this season? 

Celebrate with teammates. 

With so many championships under his belt we can only guess that E.J. and his beard have seen the championships before. His game this Saturday against Chicago will be one of many. As a farm boy he is probably just happy to be playing football and scoring points.