A pioneer in the football event space, Rich created the U.S. Army Bowl in 2001, along with the Bowl’s showcase events, such as the U.S. Army National Combine and U.S. Army All-American Band. A former college wide receiver with a passion for athletic development and showcasing the next generation of playmakers, Rich sold his interest in the Bowl and All American Games in 2016 and has held no interest or involvement with any national high school all-star game before launching this event in 2022.
Rich led the Pro Football Hall of Fame Academy as Global Football Director, where he produced top events around the world, including a 7v7 National Championship, the nation’s biggest flag football event with over 250 teams, and the largest tackle championship with over 300 teams in Canton, Ohio. After COVID, Rich’s dream was to rebuild football by architecting America’s Biggest Life-Changing Week in Football as the new destination for top athletes, top teams, and recruiting scouts.
Rich is also an architect of The Ladies Ball Global Championship in partnership with the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame.
One of America’s legendary football coaches, Coach Mazzone has coached for 35 years at the college and NFL levels, including UCLA, Texas A&M, Ole Miss and the New York Jets. A former college quarterback, Mazzone has coached and scouted over 500 Division 1 prospects and 300 NFL Alumni. Coach Mazzone has a well-respected eye for talent.
In 2022, Coach Mazzone oversaw the Bowl Game Player Selection process and led over 30 former NFL and College Coaches to provide on-field coaching and evaluation during U.S. Army Bowl Combines, Showcase Events, and the US Army Bowl. Coach Mazzone also served as a television commentator for the Bally Sports National Signing Day Show.
David is the former President and CEO of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and former Commissioner of the Arena Football League. He is an attorney who once served as the Mayor and City Council member of Irvine, CA. A former collegiate athlete who played power forward at UC Irvine and in Europe. David has spent a lifetime developing young athletes in their ability and character. A father of two athletes, David’s son Sam played in the U.S. Army Bowl (2003) before enjoying a distinguished career at USC and with the Atlanta Falcons. While in Canton for almost eight years, David and his team grew the Pro Football Hall Fame brand, vision, and influence all over the world through events, programs, and media. David was also known by the public through his door “knocks” informing NFL legends of their acceptance to Canton. In 2018 he was presented the prestigious National Sports Leader of the Year Award by the March of Dimes.
A former football player and graduate of the U.S. Military Academy, General Van Antwerp has held leadership positions throughout his distinguished 39-year military career, including Commanding General U.S. Army Accessions Command at Fort Monroe, where he oversaw the recruitment and development of Army soldiers. Under General Van Antwerp’s leadership and guidance, the U.S. Army Bowl doubled in size and grew in influence through media and national outreach. He also served as Chief and Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. “General Van” has spent a lifetime leading people and helping young Americans develop leadership and character.
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