Players battle for the ball on the infamous “tree play,” in which the quarterback throws the ball into the tree, leaving the pass up for grabs.
PHOTOS BY BOB WELLINSKI
(CLICK ON PHOTOS TO ENLARGE)
If you’ve driven down Michigan Avenue on any Thanksgiving Day in the past 39 years, you might have noticed a ragtag bunch of guys playing football on the lawn of the stately Ruth Sabin Home.
They don’t seem to belong there (although a few of the players are pushing the age where the Sabin Home might soon welcome them). No doubt more than a few of the home’s residents have peeked out their windows over the years with the initial thought of calling the local authorities.
Yet the annual Turkey Bowl, now in the capable hands of organizer Pat Zoll, annually brings together a hearty band of brothers — made up of fathers and sons, grandfathers and grandsons, longtime buds, and perfect strangers who become fast friends.
On Thanksgiving Day 2013, a group of 16 donned flags for the 39th annual Turkey Bowl. Bob Wellinski captured some of the fun.
Pat Zoll slips between defenders (who happen to be his sons, Jake and Cody) after catching a pass.
Al Barcus tips a pass at the line of scrimmage.
Noah Boardman exudes steely determination as he intercepts a pass and heads the other way.
Players battle for a Hail-Mary pass.
A defender grabs the flag of a young receiver.