LongSnapper – Page 15

Dear Vegas,

January 18, 2012 By Rubio

Dear Vegas,

I just wanted to send you a quick note to thank you for your hospitality this weekend. I know you have a lot going on with concerts, conventions and shows but I really don’t think you truly understand what occurred within the last 96 hours. Allow me to explain….

You housed the largest Long Snapping Event that the world has ever encountered. That’s right, you had over 160 Long Snappers representing almost 40 states, two countries and ranging in ages from 13 to 20 in your city on Saturday and Sunday. They all came to your city to learn and compete against one another. I am pretty confident you noticed who they were as they tend to spend more time upside down than right side up and often can snap a ball faster than they can actually throw it the “normal” way. I also heard that many fully embraced your 24 hour buffet pass (great idea by the way), several were spotted actually stopping traffic with an impromptu flash mob and one Long Snapper with a plethora of personality actually proposed to a random woman! Given, she said yes as she obviously knew Long Snappers are a handsome bunch with hearts of gold. (breathe parents, the proposal, although actually acted out, was just a joke by the Long Snapper).

It was truly a tremendous weekend with several firsts. For the first time, there was a Long Snapper that stood closer to 7′ tall than 6′. He was a fine young man that ended up winning the whole event. For the first time, I had two high school Long Snappers snap a ball 15 yards under .60 seconds! I know your city is used to seeing amazing things, but let me explain just how rare that is…..really, really rare:) Even more impressive, one of the Long Snappers is just a junior! For the first time, there was 13 college and pro instructors (usual number is 6-9) that were outstanding in all aspects and made my job a lot easier.

With all the staggering numbers, you would think the actual snapping was the top “thing” of the weekend. Hardly. As you probably noticed, I had my sunglasses on for a heavy majority of the weekend. Two reasons: 1) my eyes are very sensitive to light and 2) I don’t want anyone to know where I am actually looking. In being hidden with my viewing, I was able to spy out many things. I saw great snaps from all over the field (given). I saw push up bets with participants and instructors about getting perfect laces on pats. I saw Long Snappers fully embracing one another when seeing each other for the first time after a long hiatus. I saw parents catching up with old friends that they have met through the Long Snapping world. I saw parents holding their breath while their son was testing on The Target. I saw veteran Long Snappers ooze with confidence. I saw college and pro Long Snappers go from being shy about the pro demo to fighting over reps. I saw two thirds of The Triplets telling stories and sporting, shockingly, all black. I saw, and continue to see, Facebook and Twitter literally blowing up with updates from your city. I saw countless texts from college Long Snappers who wished they were back in your city for this Event.

The final thing I saw was the most powerful. I saw parents and Long Snappers not wanting to leave when the weekend was over. I stood back. Watched. Observed. Tons of Long Snappers and parents congregating on the field well after the last ball was snapped trying to find an excuse to not leave. It was like a party that you simply didn’t want to end. I loved it. My heart was full.

As I write this, I almost get a bit sad thinking that the weekend is over and we must move on. But, then I stop and realize we will do it all again soon.

See you in May, Vegas! You have fair warning. Be ready for the Long Snappers. They are a unique group………and they don’t like it too hot, so see if you can work on that for them:)

With Much Appreciation,

Rubio

(Click HERE to have me read you this blog)_________________________________________________________________

Rubio Long Snapping is, by far, the biggest and best resource for Long Snappers in the country. Offering the best instruction and most exposure in the world. Rubio Long Snapping can help you to become the best snapper you can be!

In just 12 years, Chris Rubio, President and Owner of Rubio Long Snapping, has become the #1 Long Snapping instructor in the country and the go-to man when a college coach needs a Long Snapper. Colleges from across the country rely on “Rubio’s” word day in and day out on who the best Long Snappers are in the country. Rubio Long Snapping has assisted in over 300 Long Snappers earning FULL SCHOLARSHIPS to major colleges and universities just for Long Snapping and many into the NFL as well.

Filed Under: Article Archives, Deep Snapper, Humor, Long Snapper, Parenting, Vegas Tagged With: Chris Rubio, deep snap, deep snapper, deep snapping, Long Snap, long snapper, long snapping, Long Snapping Camp, LongSnapper, LongSnapping, Rubio Long Snapper, Rubio long snapping, Thank you Vegas, Vegas

Target

January 11, 2012 By Rubio

In honor of the 10th Annual National Snapping Event sponsored by Nike in Las Vegas in a couple of days, I have decided to have a Rubio Long Snapper (who wishes to remain anonymous) enlighten us with an essay he wrote for a class in high school. I read it last year and had this week in mind for it’s unveiling. I think you will know why once you get to reading this solid piece of work. With no further adieu, I give you Target by ______________.

Target

Sparks fired from the bottom of my spine as I heard my name announced. After two days of grueling preliminaries, I had miraculously made the “Top 12” finals round of the prestigious National Long Snapping Competition held in Las Vegas, Nevada. This unique competition showcases hundreds of trained high school athletes battling for a glimmer of a glance from college football coaches by faultlessly throwing a ball upside down and backwards through their legs.

Rating high enough to make the finals was miraculous to me because my left arm had been useless for the past two months due to an injury to my shoulder. Even though I had prepared all year for this event, the injury definitely had set me back quite a bit as my doctor had just okayed me to use my arm the previous week.

Because it seemed implausible that I could win, my tense muscles relaxed as the contest began. The crowd settled and I calmly snapped my first ball … straight into the target. One after another, my long snaps inexplicably flew directly into the net of the target. Applause erupted each and every time I won and, surprisingly, soon I was prepping for the final round of the highly respected National Long Snapping Title.

The buzz of chatter filled the damp field air and although doubts still clouded my mind, my body was operating on its’ own. My final opponent, the top ranked snapper in the country, was an unstoppable machine who snapped hard without losing consistency or accuracy. I cleared my mind of this thought as I scanned the bundled up crowd quietly sitting on the cold green turf and smiled at my luck so far. As my name was called, I swiftly bounced up ready to face my fate. If I hit the target, the title was mine. I firmly set my feet the perfect distance from the ball, squatted myself lower while resting my elbows on my knees. My right arm extended to grip the ball while my left arm moved a moment after the right. Once I had full control, my weight shifted back to my heels. I tightened up like a spring, ready to release. Simultaneously, my legs locked out while my upper body and arms went through the opening between my legs. As my arms reached the furthest my flexibility could handle, I extended my wrists and locked out my fingers to release the ball. Fifteen yards and less than a second later the ball flew … into the net!

The crowd went crazy as my opponent and I gaped in amazement. Hands were flying in my face, camera lights were flashing and the buzz was contagious. I was filled with emotion – shock, happiness, disbelief and awe.

As I pondered how I could have won, my answer silently came … the only answer I found … faith. I believe faith releases our fears and allows us to be calm in spite of what is going on and I know that is exactly what happened that day. This particular event was very significant to me because it was such a big leap of faith. Considered the most important long snapping event of the year, I knew that I had to do well to prove myself or suffer the consequences of a poor performance. The pain in my shoulder kept me from practicing and I even questioned whether I should attend the event, but something kept me going and I am very grateful. My muscle memory clicked in leading me to my first National Title and proof that nothing is impossible.

(Click HERE to have this blog read to you by me)_________________________________________________________________

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I Do Declare

January 4, 2012 By Rubio

I was recently speaking to a good friend of mine who asked me, out of the blue, “What are you doing for Rubio Long Snapping today?” It was a morning text that really got my wheels turning. I sat there, held my phone and responded with a basic answer and then, almost immediately, a mental diarrhea answer (everything just kept coming out of my mind). It sparked some good banter and definitely got my day going in a good way.

Now, I am not sure if my friend had planned that question to me so close to the New Year’s on purpose or not, but it definitely made me think about the whole resolution thing that everyone flocks to this time of year. Everyone is going full speed into diets, workouts, self-betterment, etc. The questions is, how many actually stick with their resolution? Not many, huh? Why are the resolutions so hard to keep? How many people do what they say they are going to do?

Let’s think about this…what are some of the factors holding us (yes, I am just as guilty) back with the resolutions? Is it Friends? Yeah, they push us in the wrong direction! Companions? Maybe they aren’t being supportive enough! Work? Your new boss is just a pain in your butt! School? No way, you can do all the work they ask you to do! Weather? As Lou Rawls said, Baby It’s Cold Outside! Grades? Too much work, not enough time! Coaches? Not enough are helping out to make sure your needs are met! Family members? Need some help and they should be willing to give it up! Sometimes, one wishes there was just a magic door to find all the answers. Poof! There’s a door, open it and walk on thru.

But wait. What if all those factors really aren’t the problem? What if, just what if, there was something else that played a significant role in this whole resolution thing? What if that thing could be looked at, told what to do and simply did it? What if, instead of making a resolution, a person made a declaration? What if a person flat out declared they were going to do something and, amazingly, it was done! Guess who can make that happen? Look at the last letter of the first three paragraphs to find the answer:)

So, what’s your declaration? You CAN make it happen. You WILL make it happen. IT’S……. ALL………. UP……….. TO………. ________!

(Click HERE to have me read you this blog as a podcast)

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Filed Under: Article Archives, Long Snapper, Maturity, Motivation Tagged With: Chris Rubio, Declaration, Long Snap, long snapper, long snapping, LongSnapper, LongSnapping, New Years Resolution, Rubio Long Snapper, Rubio long snapping

You Know You Are a Rubio Long Snapping Parent if…..

December 28, 2011 By Rubio

1. You find yourself rooting for random colleges because you know a Rubio Long Snapper on the team.
2. You have brought a stop watch to a football game that your son is playing in
3. You have brought a stop watch to a football game that your son is NOT playing in
4. You have caught snaps in a hotel hallway or parking lot
5. You have adjusted furniture in your house so your son could do drills
6. You have caught snaps in bizarre locations all over the country (possibly even in your house)
7. You have pressed refresh on your computer umpteen times as the rankings are being updated
8. You have made very good friends within the Rubio Long Snapping family
9. You have watched several Rubio Long Snappers improve so much it is shocking
10. You have thought Rubio is out of his mind, at times
11. You have thought Rubio is a genius, at times
12. You have looked at a Long Snapper in college, and possibly pro, and thought your kid is better (and could be right)
13. You have taken a photo of your son getting into a perfect stance all over the country
14. You have had to explain to countless people exactly what the heck a Long Snapper is and that he is NOT the center
15. You have injured yourself from catching a snap
16. You have caught a snap with a baseball glove, net, mattress or sheet
17. You find yourself watching just the Long Snapper during a football game
18. You have printed out a Rubio blog and given it to your son to read
19. You have forwarded a Rubio blog to someone
20. You have said to yourself “I can’t believe Rubio just did/said that” countless times:)
21. You have laughed out loud by something I have said on Twitter.
22. You have had your son snap in front of crowds/family/parties to show exactly what he does and how good he is at it.
23. You have done the laundry and been amazed at how many Rubio Long Snapping shirts your son has
24. You are more excited for Vegas than your son
25. You have waited for my morning #QuoteOfTheDay on Twitter and/or Facebook to send me a text knowing that I was officially awake
26. You wonder how Jolie puts up with me
27. You are usually the one at a game that never knows where the punt goes since you are too busy watching the Long Snapper the whole play
28. You now have a sick feeling in your stomach anytime you see a bad snap (doesn’t even have to be your own kid)
29. You most likely know more about Long Snapping than your son’s high school coach.
30. And last, but certainly not least, You have threatened your son with “Oh yeah?!?!? Well, I’m gonna call Rubio!”

Please feel free to add some, as I am sure I have missed a couple, on the comments section of this blog.

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Rubio Long Snapping is, by far, the biggest and best resource for Long Snappers in the country. Rubio has been featured in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the USA Today, Deadspin and countless other publications.

Offering the best instruction and most exposure in the world, Rubio Long Snapping can help you to become the best snapper you can be!

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Filed Under: Article Archives, Deep Snapper, Humor, Long Snapper, Parenting, Relationships Tagged With: Chris Rubio, deep snap, deep snapper, deep snapping, Long Snap, long snapper, long snapping, LongSnapper, LongSnapping, Rubio Long Snapper, Rubio Long Snapper Parent, Rubio long snapping, Rubio Long Snapping Parent

12 Days of Christmas

December 21, 2011 By Rubio

(To the tune of 12 Days of Christmas…or click HERE to have it sung to you…trust me, it’s worth listening to while you read along)

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…
A Rubio camp in L.V.

On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…
Two plane tickets,
and a Rubio camp in L.V.

On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me….
Three days of snapping,
Two plane tickets,
and a Rubio camp in L.V.

On the four day of Christmas, my true love gave to me….
Four calling scouts,
Three days of snapping,
Two plane tickets,
and a Rubio camp in L.V.

On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me….
Five bowl rings,
Four calling scouts,
Three days of snapping,
Two plane tickets,
and a Rubio camp in L.V.

On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me….
Six kickers whining,
Five bowl rings,
Four calling scouts,
Three days of snapping,
Two plane tickets,
and a Rubio camp in L.V.

On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me….
Seven moms a cheering,
Six kickers whining,
Five bowl rings,
Four calling scouts,
Three days of snapping,
Two plane tickets,
and a Rubio camp in L.V.

On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me….
Eight dads a timin’
Seven moms a cheering,
Six kickers whining,
Five bowl rings,
Four calling scouts,
Three days of snapping,
Two plane tickets,
and a Rubio camp in L.V.

On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me….
Nine lines a blockin’
Eight dads a timin’
Seven moms a cheering,
Six kickers whining,
Five bowl rings,
Four calling scouts,
Three days of snapping,
Two plane tickets,
and a Rubio camp in L.V.

On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me….
Ten schools a offerin’
Nine lines a blockin’
Eight dads a timin’
Seven moms a cheering,
Six kickers whining,
Five bowl rings,
Four calling scouts,
Three days of snapping,
Two plane tickets,
and a Rubio camp in L.V.

On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…
Eleven girlfriends a watchin’
Ten schools a offerin’
Nine lines a blockin’
Eight dads a timin’
Seven moms a cheering,
Six kickers whining,
Five bowl rings,
Four calling scouts,
Three days of snapping,
Two plane tickets,
and a Rubio camp in L.V.

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me….
Twelve perfect threes!
Eleven girlfriends a watchin’
Ten schools a offerin’
Nine lines a blockin’
Eight dads a timin’
Seven moms a cheering,
Six kickers whining,
Five bowl rings,
Four calling scouts,
Three days of snapping,
Two plane tickets,
and a Rubio camp in L.V.

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Filed Under: Article Archives, Deep Snapper, Football, Humor, Long Snapper Tagged With: 12 Days of Christmas, Chris Rubio, Long Snap, long snapper, Long Snapper Christmas, long snapping, Long Snapping Christmas, LongSnapper, LongSnapping, Rubio Long Snapper, Rubio long snapping

Q and A with Rubio

December 14, 2011 By Rubio

Q: Who is the fastest Long Snapper you have ever worked with?
A: Tyler Schmitt of San Diego State and then the Seattle Seahawks. Timed him once at .53 – translates to about 45 mph!!!

Q: Should I be looking for a girlfriend right now?
A: Absolutely NOT! Wait until March. No need to get crazy with Christmas and Valentine’s Day right around the corner.

Q: If you are so opposed to kickers and your business partner, Sailer is a kicker, how do you work with him?
A: Simple. He doesn’t act like a kicker.

Q: What was your SAT score?
A: Good enough to get into UCLA:)

Q: What was your first car?
A: 1984 Honda Prelude and it was a piece. No radio. Something rattled in the trunk and I couldn’t fit in it unless the sunroof was open. Side note: I still embraced.

Q: Have you ever looked at a Long Snapper and immediately knew they would get a scholarship?
A: Yup and it happens at least once a year. Right now there are a couple out there but I won’t say who. The funny part is that most of them are nothing special in the beginning. There is just something I can see right away. Hard to explain. One particular was Mike Zupancic of Eastern Michigan (Side Note: he just won the Special Teams MVP of his team).

Q: Did you live with football players in college?
A: Yes and a couple paparazzi’s (seriously) named Buzzard and Dirty Dom.

Q: Who would win in a fight, your grandmother Macaw or your uncle that yelled at you for only making one sandwich?
A: Easy answer. Macaw would crush Uncle Jim. She is much dirtier. She spits on the rules, the law and eventually her enemies grave.

Q: Why don’t more Long Snappers excel?
A: Lazy. Like I always say, being a great Long Snapper doesn’t take just hard work, it takes working right and hard.

Q: What is your opinion on a girl that comes up to me and knows about Long Snapping?
A: Propose

Q: Which Long Snapper that you have worked with has improved the most over time?
A: Tough as there have been a ton. One that I could show you examples of would be Taybor Pepper . You’re welcome America:)

Q: What is the name of the shoulder pads for Long Snappers?
A: Douglas Snapper Pads.

Bless the heart of the person
that invented these gems

Q: Who was the first Long Snapper you ever worked with?
A: Casey Hales. Amazing story. Tiny surfer kid (currently holds the record for saying the most “bros” and “dudes” in a 24 hour span). He was a true student of Long Snapping. Worked his tail off and actually holds the record for most starts at Duke!

Q: What is your favorite food?
A: Pizza and THIS place has the best I have ever devoured.

Q: What are a couple things that can really crush a Long Snapper?
A: Bad attitude and a lack of confidence.

Q: My girlfriend stole my Rubio Long Snapping shirt…what should I do?
A: Winners and losers my friend, and you just lost…while she won.

Q: How much football do you watch?
A: Barely any. I Tivo games and fast forward to the snaps. Kid you not, I had not watched one play of the guy (not a snapper means I don’t remember his name) that just won the Heisman. Sailer actually makes fun of me since I don’t know any players or stats (and I don’t care). I know the college and pro Long Snappers. Others don’t matter to me.

Q: Who is the toughest Long Snapper you have worked with?

A: Tough one. Rubio Long Snapper Carson Tinker of Alabama is a solid choice as he has overcome a ton this past year but I am going to go with Rubio Long Snapper Scott Shockley. Scott is a 2012 Long Snapper from GA that, one year ago, was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer called osteosarcoma. He has gone through MANY surgeries in one short year and is continuing to go head to head with chemo. Kid came straight from the hospital to my GA camp this weekend to say hello to me and the guys. He is a soldier and everyone needs to keep him in their thoughts.

Next time you feel like complaining,

think of Shockley

Q: Would you rather be a great Long Snapper or a great person?
A: Great person. Without a doubt. Many years down the road, no one will care how fast you snapped, how well you blocked or just how accurate you were. They won’t care how high you scored on The Target. They won’t care how much you dominated someone else. They will care how you handled your success. They will care about your demeanor and your overall attitude. They will care about what type of person you were and are. They will care how you treat them and others.

The snapping will fade, being a great person will not.

(Click HERE to have me read you this blog)

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Filed Under: Article Archives, Ask Rubio, Deep Snapper, Humor, Long Snapper, Motivation Tagged With: Carson Tinker, Chris Rubio, deep snap, deep snapper, deep snapping, Long Snap, long snapper, long snapping, LongSnapper, LongSnapping, Q & A, Question and Answer, Rubio Long Snapper, Rubio long snapping, Scott Shockley, Taybor Pepper, Tyler Schmitt

Building the Perfect Long Snapper

December 7, 2011 By Rubio

I have been asked countless times what makes up a great Long Snapper. I have taken to an earlier blog to actually spray about it in detail, but I figured I would break down just a tad more. This time I will go from the bottom to the top….literally.

Feet
A Long Snapper tends to have big hoofs and you can usually spot them from behind since they tend to absolutely crush the sides of their shoes from snapping in them. I have witnessed many a Long Snapper actually “blow out” a pair of shoes on the side. Immediate respect from me when I see that occur. Like Sasquatch, very rarely has this been seen live. Usually it is just noticed after that fact.

Ankles
I am happy when a Long Snapper actually has them. Many Long Snappers can break (pun intended) into the “Cankle” territory (calve just blends into ankle, one is never sure where one ends and the other begins). Cankles usually equate to being slow. No embrace.

Calves
They have to be glorious. If this makes no sense to you, you really need to get to one of my camps:)

Hamstrings
Need to be nice and loose. If they aren’t, this will cause issues with speed and follow through. Being flexible is not mandatory but oh does it help. You should almost be able to use your legs like a bow with the ball being like an arrow. Like I say, anyone that breaks their legs backwards gets a high five from me! Seems like a fair trade off in my book.

Bow and Arrow
hammy option

Hips
Also need to be nice and loose. If you look like my 712 year old grandmother Macaw bending over for her cane to hit someone, you probably should start embracing yoga. Hips can be a deal breaker for a Long Snapper.

Butt
The bigger, the better. It keeps your weight back and gives you more power. Positive for balance as well. I cannot confirm, nor deny, but I am willing to put some cash on the fact that Sir Mix A Lot’s most famous song was about top quality Long Snappers. Some great Long Snappers have had huge cans. Of course, no names will be mentioned as to not embarrass them (wink, wink, wink)

Stomach
Free of butterflies (since we dominate under pressure), yet hairy and very itchy. Not sure why, but all Long Snappers continually scratch their bellies. Some really get their paw into it. Unfortunately, the belly button is not off limits.

Paws
A Long Snapper with freakishly long digits is always a positive. Chubby hands may have issues but usually can be worked around. If the palm of your hand looks like a Double Double and your fingers look like Snausages, you might want to embrace being a kicker.

Embrace long digits on a paw

Arms
Long. Duh

Chest
Possible hair. Very strong for blocking. Massive. Requiring constant attention. No matter where or when, a Long Snapper’s chest is fair game…to him. Hence, why Long Snappers are always pulling their shirts off their chest and readjusting. Might be something scientific. I embrace.

Face
Goatee, double duh. Possible beard of glory in November (if you can’t, please don’t, you are only embarrassing yourself…and no Abe Lincoln option). If you are man enough to pull off a ‘stache, you shall do it. Teeth have to be great since your smile helps out with the ladies. Once the smile reals them in, a simple “Oh you don’t know what a Long Snapper is, let me explain…for the next two hours” locks them down. You’re welcome Long Snappers.

Hair
Really?

(Click HERE to hear me read you this blog)

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The Fine Line

November 30, 2011 By Rubio

green…..green……green….green…..green……green….green…..green……green….green……green….green……green….
green…..green……green….green…..green……green….green…..green……green….green……green…
greeN…greeN…greeN…greEN…grEEN…grEEN…GREEN….GREEN….GREEN….GREEN….GREEN….GREEN….
RED!!!RED!!!RED!!!RED!!!RED!!!RED!!!RED!!!RED!!!RED!!!RED!!!RED!!!RED!!!RED!RED!!!RED!!!

Oh, the ever so fine line of a baby monitor. You lay there looking at it almost like a best friend and enemy in one. You know it is a great thing, yet you want to smash it.

Jolie and I have one for Damon and I loathe it. I know we need it and all, but I almost feel like I am in one of those old western’s simply waiting for a shootout at high noon. A couple nights ago, I was up staring at the monitor almost waiting for it to explode from green and peaceful to red and devastating. I was eye balling it and it was staring right back at me. I was just waiting for those little green lights to accumulate to the lava of red.

As I waited for the inevitable, I got to thinking and my mind started to move. I began to realize that the key to the power of the baby monitor is that fine line between green and RED. It is the line of “everything is ok” to “all hell is breaking loose.” It is the line between the baby is just moving around to the baby is in distress (Code Brown if you catch my drift). It is a very fine line, but when it is crossed, you are often in for a long haul of readjustment to fix the situation.

Now, I want you to take a second and think about life and how often we come across those tiny “fine lines” that have an effect on us. Those “fine lines” can have such a large impact on not only us, but those around us as well. Those “fine lines” can be a situation, a statement, a friend, a job, a grade, a paper, a number, a decision, a judgement or a significant other. The trick is to be able to see the “fine line” well ahead of it actually being thrown in your face. Often, if you wait until the “fine line” is upon you, it is too late and the wheels of distress are already in motion.

How often do you sit there and almost know something is eventually going to happen, yet still do nothing to halt the progress? Never? Not you? Really? You have never looked at an assignment and decided to procrastinate? You never looked at weights and decided to get to them later? You never looked at that ball and decided to work on your drills when you are less tired? You never looked at that person that needed to be told something and decided it is simply better if someone else told them?

How many times, after the fact, have you thought…..
if I had only done ________ or said _______
what I should have done was ______ or what I should have said was _______
why didn’t I just __________

Why don’t we just do it right the first time?

Think about your life up until now and how many big decisions you have made or been a part of. Now, think about if you made those decisions before or after that “fine line” appeared. Now, take that decision/instance, and imagine if you had done the exact opposite. For instance, if you were slow to the draw and let your monitor get to RED, how different would your situation be right now if you were on the ball and kept your monitor in the green?!?!?! Take some time on this one, it might blow you away.

Each one of those instances has that “fine line” of watching and waiting to doing and controlling. To be successful in life, one must be proactive in the green, instead of being reactive to the RED.

Imagine the power you would have over your own life if you simply took control of it. Today, and from this day forth, why not simply attack life instead of waiting for it to attack you?

(Click HERE to listen to me read you this blog)_________________________________________________________________

Filed Under: Article Archives, Maturity, Motivation Tagged With: Chris Rubio, Control of Your Own Life, deep snap, deep snapper, deep snapping, Green Line, Long Snap, long snapper, long snapping, LongSnapper, LongSnapping, Red Line, Rubio Long Snapper, Rubio long snapping, Take Control

The ABC’s of Being Thankful

November 23, 2011 By Rubio

The ABC’s of what I am thankful for this year….

A is for Alec – My middle son. He is smart, can break the sound barrier with a whisper and holds the world record for asking the most questions per hour:)

B is for Big Queen – Nickname for my mother-in-law. Not just saying this ’cause she can beat me up, but any man would kill for her as his wife’s mom. She is hilarious and feisty. A great one.

C is for Cruz – My oldest son. Like I have mentioned, he is VERY similar to Manny on Modern Family. Somehow, someway, he already has girls making him signs and watching him play football. Like father, like….who am I kidding, he is way ahead of me…I was a late bloomer….we’re talking 30’s:)

D is for Damon – My youngest son. If you have been with me for over a year, you have grown with him. From the announcement of Jolie being pregnant, to his birth (he came out and stared at me – that was bizarre), to his eating (like a hyper-active pig in tar). Babies either love me or hate me…thank goodness he loves me:)

E is for Every Dad – That is a part of their son’s life and is able to walk the very fine line of being involved but not overbearing. You are soldiers and your sons appreciate you very much. If they don’t tell you, it is because they don’t know it…yet. They will and they will be thankful for every single thing you did for them along the way.

F is for Family and Food – You are your family and they are you. No matter how you look at it, you are connected and you need to embrace. You might as well do it sooner, before you regret it later. As for food, if you don’t pass out, in a power sweat, from eating tomorrow, you have problems and you get no hug from me.

G is for Grace – Macaw’s real name (not sure if she even knows that) My grandmother who just turned 270 (that’s millimeters tall, lbs and age) and celebrated by walking her dinosaur. Bless her heart. Thank God she doesn’t have a computer or she would beat the hell out of me when she read this:)

H is for Harrison – Where the Onion and Big Queen live. It is one of my favorite places in the world. Only a pop of 250ish, no stop sign, beyond slow paced. Huge embrace from me.

I is for Idaho – My home. Major change from where I grew up (Los Angeles) but I love it. I know it is not for everyone and that is great. Don’t come and make it crowded…seriously, you won’t like it:)

J is for Jolie – My wife who makes me a better man each and every day. I am working on a blog about her and our history. It is a long, long story. You will be amazed. Promise.

K is for Kickers – Yup. I am thankful for them. Why? Because they make Long Snappers look even more athletic and handsome than they already are!

L is for Long Snappers – They are the greatest position and have grown so much in ten years. Imagine what the position will be like in another ten!

M is for Moms – All of them in general. After watching Damon be born, I am like James Taylor cause “I’ve seen fire and I’ve seen rain“. You guys deserve whatever you want and then some. Especially want to call out my mom, The Debsters. She has her quirks (always wears black and still limps because she forgot she fixed her knee years ago) but I love her to death. One of the only people I know that can get winded from laughing too hard.

N is for Nike – For taking a chance on Sailer and I many years ago. Man, are they smart!

O is for Onion – My father-in-law. Many, many layers to this man. My only wish is that everyone gets to meet him. Unfortunately, he never leaves his 80 acres and doesn’t like anyone, so you all lose. (Quick Onion story: got pretty sick a couple weeks ago so Big Queen forced him to hospital, Dr asks him when was last time he had been to the hospital, Onion’s answer: Never. Dr. asked why. Onion’s answer: I never been sick!) God love ’em.

P is for Podcasts – I love to tell a story and this allows me to do so to a massive audience. If you haven’t embraced them yet, you are missing out.

Q is for Quiet – Not just any quiet, but the quiet when it is almost loud. I have it when I am sitting on my back porch, looking back at the fields thinking about how lucky I am.

R is for Referees – For finally coming up with the rule that you can’t just drill the Long Snapper in high school and college (hold strong pros). Seriously, what took them so long? I blame kickers!

S is for Sailer – Couldn’t leave this cat off. He is the one that changed my life with one little call about being his partner in the business. The rest is history.

T is for the Triplets – Debster, my Aunt Leslie and my Aunt Donna. You have read about them in a previous blog so you know about them. Word around town is two of three will be in Vegas for 10th Annual Event. God help us all!

U is for Uncle Jim and Uncle Joe – You read about them last week and I can assure you they are real people. I received so many inquiries about them, I might do another blog on those two. Yes, it involves death and food (they’ll be pumped)

V is for Vegas – For holding the biggest snapping and kicking event in the country….see how I put Long Snappers first there:)

W is for Winter – Because the cold weather allows my Long Snappers to not sweat so much at random times on random locations on their bodies. Bless their heart.

X is for X-Rays – Without one, I might not have know how badly I destroyed my back in college. Had it not been spotted as soon as it was, I might have some real issues now with the old spine.

Y is for You – You have no idea how thankful I am for you (yeah you) each and every day. The fact that you are still reading this all the way down to the letter Y means you are involved, curious and part of the Rubio Long Snapping family. Thank you.

Z is for Zzzzzz – The sound of you sleeping tonight AFTER you tell at least three people that you are thankful for them AND why. This “assignment” will only take a couple minutes and you will make three people’s days. If you are truly thankful for someone, don’t let another day go by without letting them know.

From my family to yours, Have a wonderful holiday!

(Click HERE to download and/or listen to this blog as a podcast)_________________________________________________________________

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Who Makes Up Rubio – Part 2

November 16, 2011 By Rubio

Many, many posts ago, I told you about “Who Makes Up Rubio” to let you in on a bit of my personal life. Within it, I covered just my immediate family. I have decided there are simply way too many characters I know to stop at just my nuclear family and will now present to you, my Uncle Joe and Uncle Jim. They are not only related to me, but, without a doubt, two of the best men in the world. Let the games begin….

Macaw and Uncle Joe…they just won the
lottery and are showing their emotions.

Uncle Joe – My grandmother, Macaw’s, younger brother. Please note: younger than Macaw means sub 95. He lives in a very blue collar suburb just outside of Pittsburgh, PA called McKee’s Rocks. He actually lives in the same house he was born and raised in and his father built. This home is also where his father passed away and he has no problem embracing and showing you exact spot. Since he is Italian, he absolutely loves death and treats every one (someone dying) like a party. I am pretty confident he and Macaw trade the little “death” cards you receive at funerals in lieu of money. Not kidding.

One time, Sailer and I went out there for a camp and we had dinner at my Uncle Joe’s house. Here is how the night went…

Upon arrival, we are given full tour of home. Tour includes, but is not limited to, showing exact room and location where my great grandfather tapped out. Key part was when he went into detail about final moments.
As the tour continues, Uncle Joe points out a framed photo of the Pope signed “To Joe….You’re the best! Love, Pope John Paul II” I am not kidding. Seriously, I am not kidding. I even called him out on this one and said there is no way the Pope would sign a picture like that and it was fake. He told me to shut up. I embraced. (Side note: pretty sure the Sharpie was written on the glass instead of on the photo under the glass)
In the basement of the home, I am pretty sure there was a body, but I cannot confirm nor deny.
Another guy was with Sailer and I during the tour (friend of ours) and he has ears that stick out a tad. My Uncle Joe proceeds to ask him, to his face, why he looks like a cab with the doors open. Amazing. He wasn’t joking or trying to be mean….he really wanted to know. Nothing better than an old Italian that just lets it rain.
After the tour (lasted over an an hour even though house is about 1,000 sq ft….not 10,000 sg ft, just 1,000) is when we began to eat. There was approximately five people in the house for dinner and I would bet there was easily enough food for thirty people. Not kidding. Two to three pizzas, pounds of pasta, gallons of sauce, cookies, cakes, pies, etc. It was amazing. They (all the Italians) FULLY embraced Sailer because every….single…time they asked him if he wanted something, he would reply with Yes! No matter what they offered, he took it and ate it. It was amazing. Sailer ate like he was going to the electric chair and they loved him for it. It was a true mini United Nations since they are beyond Italian and Sailer is beyond German. I ate, watched, laughed, ate, watched, ate and laughed. It was an incredible spectacle.

Yours truly and Uncle Jim at his
barber shop. I was given a discount.

Uncle Jim – The youngest of Macaw’s siblings (16 total kids…yet again, not kidding) and looks almost identical to her but with just shorter hair and hasn’t spent time in prison for beating people with a cane:). He also lives in McKee’s Rocks, PA and is all about his family. Uncle Jim has owned his own barber shop for over 50 years and it hasn’t changed one bit since the day he moved in. It is like a time warp. Fantastic. Uncle Jim is easily one of the nicest guys you will ever meet and very affectionate. Side note: affection to an older Italian man equals violence. No matter the difference in our age and size, he would try to fight/wrestle with me. I think I have beat him once. Maybe.

The best story ever of Uncle Jim is when he came down to visit Macaw back in the late 90’s. I was in my final year of college and came down to witness the Uncle Jim show. First thing to know is Uncle Jim travels a certain way. He always has two massive suitcases. One for clothing and one for meats and cheeses. You can almost smell Uncle Jim’s luggage before you see him in the airport. I’m talking 50 pounds of salami, pepperoni, provolone, etc. I can’t even begin to tell you how much the suitcase ferments over a 6 hour flight.

So, we finally get Uncle Jim from the airport to Macaw’s house and he asks me if I am hungry (side note: even if you are not, answer that you are or he will ask every two to three minutes until you say you are). Since this isn’t my first rodeo with Uncle Jim, I say I’m starving (he embraces) and pulls out suitcase o’ meats and cheeses. Olympians with a gold medal aren’t as proud as Uncle Jim is when he brings out said suitcase. He organizes all the food on the counter top in the kitchen and tells me to make a sandwich. I proceed to make a monster sandwich that is easily the size of Andre the Giant’s head in the movie The Princess Bride. Uncle Jim looks at me, my sandwich and shakes his head in disgust. Here is our conversation and the epitome of Uncle Jim…

Me: What’s the matter Uncle Jim?

Uncle Jim (shaking his head and on the verge of a growl): I thought you were hungry.

Me: I am Uncle Jim. Look at the size of my sandwich!

Uncle Jim: Aren’t you smart? Aren’t you a college guy? I thought you were really smart?

Me: Yeah. I am smart and I am in college. What’s the problem? I’m hungry and I made a massive sandwich. Seems like I will be solving my problem soon, Uncle Jim.

Uncle Jim proceeds to grunt, get a knife and cut my sandwich in two and says: Now you have more food.

Me: Um, Uncle Jim, it is the EXACT same amount of food. All you did was cut my sandwich in half.

Uncle Jim (now completely disgusted with me): Good Lord Christopher. I thought you were smart and all college guy. If you are so smart, why don’t you tell me what number is bigger….one or two?

Me: Two.

Uncle Jim: Now, look at your sandwich. How many are there?

Me: Sandwiches? Still one.

Uncle Jim: Christopher!!! Look again. How many?
Me: One cut in half.
Uncle Jim: Which makes?
Me: Two?
Uncle Jim: See! Now you have two sandwiches and two is more than one, so you obviously have more food. Two is better than one Christopher…always remember that!

I stood there, dumbfounded, and tried, again and again, to explain how the food was actually the same. He wouldn’t listen to me and just kept saying “two is better than one, Christopher. Two is better than one.”

Now you have met my two more members of my family, Uncle Joe and Uncle Jim. Bless their hearts:)

(Click HERE to listen to this blog as a podcast)_________________________________________________________________

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Been There, Done That

November 9, 2011 By Rubio

When you go to one of my camps, you will notice something right off the bat. It isn’t the fantastic logo on the shirts or my dome so freshly shaven or even the kickers with their ridiculous cleats. What you will notice is that there is a distinct difference between those that have been to a Rubio Long Snapping camp and those that have not. Those that have are embracing and moving around like cattle (slowly and generally in a herd…given, never fast enough to break a sweat). Those that have never been to a camp are a bit isolated and slightly overwhelmed.

Then, as soon as the camp begins, things progress to another level. The “vets” are still embracing and usually getting louder as they start swapping stories while the “rookies” are still trying to find their way. By about half way through the camp, I will always catch a glimpse of a majority of “rookie” Long Snappers that are just flat out staring at one or more of my top kids. They look dumbfounded, overwhelmed and wonder how a snap can be so fast and accurate. I have even heard “Oohs” and “Ahhs” when they snap from the kids and the parents. Both are completely understandable as they are watching a Rubio Long Snapper dominate and it is a beautiful thing.

What everyone has to realize is that no one comes out of their moms (go thank your mother after reading this) and is a 5 star Long Snapper. No one. It doesn’t happen. Everyone starts off as a “rookie.” Yup, even the Long Snappers that you hear the most now were once isolated rookies off by themselves. Every single one of my 4.5 and 5 stars were just average, or even well below average, at one point. You know how they fixed themselves?

- They kept coming to camps and gained confidence.

They did not get intimidated or shy away from the competition.
They worked right and hard, not just hard.

Becoming the best takes determination, effort and time. Nothing worth achieving is done overnight. Things take time and the best things often take the most time. The question is do you have the desire to achieve what you want with your Long Snapping and your life?

Right about now, I’d bet you are thinking I am just blowing smoke and that the great ones are just that….great, and have been since they came out (hugs this time for your mom). Want proof? Here is a picture of a kid (face blurred to not embarrass him….yet) that I worked with when he was in the 8th grade

As you can see, his form leaves much to be desired (if you can’t tell, I can and trust me it needs A LOT of work). His weight is off, he is too extended, too low and just all over the place. This Long Snapper, especially being in 8th grade at the Vegas Event, could have EASILY thrown in the towel and never snapped again. He could have pouted, been intimidated and just been done with it all.

He didn’t do that. He did all of the things I spoke of in the above bullets and soon came to dominate. He held in there. He kept coming back. He worked right. He really worked on his form. He did not get down. He begin to have confidence as he improved. When you go to a Rubio Long Snapping camp, you are going to get better. It is a proven method that has worked countless times before with tons of Long Snappers.

Curious as to who this long time Rubio Long Snapper is…..click HERE to find out and never stop pushing yourself! Remember, you…can…do…any…single…thing…you…set…you…mind…to.

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In just 20 years, Chris Rubio, President and Owner of Rubio Long Snapping, has become the #1 Long Snapping instructor in the country and the go-to man when a college coach needs a Long Snapper. Colleges from across the country rely on “Rubio’s” word day in and day out on who the best Long Snappers are in the country. Rubio Long Snapping has assisted in over 1850 Long Snappers earning FULL SCHOLARSHIPS to major colleges and universities just for Long Snapping and many into the NFL as well.

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How to be Recruited as a Long Snapper

November 2, 2011 By Rubio

In the past, I wrote a blog about What Makes a Long Snapper Great which had to do with the physical aspects of an athlete. This blog is going to have to deal with the actual recruiting of a Long Snapper once you have mastered all that the other information within the previous blog. Much of this will sound familiar if you have been to my camps, but now you can have the info to print out. I am even going to put the information in order of importance. Let’s begin…

1. Academics

I put this one at the top simply because without proper grades, it won’t matter how great of a Long Snapper you are…you will not be going to college. Couple key points to this one:

Try to maintain (a minimum, if you can go higher, do it!) a standard 3.0 and 1000 (out of 1600) on the SAT or 24 on the ACT. That is a pretty solid middle ground. My theory is that if you are GPA is higher, your test scores can be lower. This shows you are a hard-worker and, most likely, a poor test taker. If you GPA is lower, your test scores better be higher. This shows you are smart, but most likely lazy. Think of the GPA/Scores like a teeter-totter, when one side goes up the other comes down.
Go into your counselor today and make sure you will be eligible for the schools you are interested in attending after high school. They will tell you, hopefully, that you are on pace to graduate. Let them know you want to know specifically for the following schools (this is where you list the schools you are interested in). Do not leave until you find out exactly what you want to know. I have witnessed many a Long Snapper lose an opportunity to play at the next level because they didn’t realize they had to take a fourth year of math or English or take an extra fine arts class.
Take both the ACT and the SAT, and take them both at least twice. The first time for each is a trial run. Just use it to get the feel of the whole procedure. Why take them both? I call it the McGarry Rule. Michael McGarry is one of my Long Snappers from TX who scored a 1800/2400 on the SAT (not bad, but I am not writing home about it) but then took the ACT and crushed it with a 35! FYI: 36 is perfect and people at NASA struggle to get his score. If McGarry had not taken both tests, he would not have achieved that score that puts him in a whole separate category of recruits: academically, it is almost a given he can get in.

2. Body

A college is always going to want to recruit a Long Snapper that can handle the constant pounding of major college football. If your body is not ideal, the rest of “you” (other aspects I am and will mention) better be stupendous. They will not want to recruit a fragile player or someone that is injured more often than not. Think about it, would you buy a car that is always broken down? Didn’t think so. If you don’t pass the eyeball test, they will already be negative towards you in regards to your Long Snapping before you even snap one ball.

3. Snapping
I am not going to go into detail (there is a ton of information) on this one here, simply because I already did it within this Long Snapping blog.

4. Camps – Long Snapping
It is very difficult to be recruited without attending a Long Snapping camp (one with actual credibility…ALWAYS check testimonials and ask OTHER people) and doing well. Of course, I am partial to my own since I know they are proven and I have heard countless horror stories from parents about others. Don’t get me wrong, getting recruited without camps can be done, but it is extremely tricky since the coaches are going to want to know you are worthy of playing at the next level from someone that they know and can trust. Your high school coach may say you are the best he has ever seen, but if he has never actually come across another college level snapper, his word carries no weight.

The same goes with camps. College coaches know which camps are telling the truth and which aren’t regarding the talent level of a Long Snapper. They understand there are tons of camps out there and most don’t have a clue about what it really takes at the next level. Couple things to contemplate….

If you are the best Long Snapper at a camp where there are just a couple Long Snappers, does that really prove anything?
Do some research. Does the camp you are going to possibly attend have any sustenance or is it all smoke and mirrors? Does it look good from the outside but has no “guts” to it?
Contact the Long Snapping instructor yourself and get a feel of them. If you do not feel comfortable with them, you might want to move on.
Contact some Long Snappers and/or their parents through Facebook and ask them the difference or why the chose to attend a certain camp.
Be wary of camps that claim to have invite only camps but actually invite all. Kind of loses the aura of being invited. Not too exclusive if every Long Snapper is invited.
I would ask the instructor to give me numbers of parents I could contact to discuss. They should be willing to give you numbers (or at least have those parents contact you) to discuss the camps.

5. Camps – College
Once you have been to one of the respected above camps, you will begin to get invited to Specialists Camps on a college campus. There are pretty darn important the summer before your senior year and they are a very good experience for all. Here is what you can expect from these….

Very little instruction (unless I am there). They are usually run by the full staff and they don’t have a ton of ideas on what to do for specialists. They know x’s and o’s but are not too familiar with the intricacies of being a Long Snapper. I have heard countless stories of my Long Snappers attending a college camp to literally snap for over 7 hours since the people in charge didn’t understand the position and/or how to coach it.
A massive tryout. The coaches will get a roster before the camp and they will know who the top recruits coming are. They will focus on those guys. Can you crack that code of being one of Long Snappers they really observe? Absolutely, but you better be an absolute stud.
A feeling of what the campus and the staff are like. I am a big fan of a Long Snapper trying to get to one or two before their junior year simply to get used to them (kinda like the ACT/SATs).

6. Personality (Yours and Your Family)
This one can be adjusted on the scale of importance depending the staff at the college. Some will rank it higher (possibly at the top) and some will keep it here. More personable staffs will put this one way up and will really want to get to know all of you well before your arrival on campus. Non-personal staffs won’t care too much.

Usually when a staff is getting to the point of locking you down to their school, they will make a trip to your school and speak with a couple people. These people are more often than not, but not limited to, your coach, your counselor and a random teacher. The college will want to know what type of person you are off the field. If they are there, it is obvious you can snap so now they want to see if you are worth “renting” for the next four to five years. They will not recruit a mental case or someone who is a trouble maker. There is no need since they can just go to the next Long Snapper on the list that isn’t a problem.
The college will also want to know about your home situation. What’s it like? Siblings? Mamma’s boy? Traveler? Overbearing parents? Remember parents/guardians, the school is recruiting your son…NOT you.
Being that you are a Long Snapper, you will be the last chosen by a college. Recruiting can take a long, long, long time for a Long Snapper. It can go right up until August of your senior year (yes, two months after you graduate). Be persistent with the coaches but NOT annoying. Make some calls. Be proactive. If you want it, go get it. YOU go get it, not your parents.

I know this is A LOT of information but it is exactly what goes into each and every recruitment of a Long Snapper. Trust me, I have been a part of many🙂

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In just 12 years, Chris Rubio, President and Owner of Rubio Long Snapping, has become the #1 Long Snapping instructor in the country and the go-to man when a college coach needs a Long Snapper. Colleges from across the country rely on “Rubio’s” word day in and day out on who the best Long Snappers are in the country. Rubio Long Snapping has assisted in over 1,000 Long Snappers earning FULL SCHOLARSHIPS and PWO’s to major colleges and universities just for Long Snapping and many into the NFL as well.

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An Open Letter

October 26, 2011 By Rubio

Dear Coach,

I wanted to take some time to introduce myself. I have been on your team for quite some time, but you have never really noticed me or who I really am. We are more of acquaintances than people that truly know one another. Honestly, it is a bit of a shame since I am a real member of the team and, in my opinion, a very important part. I am the Long Snapper.

I am the one that volunteered when no else would, or could, play the position. I am the one that many of my teammates mocked for wanting to get better at it. I know it is not the most glamorous position and I know it doesn’t get any praise, but I also know it is very important to myself and the team. I know without me there are no extra points, no field goals and no punts. I know I’m important even if you don’t ever tell me. I know I am the one that started the play that makes you high five the kicker and walk right past me. I know my role and I know what goes along with it. I am the Long Snapper.

I know you don’t know a lot about my position and I understand that since many don’t. I know you think you are doing your best by telling me to “just get the ball back there” but I would love it if you could really coach me. I mean think about it, can you imagine if you coached the running back the same way you did to me? Telling him to “just run it that way” while you pointed, probably wouldn’t be too affective. No, you go into detail. You learn, you study. You watch film. Did you ever think that you could do that for my position as well? Did you ever think about contacting my private coach (yeah, I have one and he is great) for some possible drills I could do at practice? Or did you just think I would take care of it and that I am someone you shouldn’t have to worry about? That’s kinda what I figured. I get it. I am the Long Snapper.

I am the one that goes to camps year round to perfect my craft. I am the one that gets to practice early or stays late to make sure everything goes as planned on game day. I am the one that works countless hours on my form at home to make sure all is just right for the team. I know I am dealing with milliseconds and one tiny little hiccup can ruin it all. I am the one that actually asks for extra reps at practice. How many of your other players do that? I know everything has to be perfect. I am the Long Snapper.

Please treat me with respect as I do to you. I answer with yes sir and no sir. I never degrade you or your position, and I hope you can do the same with me and mine. Major things have happened, and continue to happen, in the world of Long Snapping (actual scholarships and even a national award) and I really wish you would take notice. I am very serious about my position and, with or without your help, I will continue to work harder than the next guy to be the best I can. I know that I will often be solo on my journey and I am willing to accept that. I am willing to work right and hard. I know my role. I know who I am.

I am the Long Snapper

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Rubio Long Snapping is, by far, the biggest and best resource for Long Snappers in the country. Rubio has been featured in the Washington Post, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the USA Today, Deadspin and countless other publications.

Offering the best instruction and most exposure in the world, Rubio Long Snapping can help you to become the best snapper you can be!

In just 14 years, Chris Rubio, President and Owner of Rubio Long Snapping, has become the #1 Long Snapping instructor in the country and the go-to man when a college coach needs a Long Snapper. Colleges from across the country rely on “Rubio’s” word day in and day out on who the best Long Snappers are in the country. Rubio Long Snapping has assisted in over 1,000 Long Snappers earning full scholarships and preferred walk-on opportunities to major colleges and universities just for Long Snapping and many into the NFL as well.

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Dealing with Pressure

October 19, 2011 By Rubio

As I have mentioned in one of my previous Long Snapping blogs that discussed my first snap, I am an over-thinker. And, in being so, I know that it can get you into a lot of trouble in Long Snapping, sports and life in general. When I was playing, I quickly realized that I needed to be able to calm my thinking and just focus (while not thinking) on the task at hand. This can be hard to do, especially when you start thinking about not thinking. Thankfully, I had a Meyers.

What is a Meyers you ask? Meyers is a human (allegedly) that was an offensive guard when I played at UCLA (key word: offensive). He is, by far, the meanest man I have ever come across in my life. I could devote an entire year’s worth of blogs simply to him and I guarantee half of the stories you would swear are fake when they are all dead on true. He was approximately 6’6″, 350 lbs, with a gap in his teeth that could hold 35 cents (no dimes), skinny legs, a barrel chest (jacket size: 60), sweated so bad he would have to change his entire uniform at half and had a chip on his shoulder the size of Vermont.

Meyers crushed this person…
then went after his family…
and then had ribs….

Anyway, Meyers and I were in cahoots (thank the Lord) and I requested he be right next to me on p.a.t.s. This was good and bad. It was bad for a couple reasons. First, Meyers would yell (imagine an angry trucker that was raised by wolves) at the defensive players which in turn made them upset and want to crush me (remember, I played when you could hit the Long Snapper). Never really understood why they would take out their frustration on me, but they did. Meyers was also famous for letting a defensive player get about half way past he and I, simply so he could try to really take out their knee and/or break their leg. Meyers didn’t seem to care that he would essentially slam the guy into my knee as well. I tried to explain this to Meyers and he just grunted and told me to shut up. I embraced and thanked God he was on my team.

The good about Meyers was that it gave me someone to talk to and that is how I handled my nerves. From the time I got out to the huddle (we huddled on field which was great for TV time) to the time I snapped a perfect ball, I spoke to Meyers. I would ask about plans after the game, if he was hungry, what was his favorite movie and why he was so sweaty. He really hated the sweaty comment and would always proceed to tell me it was because he was an actually player and not a Long Snapper. Of course, I would ask why he was so sweaty the most:). The point is, by speaking to Meyers, it took my mind off the task at hand. I knew I worked right (not just hard) at practice and I knew was capable. The only thing that would stop me was, well, ME. I would be so enthralled with the conversation and what would come out of Meyer’s mouth, that the play would be over before I even had a chance to think about it. Did it work? Yup. I never had one bad snap in college.

Right about now you are thinking, “But I don’t have a Meyers, so what should I do?” Couple things have worked with my Long Snappers over the years. I advised one of my Long Snappers before each snap to look into the crowd, find the best looking girl and point directly at her. He was a major over-thinker and this helped him immensely. He would break the huddle, walk slowly to the ball while looking to the crowd. Given, in being a Long Snapper, he was built like a god and looked like Brad Pitt’s better looking brother, so the ladies already loved him. Once they figured out what he was doing, they would clamor to be the “one.” This method worked perfectly for him in Long Snapping and with the ladies.

Another thing that has worked for my Long Snappers is to simply get down with your perfect form, get your hands on the ball and say something absurd. From “sexy avocado” to “flapjack wilson” to “Rubio is sexy.” A Long Snapper will be so intrigued with the off the wall statement, they will forget about thinking…which is always a good thing.

If you are prepared correctly and have worked right, there is no reason to think during the game. Couple great examples of this are John Wooden and Phil Jackson. Both coaches are legends and were the best ever in college and the pro’s that basically did NOTHING during a game. Seriously, if you ever watched an older UCLA game or a modern day Lakers game, those two didn’t even look like they were paying attention or could care less. Why? Because they prepared their team correctly before the game. The bottom line is you want to make sure you are prepared enough before the game that there is no need to think during the game.

Got you thinking now, don’t I?

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Filed Under: Article Archives, Deep Snapper, Humor, Long Snapper, Maturity Tagged With: Being Prepared, Chris Rubio, deep snap, deep snapper, deep snapping, Handling Pressure, Long Snap, long snapper, long snapping, LongSnapper, LongSnapping, Nerves, Pressure, Rubio Long Snapper, Rubio long snapping, Stress

Ask

October 12, 2011 By Rubio

When I was recruited to play at UCLA, they didn’t offer scholarships to Long Snappers out of high school (thank goodness for guys like this). It was standard issue that a snapper walked on and, when they started, some schools would give you a scholarship. I say some because many still didn’t do it. All together now: BOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. Ah, that felt good, now back to business.

When the starter in front of me graduated, I knew the job (and scholarship) were mine so I proceeded to walk right into the head coach’s office to ask the question, “so, um, what exactly do I need to do to be put on scholarship?” Mind you, the coach at time was Terry Donahue. Coach Donahue was/is a legend at UCLA and in the college football world, while I was a walk on Long Snapper at a time when Long Snapper’s were lower than the guy who invented skinny jeans for men.

Needless to say, that didn’t stop me. I walked right in (during my appointment time…he is the head man for God’s sake) and asked the question. He respected me for my bluntness and for being specific. I am a thinker and I wanted to know exactly what I needed to do for the job/scholarship and he was a busy man that didn’t need to bantering back and forth with a Long Snapper (almost hurts me to put Long Snappers in that tone, but it was true…..at the time).

So, I started and was flawless during Spring Ball (one of his requirements). I made all of the “voluntary” workouts during the summer (another) and performed like a champ during Fall Camp (this one was key). I did exactly what he asked and, after the first game, I walked right back into his office (yes, I made another appointment) and asked, “Hey Coach, I did every single thing you’ve asked of me….do I get the scholarship?” His answer, “Yes and thanks for coming in. I might have forgotten.”

First of all, well done to me. Second, FORGOTTEN!?!?!?!?!?! You kidding me? Thank God I did go in and ask. Imagine if I didn’t? Don’t get me wrong, I am sure I would have eventually been put on, but the stress of waiting could have been detrimental to my success at UCLA. It would have been just one more thing for me to worry about and that is something no one needs. Bottom line, asking helped me and helped me a ton.

If you want something, ask. If you want to know about something, ask. Seems easy enough, but many people, speaking to the youngin’s out there, never do it. And, if they do ask, they don’t ask correctly.

So, how do you ask? Simple. You ask the person you want the answer from and you request specifics. If you want to know why you are not starting at your high school or college, you would ask why you are not starting? WRONG. You need to ask why you are not starting and what exactly you need to do in order to get the starting job. Then, you will know the specifics.

If your coach just kinda grunts and says to simply beat out the guy in front of you, then you need to respond with “I feel that I am better than him right now so I need to know exactly what I need to do to prove it to you.” At this point, the coach will have to give you a very specific answer to simply get you off his back. Please note that you were never rude in the way you asked. That is key. You upset a coach or back them into a corner and they will feel threatened….that is not a good thing.

As you can see, yet again, the ball is in your court. If you want something, just ask…but be specific. Leave no chance for someone to give you an open-ended answer. Be specific with your question and they will be specific with their answer.

You want to know what you need to do in order to be the starter, just ask but be specific. You want to know what it will take to be put on scholarship, just ask but be specific. You want to know if the best looking girl will go on a date, just ask but be specific (and mention you’re a Long Snapper…ladies love that). You want to know how to switch from being a Long Snapper to a kicker, don’t ask!

Hope this helps and if you have any questions, you know what to do:)

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Filed Under: Article Archives, Coaches, Long Snapper, Maturity, Parenting Tagged With: Ask, Ask Questions, Chris Rubio, deep snap, deep snapper, deep snapping, Long Snap, long snapper, long snapping, LongSnapper, LongSnapping, Rubio Long Snapper, Rubio long snapping

Blink

October 5, 2011 By Rubio

You are born. You know nothing. Not up from down, not night from day, not good from bad. You are completely dependent upon others. You are fed, clothed and bathed by someone else. Where you go from here is not up to you. This is your beginning and you have no control.

Blink.

You are growing up. You observe. You are beginning to know right from wrong. You ask questions. Lots of questions. You are becoming you. You are forming opinions. You are creating thoughts. You are, slowly, taking your steps into life.

Blink.

You are you…..so you think. You are big. You are the smartest you will ever be….so you think. You are in great shape. You have found love. You have lost love. You will find it again. You now question instead of asking questions. You are eyeballing life and sprinting full speed at it. You know it all….so you think.

Blink.

You are different. You look different. You act different. You are not who you thought you would be. You listen. You learn. You wait. You ask. You find out. You get answers. You are growing. Life is now coming to you and not the other way around. You wish it would pause. It never does. It is coming faster and faster. You breathe. Your heart pounds. Faster. You breathe.

Blink.

You are you. This is it. You observe more while speaking less. You have lived. You wish you had listened more, loved more, laughed more, learned more, lived more. This is your ending and you suddenly realize………you had all the control. Don’t waste your life. It will be gone in the blink of an eye.

BLINK._________________________________________________________________

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Filed Under: Article Archives, Maturity, Motivation Tagged With: Blink, Chris Rubio, deep snap, deep snapper, deep snapping, Enjoy Life, Live Life, Long Snap, long snapper, long snapping, LongSnapper, LongSnapping, Rubio Long Snapper, Rubio long snapping

The Chris Rubio Award

September 29, 2011 By Rubio

Well, the big announcement has been made and now you all know about The Chris Rubio Award presented by Herbalife 24. The world of Long Snapping will be changed forever. Never has a Long Snapper been honored to this degree at the high school level (or college level for that matter). THIS IS HUGE!

I gathered you might be a bit confused, so I decided to clarify it a bit for you. Of course, you can find out all the information on the actual website here, but I wanted to double it up for you.

TROPHY:

Similar to the Heisman, in that it will be given out every year and there will be two trophy’s. One trophy will go home with the winner and one will stay with Herbalife.
The trophy (look up and to the right) stands approximately one foot tall, weighs 30 lbs. and is bronzed (the one you see on the picture/website is just the clay mold of it, new photo coming soon).

CEREMONY:

There will be a ceremony at the Herbalife Banquet Hall in LA Live (right next to Staples Center) highlighting the three finalists.
The three finalists and one parent will be flown to Los Angeles, CA and put in a hotel for the weekend (Dec 17) by Herbalife.

TO BE ELIGIBLE:

You must be an athlete that plays high school football at the varsity level, regardless of state division, or age. You DO NOT have to attend a Rubio Long Snapping / Chris Sailer Kicking camp to win this award.
You will notice there is a watch list already of the top Long Snappers in the country. You do NOT need to be on this list in order to win. The list can adjust over the time frame.

QUALIFICATIONS:

You must be the starter for your high school varsity team.
You must not have more than one bad snap all season (snap that gets by the punter or the holder).
You must do both punt and p.a.t. snaps.
If you have to snap and block for your team, that is looked at in higher regard.
The amount of tackles is taken into consideration with the voting.
You must have started in 80% of the current year’s games for your varsity team.
A Long Snapper’s physical size is NOT taken into consideration in the voting.
Other positions played are NOT taken into consideration for voting.
To qualify, you may be viewed by Chris Rubio in person, send in film, have a high school head coach’s recommendation, college special team’s coach recommendation or sports writer’s recommendation to be considered eligible. A panel of voters assembled by the Chris Rubio selection committee will vote for the winner.

VOTING:

A panel of voters assembled by the Chris Rubio selection committee will be voting. The panel will include: Chris Rubio, Herbalife representatives, past and current NFL Long Snappers, past and current NCAA Long Snappers, past finalists for the Chris Rubio Award, and Sports writers and columnists. Therefore, if you are one of the final three for the award, you will be on the voting committee forever.

IMPORTANT DATES:

Last Week of September: A watch list will be announced highlighting athletes that have been recognized as a top Long Snapper through this part of the season. The eventual winner does NOT have to be on the watch list to win the award. This is a simple recognition of those that are in the lead.
November 21, 2011: Three Finalists are announced. The finalists will be determined by total votes. 3 points (1st Place Vote), 2 points (2nd Place Vote), 1 Point (3rd Place Vote). In the case of a tie, Chris Rubio will break the tie with his vote.
December 17, 2011: The winner will be announced at the Herbalife Banquet Hall at L.A. Live in Downtown Los Angeles, CA. The winner will be determined by total votes. 3 points (1st Place Vote), 2 points (2nd Place Vote), 1 Point (3rd Place Vote). In the case of a tie, Chris Rubio will break the tie with his vote. *All statistics will have to be verified by your high school head coach before you can be announced as a Finalist.

INFORMATION:
I know you already follow me on Twitter (if not, focus up) and now you will also want to be sure to follow the High School Football Awards Twitter account here for updates and like the Facebook page here for up to the minute information. You can also access the site by ChrisRubioAward.com or HighSchoolFootballAwards.com (both hit the same sight).

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Filed Under: Article Archives, Athlete, Athletics, Chris Rubio Award, Deep Snapper, Exposure, Long Snapper, Motivation Tagged With: Award for Long Snappers, Chris Rubio, Chris Rubio Award, Long Snapping award, LongSnapper, LongSnapping, Rubio Long Snapper, Rubio long snapping

What Rubio Long Snapping is really all about…

September 28, 2011 By Rubio

For about ten years now, I have been working extremely hard to make sure Long Snappers get the best instruction and most exposure out there possible. In my opinion, I have done a pretty good job. Every single year, my numbers have grown with the amount of athletes put out to colleges. With the onslaught of social media, Rubio Long Snapping has completely dominated with the blogs (you are currently embracing), Twitter (over 1,000 followers!), Podcasts and YouTube (more than 125,000 hits of just my guys!). What’s even more impressive to me, is that my return rate (you see me more than once) is nearly 100%! Proves that you like what you are getting and want more.

All of my Long Snappers are like my kids and I treat them all the same way I would want a “coach” to treat my children. The way I speak to them is pretty much identical to the way I speak to Cruz, Alec and Damon. Those of you that doubt me, ask anyone that has witnessed me with my boys. I am a little rough around the edges, but ohhhh do I get my point across:) -one day you need to ask me about a story with Cruz not wanting to take a shower when he was young.

Many of my Long Snapper’s have become very tight with one another through the various camps, events, lessons, Twitter and Facebook. If you are ever privy to this banter, you will understand. It is amazing to me to see this evolution of the kids from competitors to friends to competitive friends. (Rumor has it, there might be even be a group of them that started a fantasy football league) All my Long Snapper’s, and their families, have even become a major factor in my personal life. Think back to my marriage to Jolie, meeting those that I surround myself with, the Baby D contest or even Permed Mullet Guy (if you don’t know, you are really missing out). I truly love how tight knit Rubio Long Snapping has become in a short amount of time.

I am very fortunate to have to deal with Long Snappers and I know it. They are fantastic athletes (given) and people. Jolie always asks me, “How come your guys are so nice and polite?” Of course, I tell her it is because of me and she immediately rolls her eyes. Then, I tell her it is because Long Snappers aren’t used to being the center of attention and are happy to be a group. Ten years ago, there was no identity for Long Snappers. Now they are a gang, in a good way of course, and I love it. Think about it, Long Snappers used to be a side note at a camp and now they are the camp. How often do you almost forget there are kickers even present? I hope you are smiling, ’cause I am too:)

Long Snappers aren’t the only ones that have formed a group. The parents of the Long Snappers have aligned with one another. Whether it is making t-shirts for the moms, carpooling kids to camps, continuing to keep in contact with me, and each other, well after their child has graduated or simply going out to support another Rubio Long Snapper on a bye week, the parents of my Long Snappers have become very tight and I think that is tremendous. I have even heard that a group of 2012 parents are planning a cruise together. Now that is fantastic!

You are probably thinking to yourself right now, “Ok Rubio, this is all fine and dandy, but what’s the point?” My point is that even with all of the fantastic numbers spelled out for you in the first paragraph, there is one thing that I am the most proud of in regards to Rubio Long Snapping and what separates me from others. It is a relatively simple thing, but very powerful. Now, I want you to take the first letter of each paragraph to form a word and you will see that I am most proud that Rubio Long Snapping has become a ______________. Here’s to a great fall of 2011 and an even better 2012!

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Filed Under: Article Archives, Deep Snapper, Exposure, Long Snapper, Motivation, Parenting, Relationships Tagged With: Chris Rubio, Instruction and Exposure, Long Snapper Family, Long Snapping Family, LongSnapper, LongSnapping, Rubio Long Snapper, Rubio long snapping

Tips for Long Snappers

September 21, 2011 By Rubio

Being a former Long Snapper that has been told he “worked the system better than any other human being in the history of the world” and by dealing with hundreds of them per year, I tend to know a bit about the subject. Therefore, I have created a list of pointers for all of the Long Snappers out there. Here you go:

No TV Time
Long Snappers only play about 10-15 plays per game. Hence, not a lot of TV time…..until you read this blog! Couple ways to work around this one…..

First, when you are not in the game (about 99% of the time), stand next to the head coach. That cat is always on the tube. Make sure your helmet is off and you are looking sharp. That will get you a ton of tv time during the game. Be careful though, if the coach or that manager who holds the cords next to the coach spots your antics….you are finished.

Second, Long Snappers are smart. And, in being so intelligent, you know you want the big time spots….highlight footage that will air countless times over the next couple of days! This one takes some work and hustle (shoosh, it will be worth it). You really have to watch the game and not the stands (stadiums are like a fish bowl of lovely ladies come game time). In watching the game, eventually you will see a big hit or catch come towards your sidelines. Immediately jog, no running unless chased is my rule, to the commotion and help the teammate up. This serves two purposes….1) you will get on the tube for highlights and possibly even plays of the week. 2) When picking your teammate up, you arm will be flexed for the crowd. Bam! You’re welcome.
Third, walk (this is key to max jumbotron footage) off the field with your kicker. Given, you will have just snapped a great ball and your kicker will want to thank you for making his “job” so embarrassingly elementary. When he comes to you, embrace him and proceed to walk off the field, slowly, with him. Cameras are always on the kicker after the kick, so if you hang out with him, they will also be on you. Sailer and I were legendary for a very slow stroll, possible slight back massage, wave to the camera or a tap on the bum as we left the field. It got so bad my senior year, that the coach actually tried to reprimand me for taking up too much screen time. Key word: tried.

No Gear
A Long Snapper is basically like the Rodney Dangerfield of the football team. They get no respect. Therefore, you tend to not get a lot of the top gear: abundance of cleats, wristbands, extra socks (trust me, you’ll need them), better off-season shoes, etc. This can be changed…..There is one man that controls this booty (pirate terms, not physical) and that is the equipment manager. First thing to know about the equipment is that it is usually free to the school per the sponsors. For instance, if your team is sponsored by Nike, then Nike will give the school eleventy billion pairs of shoes. Second thing you need to know, ALL equipment guys believe they have paid for all of the equipment out of their own paycheck and are beyond stingy with it. I mean to the point of shocking. You are nodding right now if you are a college Long Snapper and will be if you are a Long Snapper in high school.Since you have an abundance of free time (not a lot of meetings or practice), you need to befriend equipment guy. He just wants to be loved and not be taken advantage of. You need to realize that every single person wants something from him. By being the one guy that doesn’t want something from him, you will make yourself unique.

Offer to help him with some of his jobs (most can be done sitting, so you can embrace). You would be amazed at how much they expect him to do in a short amount of time. He will love the fact that you helped him and guess what… he will make sure you get the best of all the equipment and maybe even a little extra for your buddies and ladies back home:)

No Press
A Long Snapper rarely gets any press (unless you are a Rubio Long Snapper, then you are embraced) and that is simply unfair and wrong. Of course, there are ways around this and here they are……

After you have stretched, done your drills and snapped perfect balls during the live time of practice, there tends to be a good deal of downtime. One way to rectify this is cruise around and check out the other positions. Bad move. First off, very boring and it pisses the other guys off. See, they are all very salty it takes them so long to master their craft that it bothers them to see you breeze through yours. Also, the coaches see you watching and they will immediately put you to work. The last thing you want to do during practice is hold a bag or be the fake center to the qb drills. What you need to do is hang out with the press. The press is always at practice and usually the same group of people. You see, they have assignments and usually the same person will have the same assignment all year. A little friendly banter with these chaps will go a long way.

Do not ask them to write a story. It will come to you. Eventually, they will be tired of writing the same old, same old stuff about how some fast guy ran somewhere or some big guy tackled someone. Just gets old and stale. They will eventually need a fluff piece to win back the hearts of their readers. Who should they choose to write about? Yup, that friendly stallion o’ the gridiron that is always hanging around with the great personality:) Trust me, it happens to Long Snappers.

That’s all the info I am giving out right now. I am fully expecting to see my Long Snappers dressed in the finest gear, while holding a newspaper with their story on the front cover all while getting some massive coverage on the TV:)

Offering the best instruction and most exposure in the world, Rubio Long Snapping can help you to become the best snapper you can be!

In just 18 years, Chris Rubio, President and Owner of Rubio Long Snapping, has become the #1 Long Snapping instructor in the country and the go-to man when a college coach needs a Long Snapper. Colleges from across the country rely on “Rubio’s” word day in and day out on who the best Long Snappers are in the country. Rubio Long Snapping has assisted in over 1,700 Long Snappers earning full scholarships and preferred walk-on opportunities to major colleges and universities just for Long Snapping and many into the NFL as well.

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Filed Under: Article Archives, College, Humor, Long Snapper Tagged With: Chris Rubio, LongSnapper, LongSnapping, Rubio Long Snapper, Rubio long snapping, Tips for Long Snappers, Working the System

“I Don’t Have……

September 14, 2011 By Rubio

“I don’t have…. the size to be a top Long Snapper” – I will be sure to mention that to Jeff Palmer (Oregon, 5’10” and 190 lbs) or Mike Famiglietti (Western Illinois, 5’10” and 190 lbs) or even Casey Hales (first Long Snapper I worked with who was 5’10” and 180 but holds the record for most starts at Duke). No more excuses.

“I don’t have…. the room to practice my Long Snapping” – That’s odd considering I have given you countless drills that can be done in a room the size of a bathroom. No more excuses.

“I don’t have…. a big enough school to be recruited from” – Let me discuss that one with Drew Ferris who went to high school at the San Diego Jewish Academy (160 total students) and is now playing for the University of Florida. In case you are wondering, Drew is the only D1 football player ever to graduate from the San Diego Jewish Academy and it is not known for being a football powerhouse. At one time, Drew’s school was the only all Jewish school in the country that had a football team. No more excuses.

“I don’t have…. anyone to catch my snaps.” – In high school, I snapped to a tree or a tire. In college, I snapped to my bed turned on it’s side. Now, you even have The Rubio Target. No more excuses.

“I don’t have…. the grades to go to college” – Have you really been trying? I mean really trying? Go in and speak with your teachers. SHOW them you want the good grades and are willing to work to get them. Spend more time studying than doing anything else and you are fine. No more excuses.

“I don’t have…. a head coach that will help me with the recruiting process” – Be proactive. You make the calls. You send the emails. You do the work. In addition, if you have been to any of my camps or read any of my Long Snapping blogs you should be well ahead of the game and already know what to do and how to handle yourself. No more excuses

“I don’t have…. the flexibility to be a Long Snapper” – When I was at UCLA, after my very first physical, the doctors and trainers told me, in all seriousness, “Rubio, you have the worst flexibility of any athlete we have ever had here.” Did that hold me back? No. Not to mention, nowadays you can simply search yoga on YouTube and find over 125,000 videos. No more excuses.

“I don’t have….. anyone supporting me” – You have me. I am always there for you and countless people can tell you that. Need more? Download the Long Snapping podcasts and I am in your pocket and in your head….anytime. No more excuses.

“I don’t have…. ANY MORE EXCUSES”

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Filed Under: Article Archives, Long Snapper, Maturity, Motivation Tagged With: Chris Rubio, LongSnapper, LongSnapping, No Excuses, Rubio Long Snapper, Rubio long snapping, Succeeding as a Long Snapper, Succeeding as a Person

Dear Vegas,

Target

I Do Declare

You Know You Are a Rubio Long Snapping Parent if…..

12 Days of Christmas

Q and A with Rubio

Building the Perfect Long Snapper

The Fine Line

The ABC’s of Being Thankful

Who Makes Up Rubio – Part 2

Been There, Done That

How to be Recruited as a Long Snapper

An Open Letter

Dealing with Pressure

Ask

Blink

The Chris Rubio Award

What Rubio Long Snapping is really all about…

Tips for Long Snappers

“I Don’t Have……

Translator

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