In an impressive showcase of talent, over 60 active NFL players gathered for the “Bring The Juice” Pro-Am golf tournament this past weekend at the Dragonfly Golf Club in Madera, California. This annual event was organized by Frank Dalena, a former walk-on wide receiver at Fresno State who has transitioned from football to a podcasting career.
Dalena expressed his vision for the event, stating, “The horse races are gone from the Fresno fairgrounds, why not make this the weekend where everyone who went to the horse races is now watching golf with NFL players?” Now in its fourth year, the tournament has become a notable occasion, attracting players such as Daron Bland, Ronnie Rivers, and Mykal Walker, alongside many others who may not have a direct connection to Dalena.
“A DM goes a long way,” Dalena mentioned when discussing how he reaches out to players. He emphasized that the event focuses on all athletes who love the game, not just the star quarterbacks or wide receivers. “There”s so many NFL players that are in the league that don”t get recognized as much, so I”m taking care of those guys that maybe aren”t the most known,” he added. Rasad Weaver, one of the participants, remarked, “It”s cool for someone to recognize that we”re still elite guys to come out here and have a good time.”
This year”s standout player was Cam Skattebo, a running back for the New York Giants. He has personal ties to the event, having roomed with Dalena”s brother Mac at the NFL combine. Skattebo notably wore his “Bring The Juice” hat on game day before facing off against the defending Super Bowl champions. “That”s where Skattebo comes into play, next year he brings Jackson Dart,” Dalena said, hinting at even more star power for future events.
The tournament introduced several unique attractions, including a cigar bar and a drive-through espresso martini bar. While Dalena insisted the event does not promote bad behavior, he acknowledged that certain indulgences are common on golf courses. He also mentioned a double-decker bar on hole 12, which he referred to as the student section, and a stadium set up at hole 16 for spectators to enjoy tee shots over the water.
Former Fresno State head coach Jeff Tedford noted the enjoyable atmosphere, saying, “It”s such a fun day you get out and enjoy the weather, sit next to this guy.” On Friday night, tournament sponsors had the opportunity to bid on players like Tedford and Marcus McMaryion to play in the pro-am on Saturday morning.
Mac Dalena expressed his pride in his brother”s efforts, stating, “Frank”s my brother, but to see him do this stuff it”s just like wow.” Proceeds from the event will benefit the Juice Foundation, which supports local youth sports programs, such as Madera Youth Boxing and an NIL program for walk-ons at Fresno State. “When you”re a walk-on, you don”t always get the same meal plan as a scholarship player,” Frank Dalena explained.
Dalena envisions his event as a blend of the Pebble Beach Pro-Am and the Waste Management Phoenix Open, hoping to expand even further next year. “To play a round of golf with Cam Skattebo in Fresno, California, isn”t something you see every day. Creating those experiences where it”s a nice sunny day in the Valley,” he concluded.
