CNN
–
On a weekend filled with star power, sports challenges and the Hydler Award, Philadelphia High School teachers have grown taller among sports legends.
Matt Dennisch, a teacher at Red Lion Area High School, came third in his first fanatic game at the Fanatic Fest at Javits Center in New York City.
Created by Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin, the sporting event portrayed over 125,000 fans and featured this year the groundbreaking “Pro vs. Joes” format. Fifty athletes and celebrities won pits against fans selected by 50 hands in a multi-event skill showdown.
NFL legend Tom Brady won first place, $1 million, and UFC champion Justin Geche came in second, kicked out at the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB, but it was Dennis who finally left in one of the most memorable moments of the weekend.
Danish won the 2003-04 Topps Chrome Gold Refractor Lebron James Rookie card with a third-place finish. However, during the awards ceremony, Brady surprised the crowd by offering to buy a card on the spot – with $250,000 in cash from his own award stack.
“Behind the scenes, I was talking to Tom,” Danish told CNN Sports. “I could meet him before I went out and he asked if I was a collector. I said no. I wasn’t going to do a deal on stage. I thought he was just having a conversation.”
Brady’s offer was encouraged by celebrity competitor Kevin Hart.
“Fortunately, Kevin Hart stepped in and was by my side and said, ‘I took over, I’ll make you quite a bit,” Danish said. “And I was sitting by my side of Justin, the second-place winner, so he opened my ears.
“He said: ‘Are you doing this deal?’ I said: ‘I don’t know, I think I have to see what it is.’ And it all happened very quickly. ”
“When I heard the number, I said: ‘It was a transaction that I couldn’t pass on because I know the value of the advertised card.”
Rubin himself counted cash on stage, and his private security team delivered it to Dennis’ Philadelphia home the following day. Brady also threw signed cards and jerseys to sweeten the deal.
Fanatics Games tested participants in eight sports-themed events, including quarterback accuracy, basketball shooting, soccer goalscoring, puck shooting, UFC strikering power, WWE-style entrance and golf simulator challenge.
Each competitor accumulated points throughout the three-day event, with referees earning performances on the main floor of Fanatics Fest.
Danish made the biggest mark in the MLB pitching accuracy challenge. He won completely over all 100 participants.
“I played until sixth grade,” he said. “My grandfather, he played a bit of minor leagues, so I’m really a huge fan of baseball, the Philadelphia Phillies fans, and my dad is really passionate about it.”
He added that after learning that he was chosen to compete, he quickly began working. “I went to the gym for three days in a row, and my brother sat on the other end of the gym and got some toss in an attempt to get the feel back.
Danish won his place in the competition by submitting a two-minute video showing his athletic skills, including footage of him sinking a once-in-a-lifetime shot.
“Last year, I had the opportunity to take half court shots with the Philadelphia Six season ticket holder.
What is he going to do with his $250,000? “I’m someone who doesn’t spend too much, so I’m probably going to save a large part,” he said. “I might buy some small things here and there, but I don’t want to get hooked on it. I know it’s not going to last forever.”
Money may not be life-changing, but Dennis knows he will walk to very different classrooms.
“After that half-court shot, I got a lot of attention,” Danish said. “I didn’t think it was going out. It’s just like this. I didn’t think anyone really knew I was competing for this unless I left it there.
“All the attention this event can get, and all the footage is everywhere, including the incredible hosting and promotions of Michael Rubin,” he added.
“So, that’s going to be a challenge where you have to go back and answer a lot of questions, but it’s fun and there are many easy-to-teach moments out of this event.”
