Local man living out long-time dream
By Kevin Schnepp

Dream job Former Camden resident John Perkins works on Chicago Bears player Ian Scott's equipment before last week's National Football Conference championship game. Perkins is assistant equipment manager for the Bears. He said he dreamed of working in professional sports since his youth and is happy he stuck with his goals. Photo provided

When John Perkins was a young boy living in Carroll County, he said he knew he wanted to be involved with professional sports as a career.

Now, after years of working toward achieving that goal, Perkins has become an assistant equipment manager for the Chicago Bears.

The former Camden resident and 1993 graduate of Delphi Community High School said he knew he had to start early and work hard to do what he desired.

After high school, where he played baseball and football, Perkins joined the U.S. Army and then worked as a corrections officer while he attended Vincennes University. Not liking where he felt he was headed, and encouraged by his girlfriend, Nichole Buck, and his mother, Pat Yerkes, he turned his focus back to what he wanted to do when he was younger.

Perkins

In a Jan. 22 phone interview with the Comet, Perkins explained some of what it took to attain his goals.

"I knew when I was young I couldn't make it in pro sports as an athlete," Perkins began. "So I looked for other ways to be involved. I collected a lot of sports cards and autographs when I was young. I always had the desire to be in sports, and felt like I just had to pursue it."

Once back on course for a career in sports, Perkins attended Purdue University, where he credited Leroy Keyes for getting him his first sports-related job in the Purdue equipment room.

During his time at Purdue, he learned he would need to work at a larger venue to gain experience and exposure. He attended the University of Tennessee and helped manage the equipment of that school's football team. He graduated from there in December 2005.

During the summer of 2006 he secured an equipment management internship with the Bears. It was then that he said he knew he had a legitimate opportunity to work with the pros.

"When I was an intern with the Bears, the Miami Dolphins expressed interest in hiring me," he explained. "When the Bears heard that, they did what they could to entice me to stay. So Tony Medlin (his supervisor at the Bears organization) got me a position as temporary assistant equipment manager with the Chicago Fire soccer team. Once the assistant equipment manager position opened with the Bears, I took it."

As assistant equipment manager, Perkins is responsible for all apparel for the Bears coaches, inactive players, owners and others. He said he works with Reebok and the National Football League to coordinate attire and stay within rules.

"I tell everyone what they can wear and what they can't," he explained.

Perkins said he enjoys the atmosphere in the organization.

"All the equipment guys (around the league) know each other and help each other out," he explained. "The team and those involved with it are outstanding and I'm happy to be associ- ated with them."

P e r k i n s said he finds it fascinating that the reality of his dreams is as great as he imagined.

"I find myself interacting with the living legends of the game," he commented. "Even guys who are in the hall of fame already. It's pretty amazing."

"This is truly like a big family," he said. "Everyone is so good at what they do and supportive of each other. That's a great thing to see on this level of sports."

When asked about Super Bowl XLI, Perkins said he is excited with anticipation.

"I'm so nervous about it. I get the same ring the players get, whether it's an NFC title ring or the Super Bowl," he said. "Either way, I'm excited about being part of it all."