Meet Romeo Pellum. He plays Defensive Back for the arena football team, LA Kiss. He’s dishing on football, family and how to overcome adversity. You can learn more about the LA Kiss and Romeo by visiting their website. They’re not currently in season, so you have plenty of time to become a new fan!
The Sports Brat: You’re a defensive back for the LA Kiss, what’s the biggest difference between traditional football and arena football?
Romeo Pellum: The biggest difference is the size of the field obviously, but from a DB standpoint you also have wide receivers running at you pre snap.
TSB: What has been the biggest change for you?
RP: The biggest change for me is adjusting to the size of the field, the running start by the WR’s and the angles you have to take as a defensive back.
TSB: You ran into some issues at Washington State early on in your career, how were you able to overcome them and get to where you are today?
RP: I just kept God first and kept pushing. My mom really helped me overcome everything and was with me every step of the way. When you really want something, nothing or no one can stop you from getting/achieving it.
TSB: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
RP: Keep God first, everything else will follow.
TSB: We know you’ve had to overcome injuries in your line of work, what’s the best advice you can share about overcoming obstacles?
RP: In sports, just like in life, we will face adversities. If you want something bad enough you will find a way to get it, and you will not let anything stop you from getting it.
TSB: At The Sports Brat, we focus on the positive side of sports. What do you think is the best thing you get from being a professional athlete?
RP: I’d say the credibility, which makes it easier when approaching/ talking to the youth.
TSB: You have a well-known “boss.” What’s is like working for Kiss members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley?
RP: Its awesome! Those guys are great, I feel like they are friends now, not so much a boss.
TSB: What’s your very favorite thing about game day?
RP: My favorite part about game day is playing in front of all my family, friends and the great fans we have here in LA.
TSB: Switching gears a bit, can you tell us what your go to style is for off days?
RP: My off days are usually spent training young kids so I’m usually in workout clothes. When I do get dressed, I’m usually in a pair of Levi’s, V-neck t-shirt, and a snapback. I always go for comfort.
TSB: What’s currently on your pre game playlist?
RP: Gospel, YG, T.I., Future, Rich Homie Quan, and Rich Gang are just a few.