Raekwon McMillan Wants His Own Pickleball Court: In a spirited demonstration of camaraderie and community service, several New England Patriots players teamed up with members of the Massachusetts National Guard for a pickleball tournament at the Kingsbury Club in Medfield, Massachusetts. This event, part of the NFL’s Salute to Service initiative, combined competitive sports with a deep sense of appreciation for those who serve.
A Day of Fun and Friendly Competition?
As part of the ongoing support for military personnel, the New England Patriots Foundation organized a pickleball tournament, bringing together Patriots players and service members from the Massachusetts National Guard. Known for supporting military causes, the Patriots Foundation once again delivered an event that blended competition with community service.
Patriots linebacker Raekwon McMillan was particularly enthusiastic about the event. “I think I’m going to buy some land back home and build me a court,” he said. “I’ll invite all my buddies over so we can have a little tournament going.” His playful suggestion highlighted the fun atmosphere at the Kingsbury Club, where McMillan spent his Wednesday volunteering and enjoying the sport.
Strong Ties to the Military Community
Tuesday’s event was more than just a game of pickleball. It was an opportunity for the Patriots players to show their support for the military community, with over 60 service members participating. For punter Bryce Baringer, the event was a chance to bond with both teammates and those who serve. “We did this last year and it was a blast, so I knew I wanted to come back here and do it again,” Baringer shared. “It gets pretty intense, a little bit of crap talking with one another, but it’s a lot of fun.”
Baringer’s connection to the military runs deep. “I have a couple of friends of mine who are currently serving in the army, also have a close family friend who is a retired army pilot, so that’s always a reason I needed to want to give back to the military,” he added.
Support From Patriots Players and Coaches
McMillan, who hails from Fort Stewart, Georgia—a town known for its military presence—shared his personal connection to the event. “I grew up in a military town back where I’m from. It’s called Fort Stewart, Georgia. It’s one of the biggest ones east of the Mississippi, so I have a lot of love for the military.” His affection for the military community was palpable, as he reflected on the challenges military families face. “I grew up with a lot of military kids, military families. I have seen the struggles they deal with so I’m glad to be here and show love and appreciation for them.”
McMillan was joined by teammates Brenden Schooler and Sidy Sow, as well as the iconic Dante Scarnecchia, the former Patriots offensive line coach, who has developed a passion for pickleball post-retirement.
Learning From the Legend
For McMillan, competing against Scarnecchia initially felt intimidating. However, when the linebacker had the opportunity to team up with the legendary coach, it turned into a rewarding learning experience.
“When I was going against him it was a little intimidating, but when I had him on my team he was doing a lot to coach me up, He taught me about the game and helped me out, so it was fun.”-RaeKwon McMillan
This unique blend of fun, learning, and support for the military made the pickleball tournament a memorable event for all involved.
News in Brief: Raekwon McMillan Wants His Own Pickleball Court
Several New England Patriots players, including Raekwon McMillan and Bryce Baringer, teamed up with members of the Massachusetts National Guard for a pickleball tournament at the Kingsbury Club in Medfield, Massachusetts. The event, part of the NFL’s Salute to Service initiative, saw over 60 military service members join the competitive matches. Players like McMillan and Baringer expressed their deep connection to the military community, showing appreciation through friendly competition.
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