Yarborough refuses to lose

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Updated: April 10, 2011 6:40PM

Ryan Yarborough has earned quite a few distinctions during a football career that included a stint in the NFL: All-Area wide receiver at Rich East; first team Associated Press All-American at the University of Wyoming; four-year career with the New York Jets and Baltimore Ravens.

However, being the head coach on the last McLegends team to lose to the High School Boys All-Stars isn't among his proudest achievements.

"The atmosphere was great, the sportsmanship was great, but I hate to lose," said Yarborough, a second-round pick of the Jets in the 1994 NFL draft.

That McLegends loss came in 2005, with the All-Stars claiming a 120-108 victory.

It was a one-and-done coaching experience for Yarborough.

It must be stated the McLegends have won five straight since then. Yarborough laughs off the defeat - kind of. The 1989 Rich East grad places the blame at the feet of McLegends architect and longtime SouthtownStar sports writer Alan Macey.

By and large, Macey fills the roster and, according to Yarborough, the 2005 McLegends lacked younger legs and skill to win that game.

The High School All-Stars outscored the McLegends 26-9 down the stretch to pull out the rare win.

"Oh, yeah, Al keeps reminding me about that loss," Yarborough said. "I tell Al all the time: ‘You didn't get me the players I needed to win the game.' I had 50-something-year-old players. My guys were wore down in the fourth quarter. I'm like, ‘C'mon GM (general manager, Macey), get me some players.' "

After a five-year sabbatical, Yarborough returns to McLegends, this time as a player.

He joins a roster that includes current and former local NFL stars Antwaan Randle El, Napoleon Harris, Rodney Harrison and Tai Streets, among others.

"I'm looking forward to going out there and having a good time," Yarborough said. "Playing with Randle El and Rodney, it's going to be intense."

The bigger, stronger McLegends like to flex their muscle. Many of the McLegends like to talk a little trash, too, with Randle El and Harrison leading the verbal charge.

Yarborough intends to talk the talk and walk the walk right along with his teammates.

As a matter of fact, Yarborough, an assistant football coach at Rich Central, already has started talking. He's been bending the ear of Rich Central senior Deji Ibitayo, a member of the High School All-Stars.

"I've been telling Deji to get his game ready full force," Yarborough said. "I'm going specifically at him. He has no idea what I have up my sleeve for him.

"I know the high school kids think they're younger and in better shape than us. But I'm here to tell them, don't let age fool you. We're still in good shape. I'm going to hit 40 and I can still run like the wind."

The other aspect the High School All-Stars tend to neglect is the pride factor. While the opportunity to raise much-needed funds for Ronald McDonald House, Project Share and other charities attracts McLegends players to the game, Randle El and Co. come to win.

"The one thing about pro athletes, we don't like to lose," Yarborough said. "We have a lot of pride. Don't underestimate that in the final result."

Yarborough focuses much of his attention toward his foundation, which helps kids realize their potential and pursue their dreams.

A three-sport star at Rich East, Yarborough is not a fan of high school athletes playing one sport. He encourages kids to diversify, and if that means mixing sports and the arts, so be it. The more activities, the merrier.

"I played football, basketball and baseball at Rich East," he said. "I tell kids all the time to not put all their eggs in one basket. I stress to kids the importance of academics and to diversify. Play multiple sports, try different activities.

"My foundation is there to assist kids get to the next level, whether it's an education, entertainment or athletics. I use my contacts and people I know to get kids to explore opportunities. If you're a dancer, an athlete, whatever, we want to try to help.

"There are a lot of good kids out there. They just need some direction."