Brad Johnson’s Journey to the Pop-A-Shot National Championship
Last year, former NFL quarterback Brad Johnson was captivated when he stumbled upon a broadcast of the Pop-A-Shot National Championship. The excitement he felt watching his favorite arcade basketball game showcased on a major platform reignited his competitive spirit, reminiscent of the thrilling moment when he led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to victory in Super Bowl XXXVII. On Friday, Johnson is set to compete among eight players in this year’s championship event in Orlando, following a strong performance that secured him a wild-card spot after he finished just three points shy of victory in a St. Louis regional qualifier in May.
High Stakes and Competitive Spirit
The event promises high stakes as competitors aim to dethrone the reigning champion, Josh Caputo from Montgomery, Illinois. Excitingly, the championship will be aired live on ESPN2.
“This is like ‘Top Gun’ for basketball arcade enthusiasts,”
Johnson noted, highlighting the caliber of talent gathered for the competition.
Training and Competition
Since acquiring a Pop-A-Shot machine for his home in January, Johnson has ramped up his practice, shooting as many as 1,700 basketballs a day, positioning himself as a compelling figure in the tournament. At 56, he stands as the oldest competitor and is notably a two-time Pro Bowler amidst a field largely featuring players in their early 40s with various professional backgrounds.
Jarrod Shappell, a 41-year-old San Francisco-based business consultant and one of Johnson’s adversaries, has honed his skills by practicing against professional basketball players. Shappell, who had notable victories in practice against Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski, believes the community of Pop-A-Shot aficionados exhibits a unique fervor akin to that seen in other niche cultures.
The Evolution of Pop-A-Shot
The Pop-A-Shot competition, which has gained a competitive edge since its invention by college coach Ken Cochran in 1981, has evolved significantly over the years. The original design transformed into a modern-day game that allows players to shoot basketballs aimed at a single small hoop, with the scoring system now incorporating increased strategy and timing.
Tony Stucker, who revitalized the Pop-A-Shot brand after acquiring it in 2016, has played a key role in expanding its reach into online sales and re-establishing the National Championship after a 25-year hiatus. Stucker secured various partnerships with NCAA teams and has overseen the organization of qualifiers at major sporting events, ramping up interest and competition levels significantly.
Facing Skepticism and Embracing the Challenge
Johnson initially faced skepticism regarding his wild-card entry, given his background as a former NFL player; however, this has not dampened his enthusiasm or competitive spirit. Revealing that every player he faced was eager to win despite his stature, he indicated,
“They want to beat you, and they want to beat you bad.”
As he prepares for the championship, Johnson reminisced about his college basketball days, during which he played for Florida State while also pursuing football. Now he aims to embrace the quirky world of Pop-A-Shot competition, bringing his practice and determination into a new arena.
Conclusion
In this unique pursuit of glory, Johnson is keenly aware that skills honed on the football field do not necessarily translate into success on the arcade court.
“It’s just a fun event to be a part of,”
he concluded, looking forward to the challenge ahead.
