Getting to know …

Pennsville’s Robbie McDade

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the latest in a recurring series of in depth interviews with athletes in Salem County. Coaches, if there is a player in your program with an interesting background or backstory the community would be interested in “Getting to Know …,” forward details in an email to Riverview Sports News at al.muskewitz@gmail.com.

By Brian Tortella
For Riverview Sports News

PENNSVILLE — Robbie McDade played a major role in turning around the Pennsville football program last season. As only a sophomore, he led the Eagles to a 6-4 record as the Eagles’ starting quarterback. Not only did he lead Salem County in passing yards (1,282), the six victories matched the program’s win-total from the previous three seasons combined.

“Robbie is one of the hardest workers on the team, but more importantly, he is always trying to get others together to work with him,” Eagles head coach Mike Healy said. “He never misses a workout, is always getting kids together to work on routes, and has been working with a QB coach this offseason. I couldn’t be happier with his dedication and the fact that having success last year has made him work even harder.”

Not only is McDade a hard worker on the football field, but the 5-foot-10 gunslinger also performs on the mat, notching 20 individual wins wrestling this winter. He played baseball his freshman year, but decided to step aside to put a full focus on elevating his football game. 

The McDade name is well-known throughout Pennsville Township. His grandfather, Robert E. McDade was the mayor of Pennsville up until last year. Get to know Robbie as he continues to live up to his last name, making Pennsville proud while preparing for the upcoming season on the gridiron.

RIVERVIEW SPORTS NEWS: Did you always want to play quarterback growing up or did you just have a knack for throwing the football?

ROBBIE McDADE: I actually played running back my whole life but naturally had an arm. My eighth grade year we didn’t have a quarterback so I decided to try it out and we went to the championship. After that I loved it ever since.

RSN: What do you like most about playing football compared to other sports?

RN: The thing I like the most is the team bonding and chemistry you can build. It also teaches you to work together. It’s different from wrestling because wrestling it’s just you out there and no one can help you. There’s just nothing like football and the friends you make from it.

RSN: What do you like most about Coach Healy?

RM: I like how he doesn’t care how old you are; if you’re good enough you will play. He makes you earn everything you get, nothing is given to you when he is your coach and that’s what I like the most. He motivates you to get better and doesn’t take lazy people. You have to give full effort at all times.

RSN: How have you been practicing to prepare for the season, and what is your expectation for your team this upcoming campaign?

RM: I have been putting in the most work I ever have. I have been lifting five days a week and going to my trainer every week. I throw with my receivers so much to get the chemistry down and to be the best I can be. This offseason has been a grind and it’s going to pay off. This team is going to shock people this year and make a big playoff run.

RSN: What do you do away from the field? What do you do for fun in your down time? Any extracurricular activities?

RM: I like to go boating and being out in the water. It is time for me to relax and not think about anything. Also family is a big part of my life, my family BBQ’s a lot and it’s a good time.

RSN: Do you fish then? If so, have you caught anything recently?

RM: No, I don’t go fishing a whole lot, I like to go crabbing. I caught a couple dozen crabs recently.

RSN: Who is someone you looked up to or continued to growing up?

RM: I really look up to Tom Brady; he just has that mindset to be the best you can be. His story is great: He was never the best and he never had the best arm but he just kept working and he overcame a lot of adversity and eventually got the starting job. It just tells me to never stop working.

RSN: So, to settle the debate, is Brady the GOAT?

RM: Yes, I do think he is the GOAT. I mean, he has the most rings.

RSN: What’s your favorite hype song?

RM: Dreams and Nightmares by Meek Mill is my favorite pre-game song. It gets me fired up and ready for the game.

RSN: Tell me a little bit about your future. Do you see yourself playing football at the next level and what school is your realistic “dream” college?

RM: Yes, I do see myself playing at the next level. I am grinding to get to where I need to be to play at the next level. One of my dream colleges would be the University of Delaware.

RSN: You guys were put in a lighter division when they reshuffled the West Jersey Football League, but appealed to move up to a harder one to have a better chance at making the playoffs this season. What are your thoughts on that?

RM: I love that we did that. It gives us an opportunity to go to the playoffs. Now, it is our job to win games so we can accomplish the goals that we want. 

RSN: Looking into the future, how would you like to be remembered in Pennsville athletics history?

RM: I would like to be remembered as a hard-working person, and I want people to remember me as one of the best QBs to go through Pennsville.