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JUST A KID FROM FALL RIVER

The People

“This was probably the most important interview of the entire film. It was an honor to have him share his outlook on my path. He still resides in Fall River today and knows my story backwards. He's got a huge heart and is the hardest worker I know. We've been through a lot together. He's the best brother anyone could ask for. Thank you for being an amazing brother and a huge part of this film Mike!”

“If my brother was the most important interview for this film, then Coach Jim Reid is a close second. Coach Jim Reid sat down with Monarch Productions for over two hours as he told my entire story from recruiting to NFL Draft process. Jim Reid is without a doubt one of the greatest college football coaches that has ever lived. I hit the lottery when he offered me a scholarship. He was the first and only to see something special in me. No other coaches thought I had a prayer to play college football until Coach Reid offered me. He saw a few average plays and decided he could coach me to be a solid player. This man was beyond tough. He ran a tight program, packed with discipline and emphasized TEAMWORK. He taught me how to think on and off the field, as well as the importance of paying attention to the detail. Yes, he was TOUGH, but he cared more than anyone when it came to his players. He also made academics the priority. Every single player graduated. Most with honors which they didn't even achieve in high school. This is the type of coach that parents beg to recruit their son. It was a huge honor to play for this man and grow up under his watch. Thank you for participating in this film Coach Reid. You've impacted the lives of thousands of athletes and their families. I can only hope to impact this world the way you have. Thank you.”

“This is Coach Joe Cullen. I cannot even describe how tough he was to play for. Ask anyone who has ever played for him. If you didn’t go 100 miles an hour you were going to have a very bad day. Players called him crazy, insane, psycho, and nasty. But they also called him THE BEST. Coach Cullen took countless players who no one recruited or wanted and turned them into All-Americans. He wouldn’t make you do a drill 2 or 3 times if you messed up, he’d make you do it 10-15 times full speed. Players cringed at his non-stop screaming from the meeting room to the end of practice and into the looker room. Two important things to remember whenever you hear the name Joe Cullen. 1. He held you accountable because he cared 2. He’s one of the smartest coaches in the NFL today. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without his tough love. ”

“Every interview filmed by Monarch Productions has been incredibly important for the @justakidfromfallriver documentary. This is without a doubt the most special. My wife, Melanie Tillbrook Megna sat down with Randy West to discuss how we met and how we live our lives together. She’s the most important person in my life and makes me want to be a better man each and every day. Thank you for choosing me and making me the luckiest guy in the planet. Love you”

This is Bob Bogan. He was my Highschool football coach and one of the few people that believed in me. He pushed me very hard. One day he told me that I had to give more than everyone else to be great person and football player. At the time I didn’t know what it meant. However, whenever he saw me giving less than my best he hammered me. He didn’t want me to be average. He would scream “push yourself! World harder!” It sunk in. I’ll forever be in debt to him for going out of his way to hold me accountable. I saw so many amazing high school athletes who ended up fizzling out. They succumb to the social pressure of drugs and alcohol. I idolized many of these fallen athletes. However, it was a powerful reminder to stay on course and keep my focused on my goals. I thank the city and the people for supporting a kid from Fall River. Thank you Bob Bogan for caring enough to be hard on me and many more. I’m extremely grateful.

This is my cousin Brian. He was someone who I looked up to a great deal as a kid. He was so kind to me as a young boy. He always knew when I was feeling uncomfortable and used his amazing personality and humor to lighten the mood. Brian was beyond smart in the classroom and was an outstanding high school hockey player. The one thing I always appreciated as a kid was how much he cared and looked out for me. He would often tell me stay clear of trouble and stay on course. There’s not a better heart on this planet. Thanks for being such a great cousin Brian. I can’t thank you enough for being a part of the @justakidfromfallriver film by Monarch Productions.

I’ve had so many amazing people contribute to my growth and journey. When I take a step back and think about why they decided to help I come up with one answer. They have big hearts. They didn’t just help me along the way they’ve helped many. @randycarlosbakery has been a mentor, friend, and guide along my path. He saw something in me that most wouldn’t have even noticed. Many years ago he saw a crazy kid (kind of) picking things up from they floor to keep the facility clean. That was the start. Many life lessons later we are still here working to create something special.
I’ve been called obsessive and foolish for this behavior. My entire life I’ve focused on the smallest of details in any task or job. Randy is one of the few who not only noticed, but saw great value in this mindset and behavior. The lesson-practice what you preach and you’re always on stage. I can’t begin to tell you I fortunate I to have his friendship and mentorship. From they day I met him he’s always looked out for me and supplied positive energy to the world. Thank you Randy for taking time to sit down with @monarchproductions to be an important part of @justakidfromfallriver documentary.

I played college football with this incredible person Rahmaan Streater at University of Richmond. Not only was he a phenomenal athlete, but he was also an outstanding student. He was a gift as a leader and TEAMMATE. From the gridiron to Wall Street. I was fortunate to be surrounded by special people who taught me what it meant to be accountable. Yes, we had a responsibility to ourselves to push and be accountable. But we had an even bigger responsibility to each other. When you see your TEAMMATES killing themselves to be better, the last thing you want to do is let them down. We had each others backs and were always there to help when needed. The foundation of the entire program was based on accountability. You can apply this lesson to any aspect of life. Thank you Rahmaan Streater for being an amazing friend, TEAMMATE, and making time to be a part of this very special project.

This is one of the hardest working and humble guys I know. His name is Joe Douglas. He is a dear friend and was one of my TEAMMATES at the University of Richmond. He was just hired to be the General Manager of the New York Jets. What people don’t know is it took him 20 years of grunt work that no one saw. Months of time away from his family. He grinded it out as a junior scout for the better part of two decades as he climbed the ranks. I practiced against Joe everyday in college. He always brought the best out of me. I have tremendous RESPECT for his drive and character. He’s one of my many TEAMMATES who have achieved at a high level and continue to climb. There are so many lessons we could pull from his journey. I believe the most important is patience and persistence. Click on the link in my bio to see footage of Joe in the TV show HARD KNOCKS in his first year with the Ravens. Also, Joe was the head of Player Personnel when the Eagles won their last Super Bowl. Thank you Joe for being a part of the @justakidfromfallriver film project. Another shoutout to @monarchproductions for his relentless work on this project.

This is a very special guy. His name is Anwar Stewart. He was my teammate when I played for the Montreal Alouettes. He’s now a very talented college football coach. He was an outstanding player. Fast, athletic, and rushed the passer with reckless abandon. Not only was he a great player, but he was also a great person. On and off the field he was dependable and caring. We had a awesome TEAM and a very aggressive defensive unit. It was an honor to play opposite him as a defensive end. He sat down with @monarchproductions to be a part of the @justakidfromfallriver film project. Thanks for being an amazing teammate and friend Stu.

I’m from Fall River, Massachusetts. I know what that means when people hear it. I’ve always viewed it as a blessing. I’m absolutely a product of my environment. Chris Peckham and his uncle Bobby Peckham have been AMAZING friends my entire life. Hardworking, honest, and beyond loyal. At a very young age Bobby would tell me to stay out of trouble and away from the negative things in the city. It was huge having him in my corner and looking out for me. Chris’s positive energy and support is unmatched. Both humble Fall River natives who add great value to the community. Thank you both for sitting down with @monarchproductions and being a part of the @justakidfromfallriver film project. #508

When I arrived in Montreal I hated it. Playing football there was an incredible experience, but I was an outsider as a new resident. Everything changed when I met Max. Yes, Max is a popular and positive figure in Montreal. But his character and caring heart was the reason I had a great in experience in the city. He has become a lifelong friend and brother. When I tore my knee he was the only person who came to visit daily. He sent food and things to cheer me up. He’s an incredible friend. Kind and loyal to the end. Thx for all you have done Max. I could never repay you for your kindness. He sat down with @monarchproductions to be a part of the @justakidfromfallriver film project.

When I was a kid I really needed positive people in my life. I would do whatever it took to spend time around them. This is my good friend Big Mike. I would go to his barbershop to get my hair cut every two weeks. He knew we didn’t have a lot of money and would rarely charge me. He always took care of me and looked out for me. Many days I found myself sitting there just to be in the environment. Sometimes I would pick up sandwiches from Marzillis Bakery and hand deliver them to Mike. He would work and I would listen. He gave me great advice and made sure I stayed away from anything negative. Fall River people look out for each other. In the worst of times you could always count on them to support you and lay a helping hand. I’m blessed to have him in my life. Thank you Mike for sitting down with Randy from @monarchproductions and being a part of the @justakidfromfallriver film project.

In college I spent more time with this guy than anyone on the TEAM. This Elio Imbornone. He was my Roomate for 4 years. Yes, he was a great teammate. But he was also a trusted friend, caring person, and very dependable when needed. We both went on our recruiting visit together. In fact, we called each other the night before we committed to Richmond. We had a lot in common. We’re both from Massachusetts, liked the same kind of comedy, music, and coincidentally both of our mothers were named Pauline. Elio was that one friend who always helped you when times got tough. He could make you laugh without saying a word. He would joke on players and coaches. My family would ask about him before they asked how I was doing. Going through training camp and challenging practices waseasy with Elio there. Thank you brother for being a great friend and teammate. A huge thank you for sitting down with Randy from @monarchproductions and being a part of the @justakidfromfallriver film project. #508

I met Luis Buron several years after working at a corporate wellness facility in Miami Beach, FL. He had just started in our industry and was learning the ropes as a young trainer. I was impressed by his energy and thirst to improve. We spent so many early morning hours training together over the years. Funny thing is training had nothing to do with training. It was about committing and consistency. Pushing yourself when you didn’t want to. The other side was our conversations. We would talk about training, but a lot about life. So many great talks. Having someone there to listen when things are challenging was a blessing. He became a close friend and positive person in my life. I’ve watched him go from rookie trainer, to manager, and beyond. I could go on for days about his positive influence on many. Thank you for being a part of the @justakidfromfallriver film project by @monarchproductions . Thank you for your friendship and great energy!

This is a very important person in my life. This is Coach Jeff Hanson. He was one of my coaches at the University of Richmond. He was tough. When you first met him you think he hates you. Why? Because he’s very hard on his players. He pushed them and expects great effort all of the time. The standards he held us to were very high. We all quickly appreciated and realized the fact that he cared just as much or more than anyone. There’s a saying in coaching that states the following. When a coach stops yelling at you that means he no longer cares about you. This was absolutely true when it came to coach Hanson. I can’t tell you how special he is. All I can say is that every player he’s ever coached feels the same. He has been a huge factor in my development as an athlete and person. We still talk and have stayed connected for the last 20 years. Thank you Coach Hanson for being so hard on me. A big thank you for sitting down with @monarchproductions and being a part of the @justakidfromfallriver film project.

Growing up my cousin Chris was one of my hero’s. I looked up to him because he was a great student, terrific hockey player, and an awesome person. He always included me in things when our family would visit. I’m not sure he knows how much that meant to me as a shy insecure boy. Another fun fact, he would show me how to stick handle and use my brother and I as targets when he would practice, lol. He is also partly responsible for starting my obsession with movies. Particularly the ROCKY series. We would go every time a new film was released. He was an amazing cousin. In this clip he tells a great story about dinners at my grandmother's house. She was an incredible cook. A small woman in stature who stirred a big pot of sauce. Several times I had my New England Patriots TEAMMATES over for a big Italian dinner. It was a comical sight to see so many large men at her tiny table, to add great value to the community. Thank you Chris for sitting down with @monarchproductions and being a part of the @justakidfromfallriver film project. #508

Surrounding yourself with like-minded people who are driven is one of the hardest things to do today. I have so much RESPECT for this guy. He was one of my teammates and captains at the University of Richmond. Talk about a worker. He entered Richmond as a 6’5 220lb all-star QB. He was asked to play H-back and then TE to help out the TEAM. He did just that. He got up in weight and was moved to offensive guard. Zero complaints. He left Richmond as an All-American and was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs as 6’5 315lb offensive lineman. I firmly believe that Eric would’ve been successful at any position he played. Why? It was work ethic and attitude. How many guys would do whatever it takes to better their TEAM with zero complaints. Very few. He was without a doubt one of the smartest and toughest players I’ve ever played against. Thx for pushing me Eric. Thank you for being a part of this very special project.

I’m very fortunate to be surrounded by several extraordinary people. Barry Sternlicht is no exception. He’s a great example of enormous success paired with humble energy. He’s the co-founder, chairman, CEO of Starwood Capital Group, and involved in countless projects. I began working with him a few years ago and immediately noticed his work ethic and focused mentality. He takes fitness seriously and always makes time to train. I wouldn’t have time to tell you how much I’ve learned from this gentleman, but there’s a long list. I’m fortunate to partner with him having @anatomy @1hotels with great things in the works. Thank you Barry for trusting me with your training, partnering, and taking time to sit down with Monarch Productions to be an important part of @justakidfromfallriver documentary.

This is my good friend Anna Roma. When I arrived in Montreal I didn’t know a soul. She was one of the first people to be kind to me when she didn’t have to. Always going out of her way to make me feel welcomed and at home. She was a huge help and great friend. Not only is she an incredible human being, but she’s also an intense worker. She’s successful because of her work ethic and focused mentality. I’m so proud of her for making an important body and life transformation. She had a goal to transform her body and did just that. I worked with her on her journey and she took everything I threw at her and kept pushing. Tons of hardwork coupled with great consistency got her to the finish line. I’m fortunate to have her as a friend in my life. Thx for your kindness Anna and being apart of the @justakidfromfallriver film project.

I have a great deal of respect for Chris Paciello . Yes, he’s been an awesome business partner, but he also leads by example. Most people want the praise and the applause, but don’t want to go through the stuff that isn’t glamorous away from the bright lights. The night before we opened I saw something special that most people do not know. As we set up @anatomy 1220 we found ourselves inside a dumpster attempting to smash down all the trash to clear the parking lot. We remained inside that dumpster until the early morning hours. He didn’t flinch. Working with his head down with zero rest. At that point I realized we had more in common than I thought and appreciated how fortunate I was to be partnered with Chris. It’s hard to find people who will do whatever it takes to make things happen. He does exactly that. Thank you for being a terrific business partner, worker, and sitting down w/ Monarch Productions to be a part of the @justakidfromfallriver film project.

This is COACH Frank Leonard. I capitalized the word COACH because he is the very definition of the word. When I met him he was an assistant on the University of Richmond staff. However, he was paid as a restricted earnings coach. That meant he made barely enough money to eat. It didn’t matter to him. He loved the game, his athletes, and the coaching life. He brought unbelievable energy and worked his ass off. After 8 years he left Richmond. Coached at several division 1 schools and went on to be the first Offensive Line scouting specialist for the New England Patriots. You’ve probably never heard of that position. That’s because it was created for him. Imagine being so good at your job they create positions because that's how much they need your services. Well that’s exactly what the Patriots did. Ask anyone who played for Coach Leonard and they will rave about his attention to detail, but more importantly the way he cared about his players. He was a gift to the athletes I played with and the other coaches. Thank you COACH Leonard for caring the way you did and being a part of the @justakidfromfallriver film project.

This is my friend Annie Palumbo. We grew up together in Fall River, Massachusetts. At our 1st grade graduation her father brought in a VHS camera to film the ceremony. During graduation each student was asked which profession they wished to pursue. Down the line they went. The answers were mixed. Lawyer, doctor, police officer, veterinarian, etc. When turn came I was so nervous, but had decided I would share my dream. “What do you want to be when you grow up Marc?” “I want to play professional football for the New England Patriots.” The entire room erupted with laughter. I’m sure it was funny coming from a small boy who had no idea what that actually meant. However, I learned a very valuable lesson. Our greatest detriment is not setting a goal too high it’s setting a goal too low. When people laugh at your goals take it as a positive. That means you’re aiming high. Shoot for the things that other people say you can’t have and go to work. This approach has nothing to do with proving yourself to others. It has everything to do with putting in the work, making the sacrifices, and following through. Thank you Annie for your life long friendship and sitting down with @monarchproductions to be a part of the @justakidfromfallriver film project. #508

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I met Andrew Garven in my second season with the Montreal Alouettes. He was an intern who was responsible for breaking down film. Sounds like a low level job. However, his job was one of the most important. When he started he wasn’t even getting paid. He spent his life in that film room breaking down game footage. I immediately respected him a great deal. He put in years of work helping us become the best TEAM possible. He was without a doubt one of the smartest guys in any room who had a knack for communicating with people. Our entire TEAM started to understand how important he was to our organization. Because of his hard work and attention to detail, he transitioned into the sports supplements world where we were reunited. We worked together for another decade and built an awesome friendship. Having positive people like Andrew in my life has been a blessing. He’s one of the most genuine humans on the earth and has a heart of gold. Thank you for sitting down with Monarch Productions to be a part of the @justakidfromfallriver film project. Thanks for being an amazing influence and friend.

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