We recently had the chance to visit with Amber Barrick from the Lingerie Football League’s Cleveland Crush and ask her a few questions about football, her career and life in general. See what we found out about this amazing woman and athlete. (DSB – Drew’s Sports Blog/Interviewer, AB – Amber Barrick)
DSB: Why did you join the LFL?
AB: I joined the LFL because I wanted to be a part of a growing league that empowers beautiful, athletic and talented women to play a sport they always wanted to.
DSB: How long have you been in the LFL?
AB: This is my rookie season with the Cleveland Crush.
DSB: Did you play in any other professional football leagues before the LFL?
AB: No, this is my first football league.
DSB: How did you hear about the LFL?
AB: My friend Tracey, she plays for the Tampa Breeze.
DSB: How long do you see yourself playing football?
AB: As long as possible. I can’t get enough of it right now. All the emotions and excitement that is building for our first game is such an adrenaline rush that I look forward to every practice and time spent with my teammates.
DSB: What do you like most about playing football in the LFL?
AB: I like the challenge of playing and learning a different sport. I completely enjoy interacting with other players and fans and found great friendships in my teammates.
DSB: What don’t you like about playing football in the LFL?
AB: The perspective that we are just “girls” running around and playing powder-puff. This is TACKLE! It’s exciting to see people’s faces as they realize we are actually talented athletes and this is REAL football with a little more skin showing.
DSB: What would you change about the LFL, if anything?
AB: I definitely wouldn’t have gone thru the struggle of being authorized to play from the Coast Guard or through all the cuts if there was something I was against.
DSB: Are you worried about getting hurt?
AB: Been there, done that. I’m focused on Sept 23rd’s game now.
DSB: Are you a football fan?
AB: ABSOLUTELY!
DSB: Who is your favorite Team?
AB: The Cleveland Browns, my grandpa raised me on team.
DSB: Who is your favorite player?
AB: I like both Tom Brady & Ochocinco and you will see me sporting a Pats jersey just for them. Now that they are on the same team I’m stoked!
DSB: Who is your favorite actor or actress?
AB: Cameron Diaz, she seems down to earth and carries herself in a classy and sexy fashion.
DSB: What is your favorite food?
AB: I’m a new fan of Thai but the way to my heart is Sour Patch Kids. Hands Down!
DSB: If you were not playing in the LFL what would you be doing?
AB: Same thing I do every day, I’m active duty Coast Guard and proud to admit it.
DSB: What do you like to do when you are not playing football?
AB: I have three gorgeous dogs that I could talk about them all day; I spend my down time with them. I also enjoy running, tanning and just kicking it with friends.
DSB: Do you have a boyfriend/husband?
AB: I knew this question would come up. I’m very much single… there’s always that crush but sometimes timing doesn’t work out for the both.
DSB: What do you look for in guy?
AB: I like guys confident, that’s the sexiest trait ever. I will admit to slightly lean towards someone else that is athletic and shares the same drive to win as I do. I also tend to be a bit bull-headed (I am a Taurus after all!!) so I need someone that challenges me and doesn’t give in to everything I want to do or say. It’s all about balance…
DSB: What do you plan to do after?
AB: I plan of completing more schooling and continue my career in the Coast Guard. It’s wonderful that I’m able to do both and hope both the CG and LFL are supportive and proud of me.
DSB: What would you say to the parents of young girls that say that the LFL is just about exploiting women and not about football and therefore they don’t want their child exposed the league?
AB: I have two younger female cousins who look up to me and view me as a role model to them. I would not have joined a league that “exploited” women. Yes we wear a version of booty shorts and a sports bra, go to the beach or pool and you’ll catch less material on girls than what we wear. What people don’t understand about the LFL is that they promote a healthy, active and fit lifestyle. The LFL is breaking down barriers of football being a “man’s sport” and the girls that play are profession, athletic as well as being beautiful inside and out.
DSB: Tell us something about yourself that your fans don’t know about Amber.
AB: I get my motivation from my fans. Before every practice I scroll thru the comments and use it as motivation to look better, be better and give the fans a reason to want to follow me.
As you can see this is an amazing woman that serves her country as well as her fans. We wish her the best of luck for taking the time to do this interview and hope that we get a chance to catch up with here again later in the season.
Follow Amber on Twitter @AmberBarrick or you can find her fan page on Facebook (search “Amber Barrick Fan Page). Check out the Lingerie Football League at www.lflus.com to find all of the Cleveland Crush’s upcoming home games.
Follow us on Twitter @DrewsSportsBlog or check us out at www.drewssportsblog.com.