Before Anthony Creecy was born, his father Anthony Creecy Sr. served in the United States military during the First Gulf War. Although the elder Creecy prefers not to talk much about his years defending the U.S., the son exudes with honor for what his father did.
"I feel really proud because not too many people can say that their father served his country in the military," Creecy said.
As he was growing up, Creecy moved and traveled a lot due to his father's military career. He treasured the experience of meeting people from around the world and has his father to thank for inspiring him to play football. Creecy Sr. played through college at (Division II) Elizabeth City (N.C.) State and has coached at the Pop Warner, middle school, high school and college levels. Creecy remembers being a young boy having his father help him run routes outside their house, and all this hard work has landed him on USA Football's Junior National Team.
Creecy now has the opportunity to meet others from different countries while playing the sport he loves in USA Football's "Team USA vs. The World" Game, presented by Riddell in Ft. Lauderdale on Jan. 30. The 6-foot wideout and North Carolina State recruit joins a roster composed of 45 of the top high school football players in the country representing the United States.
Shortly after arriving in South Florida, Creecy expressed his excitement about the talent on the squad and getting to know his teammates this week.
"I feel real good because I've seen a lot of these guys at camps," Creecy said. "So I know they're real good guys and willing to win just like I am. And I know they're going to work hard."
Team USA will put in that effort this week with seven practices, which began on Tuesday. Just as Creecy Sr. dedicated his life and service to his country on foreign soil against America's foes, the younger Creecy and his teammates now prepare to face an international opponent, albeit in a friendly showcase of America's favorite sport.
Given the nature of the competition, Creecy looks forward to meeting the players from eight countries on the World Select team and adding to his international experiences. At the same time, he acknowledges that this team is a worthy adversary.
"I knew they were going to be real good, real prepared," Creecy said. "And I also know that they're a big team too, so we're going to have to buckle down and really play against them. They look real good this year so far, so I know it's going to be a good game."
While the "Team USA vs. The World" game represents a tremendous international stage for the game of football, national pride is on the line in this game as well. As a soldier, Creecy Sr. suited up in camouflage with the U.S. flag on his shoulder. Now his son gets to cover his football pads with a red, white and blue uniform and the letters "U-S-A" emblazoned across the front.
"I have a lot of pride because my dad also had something to do with the 'U-S-A' across his chest," Creecy said. "And also it makes me feel good about having 'U-S-A' across my chest because I'm getting ready to represent the country."
While Creecy knows little about his father's actual experiences as a patriot, Creecy Sr. will witness his son's firsthand. Creecy's father, sister and uncle will travel from Durham, N.C., to cheer him on from the stands of historic Lockhart Stadium.
For the father, it will also be another chance to show his patriotism and support for the United States, to which he has already given so much.
