Former NFL star makes debut at Open Championships
Maddox, 38, first set out on the lanes as a youngster in the Milwaukee area and continued bowling with family and friends throughout his high school and college days, but he devoted all of his time to football after being drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 1991.
Even though he's played in huge stadiums in front of thousands of fans, which includes three Super Bowl appearances (1992, 93 and 94), Maddox still got a little nervous making his first march down the center aisle at the Open Championships.
"When my job was to go out and tackle Emmitt Smith in the Super Bowl, I was hyped and excited, but I wasn't nervous," Maddox said. "But marching down center aisle in this setting is an experience I've never had before. I felt like my heart was about to come out of my chest."
In his debut, Maddox posted 542 in doubles, 481 in singles and 414 in team for a 1,437 all-events total at the American Bank Center Exhibit Hall.
Before finishing his football career with the Arizona Cardinals, Maddox made a living tackling people from the linebacker position. And although the challenges are notably different, he offered his perspective on what makes bowling a legitimate sport.
"After bowling, I usually feel just as sore in my knees, elbow and other places," Maddox said. "Just because it may not be a competitive sport where you're going against someone physically, that doesn't mean you're not out there working up a sweat. Plus, you're also trying to keep your mental game sharp by reading the lane conditions and struggling to understand ball reactions."
Presenting sponsors for the 2006 USBC Open Championships are Eldorado, Silver Legacy and Circus Circus Hotel/Casinos in Reno, Nev. Other participating sponsors are Kegel, official lane maintenance provider, Texas State Aquarium, Majestic Ventures Yacht Charters, Inc., USS Lexington Museum and Texas Treasure Casino Cruises.
For more information on the USBC Open Championships, visit USBCOpen.com.
