Kaleo Scores In
Tampa
Storm Quarterback John Kaleo, having his golden season, has
found a home in Tampa.
Brian ROSS
MLNSportsZone.com
Tampa, FL - 07/01/01
- At the center of the Storm is Quarterback John Kaleo.
The 6'3" quarterback
is making his sixth, and, he hopes, final stop in his caree. With the Storm,
he finds a financially-stable franchise with a loyal fan following. He has
helped the team bring other pieces together, like [position] James Bowden
who had played with Kaleo at New England.
His rewards? Kaleo has
one of the best records in the AFL. He's also a part of a team and a community
which he cares about, and which cares about him.
Six Inches Short
of Goal
For the 6'3" Kaleo,
there is no "Flutie factor." No allowance by the NFL for his height.
Five to six inches of stature would have dealt the gifted quarterback a
hand which would have included a stint in the NFL.
"I don't think
about it anymore," Kaleo says. "I'm making good money here, and
I'm getting a chance to do what I love."
Love Will Keep Him
Together
Kaleo loves football.
He'd have to. Seven teams in six years, including a start in Alberta with
the CFL in 1993, and AFL tour stops in Cleveland, St. Louis, San Jose, [Team]
and New England before finding a home in Tampa Bay. "Three of the teams
I was on folded," Kaleo says, adding regretfully, "There just
wasn't the stability that I needed there until Tampa."
He also has friends
aboard the Storm, survivors of his other teams. Receiver James Bowden was
also at New England. "This is our third year together," Kaleo
tells MLN. "We can read each other's mind."
The Amazing Kaleo isn't
the only one with mind reading powers. His line has managed to read the
defense, and keep him healthy. "Our line play is the biggest improvement
from last season," says Kaleo. "At the beginning of the season,
we only had one sack in our first five games."
The Face of the Storm
Kaleo was hired as much
for his public persona as for his skills on the field.The Storm wanted a
face, and it has it in the ruggedly handsome and affable Kaleo. He has his
own local radio show, he helps coach a local high school team, and he works
with Joshua House, a program for abused kids.
Kaleo's manner is easygoing
in our interview, yet there is a certain precision as his eyes address you,
and a crispness in his voice that remind you that he is a well-trained and
disciplined competitor with a warrior's spirit.
That face took a hit
not on the field, but off the field over Memorial Day Weekend, when Kaleo
was arrested for DUI (Driving under the influence). Profoundly embarrasssed,
John apologized publicly to the citizens of Tampa on his radio show. According
to sources at the Tampa Police Department, it was his first offense. According
to Kaleo, it is his last as well.
A testament to his good
works in the community was that the arrest did not tarnish his reputation
either with the public or his teammates. "Kaleo's a good kid,"
says Vin Carbone, owner of a small pizzeria, and fan of the Storm. "This
is a one-time deal for sure."
John the Salesman
Talk to Kaleo even briefly,
and you know why the Storm wanted him to be their pitch man.
What does Kaleo like about playing in the Arena Football League? "It's
a great consumer product," says John the Salesman. "It's high
scoring. It's fast-paced. The fans get involved. You can see the sweat,
feel the pain and joy."
Holder of the Magic
Key
Kaleo has been playing
football since his Pop Warner days when he was about eight. He attributes
his dedication to the sport to the strong influence that his father had
on his formative years. "I have great parents. Dad attended all of
my practices, and got me to games. Positive support, from your family and
your teammates, is the key."
Kaleo has turned the
key in that magic lock that has opened the door to a shot at the title for
the Storm. The Storm have an excellent venue, and a great following. 11,000-12000
fans attend games regularly. Combined with Kaleo's discipline, and a team
loyal to him, the Storm look to have many winning seasons ahead of them.
