The pressure of big-time athletics is starting to get to Anthony Soprano Jr.
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| A.J. Soprano suddenly finds himself as the defensive captain of his football team. |
After sitting on the bench for the first three quarters last week, A.J. entered the game and made an immediate impact for his freshman football team. The budding defensive linemen pounced on a fumble on his first play in the lineup, setting the Falcons up with prime field position in enemy territory.
That effort caused the coach to name A.J. the team's defensive captain at the next practice, which prompted the son of notorious New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano to pass out -- a page from his father's playbook.
Was it the new responsibility of the captaincy that made No. 98 faint? Or was it his father's constant advice on how to become a better player? After all, Tony already has offered all kinds of football wisdom:
- "Work on your leverage and footwork. I used to hit the blocking sled until my shoulder was raw."
- Drink milk. "You need good strong bones for those open-field tackles."
- Throw your Nintendo out the window and focus on football.
- "Keep your eye on the ball. That's what it's all about."
- Watch the defensive tackles in the NFL and try to learn a good "spin move."
Surely, the kid can use a more authoritative source for advice on developing his football skills and dealing with all this pressure. That's where you come in.
Page 2 is calling on all its readers to help A.J. improve his gridiron skills. This isn't Meadow's brief flirtation with soccer last year, folks. This is serious business.
So respond in the box below to offer Anthony Jr. your best advice. We'll run the best responses next week ... and pass them along to the family.
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