ROCKWALL, TX (Sept. 2, 2026) In Rockwall, Texas, a group of local business owners, community leaders, and professionals has found a uniquely fun way to build friendships, talk a little trash, and raise real money for nonprofits—all through fantasy football.
Welcome to the Rockwall Gridiron Gang, now entering its fourth season of competition, camaraderie, and creative “punishments.”
Founded three years ago, the league brings together friends who first connected through Rockwall Chamber of Commerce events, Rotary, and Leadership Rockwall. What started as casual connections at community gatherings has grown into something deeper. The friendly rivalries, weekly banter, and shared laughs have turned many of these acquaintances into lifelong friends.
They draft teams, compete hard, and play for bragging rights… with one major caveat. Nobody wants to finish last.
The last-place finisher faces the infamous Waffle Challenge Punishment. The loser must spend 24 hours at a local breakfast spot such as IHOP or Waffle House. Every waffle eaten knocks one hour off the sentence. Better yet, the loser chooses a local nonprofit, and every $100 donated in their honor also shaves an hour off the clock. What begins as lighthearted humiliation quickly turns into a community fundraising effort.
This past season, Trevor Reed of Volkert took on the challenge and raised more than $1,200 for the Children’s Advocacy Center of Rockwall. In a previous year, Mitch Ownby, Rockwall County EMS and Heath City Councilman, finished last and also raised more than $1,200 for the Texas Valor Project. In the league’s first year, Justin Holland of Legacy and Co. Real Estate similarly turned his last-place finish into support for a local cause.
The current members include:
- Gerald Hendrik, Rockwall Wealth Advisors
- Kevin Hadawi, Wells Fargo
- Logan Lance, American National Bank of Texas
- Mitch Ownby, Rockwall County EMS and Heath City Council
- William Branch, The William Branch Group
- Victor Cantu, Toro Steam Cleaning
- Dylan Labonte, Century 21 Judge Fite
- Kayne Peirce, Happy State Bank
- Trevor Reed, Volkert
- Jared Schweers, Key Element Media
- Brady Hill, McGriff (a Marsh & McLennan Agency Company)
- Rob McAngus, Mueller Family Law Group
Past champions include Rob McAngus (Year 1), Logan Lance (Year 2), and Dylan Labonte (Year 3). Who will claim the title this year—or, more entertainingly, who will be the next one polishing off waffles for a good cause?
League members say the real victory isn’t the standings. It’s the relationships formed over drafts, the friendly (and not-so-friendly) banter throughout the season, and the way a simple fantasy league has become a vehicle for supporting Rockwall nonprofits. They compete hard, talk plenty of smack, and then rally around whichever member ends up in the waffle booth—turning potential embarrassment into awareness and dollars for local organizations.
As the Rockwall Gridiron Gang prepares for another season of drafts, rivalries, and eventual redemption-by-waffle, one thing is clear: in this corner of Texas, fantasy football is about more than just points. It’s about community, connection, and making sure that even the loser walks away a winner—for a good cause.
Who’s ready for next year’s Waffle Challenge? Rockwall will be watching.
Want to learn more or support the nonprofits these guys have helped?
- Children’s Advocacy Center for Rockwall County: https://rockwallcac.org/
- Texas Valor Project: https://texasvalorproject.org/
Submitted story and photos by Gerald Hendrik.
Waffles, Trash Talk, and Charity: Rockwall Gridiron Gang Turns Fantasy Football Into Community Gold added by Editor on
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