Two NFBC Charter Members -- players who have been with us since our inception in 2004 -- passed away recently. Chris Schinker was one of our very first NFBC signups and he was the very first NFFC Las Vegas signup ever in 2004. Originally from Wisconsin, Chris participated in baseball and football almost every year and in 2023 he was at Park MGM when we pointed him out as the very first Las Vegas signup from our debut NFFC season in 2024. Chris was a successful businessman who drafted with his brother that first year and even recruited his dad to participate in the NFBC and NFFC for a few years. He always drafted football and baseball in Las Vegas with us and I remember him at the very first NFFC auction at the Flamingo. He passed away earlier this month at the age of 58.
George Kleemann is another player who joined the NFBC and NFFC in 2004 and played continuously for 22 years. George drafted live in Chicago with his son Michael for many years and always wanted to come out to Las Vegas to draft with us live, but because of health issues he wasn't ever able to get out there. George just really loved the camaraderie and competition in the NFBC and he drafted baseball, football and basketball every year, with his wife Sandi even having good success in baseball during the early years. It was a family affair at the live events, during the season and especially during drafts as George always needed computer help!!
George would call me and Tom often just to talk about the Packers or Brewers or anything sports related and he always checked in just to make sure our families were well. George was 85 and will be very missed in our high-stakes community. He was already drafting football teams and Michael will now take over all of his teams and try to bring home a national title in George's name. Rest In Peace to both Chris and George, two NFBC & NFFC Charter Members and two great guys and great players. You won't replace two people who have been with you for 22 straight years, but we certainly can remember them. RIP guys.
