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football President Jim Ross said, “you knew, even back then, that all four would be in the NFL one day” Ross added. Lance Rigby, PPO Football Commissioner, had the privilege of coaching both Joey and Nick. “Both were outstanding athletes,” Rigby said, “but Nick Bosa was big for his age and had to play up (to the next age/weight division), and was by far the best player in the league. Nick only wanted to play defense,” Rigby went on to say, “he wanted no part of offense.” “PPO is extremely proud of the numerous NFL athletes that developed through the PPO program, but having four 1st round picks is something that we are all proud to be a part of,” Ross said. All four athletes were honored with having their pictures up in the locker room, as well as on banners around the park. “Our players are excited that they can play on the same field as where these now NFL players once practiced every day.” Pembroke Pines Optimist Club is located at 7400 Pines Blvd. in Pembroke Pines. For more information, please visit their website at www.pembrokepinsoptimist.com.
Pe m bro ke Pin e s S p o r t s & A c t i v i t i e s D i r e c t o r y
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he Pembroke Pines Optimist (PPO) Bengals Tackle Football program not only lead their American Youth Football League (AYFL) with a record 43 Super Bowl Championships, they have something that very few can say. They have produced Four first round NFL draft picks. PPO Bengals a member of the AYFL since 1997, is proud to say that Jon Beason, Joey & Nick Bosa and Pat Surtain II all played their youth football at PPO as a Bengal. Beason, who was drafted 25th overall in 2007, was drafted from University of Miami and played for the Carolina Panthers & New York Giants. Joey Bosa was drafted from Ohio State in 2016 by the Los Angeles Chargers and was the 3rd overall pick. Nick Bosa, his brother, was also drafted from Ohio State in 2019 by the San Francisco 49ers and was the 2nd overall pick. In this year’s draft 2021, Pat Surtain II was drafted from Alabama and was the 9th overall pick by the Denver Broncos. “It is a proud feeling when you see these men grow up in your park,” PPO
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