By now you’ve probably heard of the remarkable performance Michael Slattery had last week for Sachem North football in a victory over Lindenhurst. A special education student at Sachem North, and a key figure in the football program, Slats recorded his first career fumble recovery and reception in the same game. Fans, players, coaches and anyone who knows Slats went absolutely wild with excitement. It was special.
Now Slattery’s story is in the running for some major national recognition. As part of the NFL’s “Together We Make Football” program, you can vote so that Slats could be one of 10 stories selected to become short films produced by the legendary NFL Films; five of those will win a trip to Super Bowl XLVIII, with the storytellers becoming part of the festivities.
“It was awesome,” he said last week after the game. “I have no words to describe this. I saw a fumble and jumped on it and I knew I could stay out there to catch a pass.”
CLICK HERE to VOTE for Michael Slattery’s story!
Text submitted to the “Together We Make Football” by Michael’s mom Laura:
My son Michael is a special education student at Sachem North High School, Long Island, New York. He has been a part of the football program at Sachem since 7th grade. He has had many memorable experiences but none greater than what happened on Oct. 25, 2013 a Friday night game vs. Lindenhurst. There was about 2 minutes left in the game and we were up 31-6. Head Coach David Falco put Michael in on defense and on the first play Michael recovered a fumble. He kept him in for the next play and the quarterback Mike Licata threw him the ball and Michael caught it!! 4 years playing high school football and he had his first ever career catch and fumble recovery!! As exciting as that was for my husband and I words can never express how overwhelmed we were by the reactions of those around us. The parents and students in the stands cheered, cried and hugged us. We could hear the players on the field chant his name as his friend and teammate Bryan Gresalfi lifted him in the air. The coaches were going crazy giving him high fives and jumping up cheering. He was presented with the game ball by Coach Falco. Since that game we have received calls, emails, texts and Facebook posts from all who were there to witness it as well as those who heard about it congratulating us. The way this school has embraced my son is incredible. We are so lucky to be a part of this program and part of this Sachem community!! Each time Michael steps on the field he is surrounded by coaches and teammates that show the true meaning of sportsmanship. Every week my husband and I are moved by the way the fans in the stands cheer for him. I know Sachem Football is known for winning and a tradition of excellence but it is so much more than that. Getting in the car to come home after Friday’s game Michael said the happiest person on the field was Coach Falco. As I said, this program, this school, this community is special and we are lucky to be a part of it. So, as much as the story is about how Michael beat the odds, and had a fumble recovery and a catch all in one game, it is more about the humanity and compassion of those around us. Football teaches so many life lessons, and we are so blessed that Michael from a young age, now a Senior in High School, has had football in his life.
CLICK HERE to VOTE for Michael Slattery’s story!
-Words by Chris R. Vaccaro