Dreams do come true.
And for Boston Scott, he’s tracked down two of them
Scott has been a backup running back for the Philadelphia Eagles for the past four years. He finished the 2021 season with 87 rushes for 373 yards and seven touchdowns. He also added a 34-yard rushing touchdown in the Eagles playoff loss to the Bucs.
NFL dream, check.
But this month, he added another one. Scott signed a deal with European Esport power Dignitas to become the first active member of a pro sports roster to also sign with an esports team.
“Gaming has always been a part of my life. It’s had an impact on me since I was young that has made it bigger than just a hobby that I enjoy,” Scott said in an article on ESPN. “So the fact that I’m able to join Dignitas is a dream come true.”
Scott is a Grand Champion in Rocket League
The Philadelphia 76ers acquired Dignitas in 2016. According to the organization’s website, Dignitas is an international esports organization that fields teams in many of esports’ largest and most popular games. The group has captured six championships over the past three years and just scored a significant public relations win in securing Scott.
Scott has earned the status of Grand Champion in Rocket League, placing him in the top .52% of over 6 million competitive players globally. He will serve as the fourth member and substitute player as well as a content creator for the professional team.
New Jersey recently approved wagering on esports
Rocket League is a soccer-like game with cars instead of people trying to score goals on the pitch. Statistics from May 2021 estimated that Rocket League had an average monthly player count of approximately 96 million.
New Jersey recently made news by accepting its first legal bets on esports through a partnership with the London-based Esports Entertainment Group. Will PA legalize esports betting next?
In an article by WHYY, Andrew Weilgus, executive director of the Esports Innovation Center at Stockton University, said that he expects esports will grow into “a massive developing market that’s estimated to be almost $200 billion over the next decade.”
That growth will be fueled by some celebrities who have invested in the industry and others like Scott who enjoy picking up a controller.
Neymar Jr, who plays for the Paris Saint-Germain soccer team in Europe and the Brazilian national team, has signed on as a content creator with Facebook Gaming. He has also been rumored as a potential target for esports teams.
Esports investors include big names like Michael Jordan and Steph Curry
In addition, celebrities such as Michael Jordan, Steph Curry, and Drake have invested in esports.
And with esports continuing to entrench itself in mainstream culture, more investments and more crossovers will be arriving soon.
But for now, Boston Scott appears to be the only pro athlete who owns a roster spot on an esports team.
And that’s pretty exciting for Dignitas.
“Not only are Boston’s competitive achievements in Rocket League astounding, but his natural charisma and infectious enthusiasm for gaming fits perfectly with the Dignitas brand,” Michael Prindiville, CEO of Dignitas parent company New Meta Entertainment, said in a recent article. “We look forward to seeing him compete for Dignitas Rocket League in 2022. Additionally, through an exciting new content series, the community will witness and engage in Boston’s grind to the top. He’s psyched to meet fellow Rocket Leaguers during an upcoming activation at an RLCS event in North America.”
“Stay tuned to witness Boston’s gaming journey.”
Featured image credit: Chris Szagola – AP