I spent a significant amount of time considering whether to disclose these facts because I did not want to be perceived as a “has been that never was” seeking attention or an Uncle Rico unable to move on with life. Ultimately, I realized that my credibility discussing football requires disclosure of my knowledge and experience. This disclosure will also help people understand the context of my comedy material about football and other sports. Lastly, it is also helps explain my “statistically improbable life story.”
So, here it is:
High School
Played 4 years at College Park High School in Pleasant Hill, California (freshman, JV, and two years of varsity).
Two-way starter on offensive line (right tackle) and defensive line. Switched to tight end as a senior.
Starting punter and placekicker. I was born with a gift that first appeared as a child playing soccer who could kick the ball across the entire field. As a high school senior, I had the ability to kick a 60-yard field off the ground, so I chose to focus on punting and place kicking in college.
College
Began at UNLV as a “priority walk-on” punter and place kicker during an era when high school punters and place kickers rarely received a scholarship offer. As a true freshman, I was offered the starting position for kickoffs only, but chose to redshirt rather than use a year of eligibility.
Decided to transfer to a D3 school for a more traditional college experience.
Dropped out of college to become a Marine. Graduated from MCRD San Diego as a squad leader and SOI-West as a machine gunner (MOS 0331). Entered reserve duty and returned to college with a plan to have a career as a Marine Corps officer after I finished playing football.
Played at a D3 school where I recorded a 79-yard punt among many other long punts and field goals. Often played in ridiculous field and weather conditions kicking a block of ice in sludge. Learned the hard way that D3 football is dirty football. Career ended in middle of second season after a malicious late hit.
Transferred to San Jose State to finish my undergraduate degree.
After College
Spent many years privately studying football while working in accounting and finance roles.
While living in Las Vegas, I self-published two books on football power ratings and sports betting fundamentals.
Subsequently decided to pursue a career as a college football coach. I was hired as a defensive line coach at a Las Vegas public high school. Shortly before the start of the season, I re-injured my knee and realized that my body cannot handle the physical demands of a career as a college football coach. (While a student at San Jose State, I was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis, which ended my plan to become a Marine Corps officer and made any physically demanding job unrealistic.)
Commentary
While living in Las Vegas, I built a large following sharing content on football and sports betting. I was a frequent guest on a radio show in California. The sports betting commentary caused problems with defamation and stalkers, so I decided to stop sharing it.
A horrific tragedy occurred. I deleted everything and went silent for several years.
I’ve found the right path for me in life. It’s an ambitious path of standup comedy, acting, writing, economic commentary, and social commentary. I’m struggling with the decision about whether to become involved in politics.
Football and other sports commentary is a “serious hobby” that helps me enjoy life and avoid falling back into the silent darkness. I enjoy talking about football and other sports with other people, but have no interest in becoming a sports writer or sports talk show host.
Insights By Scott Ernst 