Corbett deals with life after football

By Joe Mason
Times Sports Editor

Jim Corbett has always been passionate about football.
The 2000 grad of Cardinal Dougherty High School enjoyed a successful stint on the Cardinals’ offensive and defensive lines, and after his high school career ended, he wanted to continue playing his favorite sport.
He was a walk-on with Temple University’s football team and red-shirted his freshman year. But after a year at the school, he discovered the college life wasn’t for him and he didn’t go back for a sophomore campaign.
"I wanted to play football, but I didn’t like college," Corbett said. "I wanted to continue playing, but it wasn’t working out. I didn’t want to stay in school just to play football."
So Corbett was left with plenty of ability. But he didn’t have a field where he could display it.
That changed in 2002, when he signed up with the Philadelphia Celts.
The Celts is a semi-pro football team that is based in Northeast Philadelphia and competes in the Colonial Football Alliance, a six-team league that encompasses the tri-state area. The Celts play their home games at Comly and Thorton roads, starting on Saturday night at 7.
Corbett hooked up with the team after a year away from football. It was the perfect opportunity for him to play the game he loves.
"It’s great," said Corbett, who works for the Philadelphia Parking Authority. "The Celts is a great team. We have a lot of fun and it’s a chance for most of us, who were good players, to continue our careers.
"Some of the guys played college ball. Some never played after high school but still have a passion for the game. In high school and college, you play because you like it, but you also want to get recognition and scholarships. Us, we’re just playing the sport because we absolutely love the game and we couldn’t imagine not playing it."
Corbett was a key cog in the Celts’ pit for two seasons. But last month may have marked the end of Corbett’s playing days.
It was a typical practice. He was lined up for full-contact drills against his teammates on the defensive line. As he was throwing a block, he was hit in the back of the leg. Four distinct popping sounds followed.
"I heard ‘pop, pop, pop, pop,’" Corbett said. "And each one hurt a lot. I knew something was wrong. It was just a regular play, but I got hit the wrong way. I was in so much pain and I knew it was the (upcoming season)."
An MRI later confirmed Corbett’s fears. He had torn his anterior cruciate ligament and cartilage. The injury certainly has ruined his 2004 season; he’s unsure if he will ever play again.
"Anyone who has ever played football gets hurt," the 24-year-old Corbett said. "But this was my first real injury. I’ve missed games before, but this is the worst thing that’s ever happened.
"And I’m not a kid anymore. I’m dragging my leg around Olney to write tickets," he said, referring to his parking authority job. "Before, if you got hurt, no big deal. But now I’m working and I need to stay healthy. I can’t miss work, and now I have to, to get the surgery."
The surgery may keep Corbett on the shelf for a few months, but he’s not letting it ruin his football days.
Though no longer able to play for the Celts, Corbett serves as an assistant coach for the offensive and defensive lines. He plans on helping out at games, sitting in the stands while acting as the eyes and ears for the coaching staff. And even though he’ll miss mixing it up on the line, at least he’s still able to be part of the team.
"It’s definitely not playing, I don’t get to hit anyone. It’s more fun to hit people than to tell people how to hit someone!" Corbett said with a laugh. "But coaching is cool. The good thing is that even though I’m younger than most of the guys, they respect me and listen to me. That means a lot.
"I’ll be involved in every game," Corbett continued. "It’s going to be tough. I played every game for two years and now it’s over, at least for the time being. This isn’t how I wanted to spend the summer, coaching instead of playing, but at least I’m around the game."
The experience of coaching also could lead him to a future career. Corbett, who helped out on the Dougherty staff in 2001, would enjoy taking over a high school team. And though he envisioned doing it a little later in life, he’s getting valuable experience on the Celts’ sidelines.
"It’s helped a little," Corbett said of his coaching stint. "You do learn a lot of little things. You have to know everything, not just one position, when you’re coaching.
"I’d really love to coach at Dougherty. I loved that school, and I’d love to go back. This new coaching thing can only help me if I ever do.
"The injury was a real setback and may have ended my career," Corbett said. "But I guess if it helps me with coaching, it could be a good thing, too." ••
Contact sports editor Joe Mason at 215-354-3035 or jmason@phillynews.com