Golden State Giants football tryout Dec. 6

by The People’s Minister of Information JR

Tirrell Muhammad, chairman of the board of the directors of the Golden State Giants semi-pro football team, sat down with the SF Bay View newspaper to talk local football. He talks about some of the star players and upcoming open tryouts and introduces us to the some of the head honchos within the organization. Check him out.

Golden-State-Giants-player-214x300, Golden State Giants football tryout Dec. 6, Culture Currents
Golden State Giants player
Golden-State-Giants-Eric-Williams-225x300, Golden State Giants football tryout Dec. 6, Culture Currents
Golden State Giants’ Eric Williams

M.O.I. JR: Can you tell us the history of your semi-pro football team and the league you play in?

Tirrell Muhammad: It all started with Hudari Murray, a former player, barber at New Bill Barbershop and resident of San Francisco. He became a Hall of Famer in San Francisco from Galileo High six years ago. He saved the barber money he made to reinvest in his vision, the Golden State Giants Minor League Football Team. He brought the vision to me four years ago and we have made this into an organization that saves the lives of our youth 18 and over through organized sports.

M.O.I. JR: How do people off of the street walk on and try out?

Golden-State-Giants-Head-Coach-Jerome-Parson-200x300, Golden State Giants football tryout Dec. 6, Culture Currents
Golden State Giants Head Coach Jerome Parson

Tirrell Muhammad: The last tryout will be Dec. 6. All interested players must call us at 415-606-6294 or 415-424-8003 for application info etc. or visit our website at http://www.goldenstategiants.com/.

M.O.I. JR: Who are some of the star players on your team?

Tirrell Muhammad: There’s Marquez Shaw, quarterback, former all-city player in the AAA League and from Galileo High; Chris Collier, wide receiver and linebacker, a former George Washington student who received AAA Wide Receiver of the Year 2011; and John Shelnick.

John moved from Ohio to San Francisco and became homeless after an opportunity failed him. He lived in his car for almost a year. Then he found the Golden State Giants, tried out and became a great special team player for 2014 season. Since being homeless, he now rents a room and works for GotJunk.com and currently has been moved to special teams coach for our 2015 season.

M.O.I. JR: Who are the coaches, and what are their backgrounds?

Tirrell Muhammad: Jerome Parson, who moved to head coach for our 2015 season, coached the Pop Warner Seahawks for the SF Unified School District for several years. Offensive coach Antoine Evans, a former SF high school player, former player for Washington State and the College of San Mateo, came back to give back to his city. Defense coach Hudari Murray, a former player, coached Pop Warner for SF Unified School District. He has been inducted as a AAA Hall of Fame player and coach for his accomplishments.

Golden-State-Giants-President-John-Burton-300x200, Golden State Giants football tryout Dec. 6, Culture Currents
Golden State Giants President John Burton

Our new president, John Burton, has coached over 300 players in San Francisco over the past 19 years. His commitment to our youth continues in his service. Linda Burton is his late wife; her name has been approved for the renaming of the Bayview Library for her dedication and service as well.

M.O.I. JR: How was your win-lose ratio during last year’s season?

Tirrell Muhammad: Last season we faced several key player injuries and had a 2-8 season.

M.O.I. JR: Do you think that you are looking better this year?

Tirrell Muhammad: We look reeeeaaaaalllyyy GOOD!!! I’m excited about this year.

M.O.I. JR: How is the attendance at your games?

Golden-State-Giants-player-stats-300x168, Golden State Giants football tryout Dec. 6, Culture Currents
Golden State Giants player stats

Tirrell Muhammad: One hundred-plus and increasing. There are good opportunities for sponsors etc. The average age in attendance is from 25-45.

M.O.I. JR: Who are some of the other cities that you play against?

Tirrell Muhammad: Redding, San Jose, Sacramento, Oakland, Pittsburg, San Mateo, Gilroy, all throughout Northern California.

M.O.I. JR: How can people contact you?

Tirrell Muhammad: 415-606-6294 or 415-424-8003

The People’s Minister of Information JR Valrey is associate editor of the Bay View, author of “Block Reportin’” and “Unfinished Business: Block Reportin’ 2” and filmmaker of “Operation Small Axe” and “Block Reportin’ 101,” available, along with many more interviews, at www.blockreportradio.com. He can be reached at blockreportradio@gmail.com.