*Disclaimer: This Commissioner’s Review has very few jokes. It may also seem like a repeat of what was discussed in the preseason Review. And for some of you, this “reminder” doesn’t affect you much because you already plan well for trips. But flights are officially open for Labor Day weekend 2026, and I felt it necessary to bring it up once again, particularly for the piss-poor planning, shaky negroes in our league that will talk a good game now and back out at the last minute with a dumb ass excuse why they can’t make it.*

Every year around in early September — when the smell of fall creeps into the air, the days start getting shorter, and football begins to take over every conversation — I find myself feeling nostalgic.

That familiar sense of reunion, of belonging, of returning to something familiar yet ever-changing — it’s the same feeling I used to get walking across Hampton University’s campus during Homecoming week.

For those of us that went to our beloved HU, you know exactly what I’m talking about. You could feel it before you even got to the waterfront. Driving down 64 and seeing the sign that said “Settlers Landing.” The DJ’s speakers were already shaking the entire Student Center. The tailgate smoke looked like a halftime show. The hugs hit different. It was chaos, laughter, and a little magic — the kind that makes age 19 feel like yesterday.

That’s exactly what our Fantasy Draft Weekend has become.

Our own version of Homecoming.

It’s the one weekend every year that pulls us all back together. We come from different cities, different careers, different family dynamics. But when the draft rolls around, the group chat buzzes louder, the jokes start flying, and suddenly, we’re 21 again — loud, reckless, and full of life.

The draft itself is just the excuse. The gathering is the purpose.

The Early Days: Building Tradition in Real Time

It started small — my apartment in Jersey. Tight space, a couple of folding chairs, a few magazines, and a draft board that I purchased on Amazon. But we didn’t care. We made it work. We had stickers for most names, but for the others, we had to write em down with a marker on the board. There was laughter, there were arguments, and there was that same feeling of brotherhood that’s carried us since.

We didn’t realize it at the time, but that first draft was laying the foundation for something bigger. It wasn’t just about picking players. It was about building a tradition. We kept it rolling in Jersey for a few years. Steve’s apartment in Union City. Zayn’s spot in Perth Amboy where I infamously drafted Arian Foster thinking it was Adrian Peterson.

At some point, we took the show to D.C. — Malik’s apartment building. That weekend felt like our first “upgrade.” Better food, better drinks, slightly better planning (emphasis on slightly). But the energy was still the same. Sherv pleaded to keep his keepers. Steve was dejected. Laughter echoed through the hallways, and the trash talk somehow managed to get both more creative and more disrespectful.

Then there was Atlanta. That one was special. We’d gotten older, slightly more responsible, but the spark was still there. The backyard bash at my place was the moment it clicked for me — this thing we have isn’t just a casual group of fantasy players. It’s a brotherhood. The kind of thing people spend years trying to find — a group of grown men who can set the world aside for a few days and just be.

The Global Era: From 95 North to International Flights

After conquering the East Coast, we decided to see how far we could take it.

Belize. Man, what a time. One minute we were debating draft sleepers at the crib, the next minute we were trying to figure out how eleven grown men, two golf carts, and one Bluetooth speaker were gonna get to the beach at Ambergris Caye. It was like Ocean’s Eleven — except with worse planning and way more rum punch.

We had our hiccups, sure — I mean, it was pretty quiet due to COVID — but just because we got there together, it was magic.

It was more than a trip — it was a statement. It said that this thing we built wasn’t limited by borders, age, or circumstance.

A smaller crew kept the spirit alive in Costa Rica, ripping through the forests of Jaco on ATVs, seeing sights most people only dream of. That trip proved something else: even if the full squad couldn’t make it, the heartbeat of our brotherhood was still strong.

And then, Brazil. Only two of us from the league made it. Buit reminded that this isn’t just about the draft — it’s about commitment; an active commitment through proper planning and effort to uphold a tradition that is the glue that holds this friendship together.

The State of the League: A Commissioner Reflects

Now, as your Commissioner, and a Commissioner currently rehabbing my entire wide receiver corps together with athletic tape and prayer, I’ve had time to think.

We’re not just managing a league. We’re maintaining a bond. We’re curating a legacy.

The challenge isn’t just keeping the group chat alive or tracking down who still owes league dues. It’s about making sure this thing stays meaningful. Making sure it remains an anchor; something we can all look forward to when life feels like it’s running us ragged.

So while I’m trying to find any semblance of a receiver on the waiver wire to get me through this matchup against Will, I’m also thinking long-term — about next year. About how we keep elevating. How we take the lessons of Brazil built back our tradition to make it stronger, tighter, and better than ever.

Which brings me to our next chapter: Tulum, Mexico. Labor Day Weekend 2026.

Tulum: The Next Level

The flights are open, fellas. And that’s not just an announcement. That’s a declaration.

Buy. Your. Tickets. Now.

Before prices rise. Before your schedule fills. Before the excuses start rolling in. Before it’s “Damn, August came quick this year. How much are flights going for right now?”

Tulum isn’t just another destination. It’s a mindset shift. It’s a new way of thinking about how we travel, plan, and celebrate in our 40s.

When we were in our 20s, this was easy. A quarter tank of gas, a couple fantasy magazines, and a case of beer was all we needed to roll up to my apartment, or Zayn’s, or Steve’s. We were spontaneous, without many responsibilities, and blissfully broke.

In our early 30s, we stretched the boundaries a bit. For DC, we hopped on trains or filled the tank up to the top. $300 could get you to Atlanta and back, and Dunc or I always had a couch or air mattress waiting. $25 could cover you for a full day of food and fun.

Now? Now we’re in a different stage of life. The 40s aren’t approaching. They’re here. This is the decade of grown-man energy. We can’t just “go with the flow” anymore, and that’s not a bad thing. It means we plan smarter. We move intentionally. We make the most of every single moment.

Curating the Grown-Man Experience

Don’t get me wrong — I’m not saying we should swap tequila shots for sipping tea or trade beach parties for book clubs. What I’m saying is that we can curate experiences.

We can build weekends that check every box: good food, great company, adventure, relaxation, and those unplanned moments of laughter that turn into lifelong stories.

Picture it:

A 4-day, 3-night stay in a luxury villa, with every man having his own king size bed and private en-suite bathroom.
Mornings that start with a chef’s breakfast by the water and end with cigars and conversation under the stars.
Jet skis cutting through turquoise waves.
Surf lessons for those of us who still believe we’re athletes.
Taboo Restaurant & Lounge for those of us seeking a dope nightlife experience filled with rounds of high quality tequila (not no damn Casamigos), linen shirts, beautiful people, and an energy that makes us feel young again.
Pyramid tours that remind us we’re walking through history.
An IN-PERSON draft on a patio overlooking the ocean (with no need for Zoom links)
And yes — afternoon naps. Because at this age, recovery time is sacred.

We’ve reached a point where we don’t just want fun — we want quality. And that means planning ahead, being intentional, and creating something that feeds the soul.

This Tulum trip isn’t about showing off or doing it for the ’gram. It’s about investing in ourselves and in each other.

Why Attendance Matters

We’ve learned this over the years — the energy of the weekend depends on who’s in the room.

When one of us misses, the dynamic shifts. The laughter doesn’t hit quite the same. The stories feel a little shorter. The draft itself feels incomplete.

We’ve tried Zooms; we’ve dealt with lagging Wi-Fi, muted mics, and “can y’all hear me now?” moments that kill the vibe. It’s not the same. It never will be.

Each one of us brings something unique to the group — the jokes, the strategy, the drama, the nostalgia, the pure chaos. Without one, the mix isn’t right.

So this year, let’s prioritize being there — not just in spirit, but in person. Let’s put this on the same level of importance as weddings, baby showers, and milestone birthdays. Because in many ways, it’s all three rolled into one.

Logistics and Planning

Alright, enough emotion for a second — let’s talk details.

The main reason I’m writing this review this week is because flights are officially open for the first weekend in September 2026. And my goal as Commissioner is simple: everyone should have their flights booked by March 1, 2026.

Not March-ish. Not “I’m waiting to see what Spirit does.” March 1, 2026.

If Beyoncé can get 70,000 people to show up on time in sequins, I can get 12 men to book a flight.

You can fly directly into Tulum, or fly into Cancun and take a shuttle (about an hour ride). When I went before, I took the Cancun route — it was smooth, affordable, and easy.

Newark Crew (Claude, Dre, Kenny, Steve, Tone, Will, and Zayn):

Round-trip flights to Tulum start at $435 on United (no direct flights; likely a layover in Houston). It’s important to note that for those who need to be back in time for the start of school on the following Tuesday, flying back home from Tulum might not be the best option.
Combo route — fly into Tulum, fly out of Cancun — around $409 on United.
Cheapest option: fly to Cancun round-trip for $335 on JetBlue or $375 on United.
Shuttles from Cancun Airport to Tulum are about $111 one-way for 3 people or $300 round trip for up to 8 (roughly $37.50/pp).

NYC (Sherv):

Flights from LGA to Tulum are $393 (no direct). JFK to Cancun starts at $500. Your best bet? Drive to Jersey and fly with the Newark crew. Strength in numbers.

D.C. (Lance):

Flights to Tulum run mid-$500s, no directs. Look at Southwest out of BWI. Southwest hasn’t opened their September flights yet, but using July 4th weekend 2026 as a comparison, I saw BWI–Cancun direct round trip for $317.

ATL Crew (Me, Dunc, and Mel):

Flights to either Tulum or Cancun start around $550 on United. Delta direct flights are near $900, but if you’ve got SkyMiles, I found options for 60K miles.

Housing: Comfort Meets Culture

Once flights are set, we’ll move to housing. My vision is simple: a setup that fits who we’ve become.

No more cramming into shared rooms, couch rotations, or air mattresses that deflate halfway through the night. Those days built character, but we’ve earned a little comfort.

I’ve already been scouting Airbnbs, and Zayn found two perfect villas next to each other — each with its own pool, beach access, and, most importantly, everybody gets their own room and bathroom.

We’ll plan for 4 days and 3 nights — Friday to Monday — just long enough to recharge, not long enough to cause domestic unrest when we get home.

I’ll handle coordination early. Airbnb usually allows 50% upfront and the rest later, so we can move flexibly depending on who’s ready.

JNIC Credit Scores: A Gentle Reminder

Let’s talk financial responsibility - We all know about the ever-important FICO credit score. But here in this league, I have my own JNIC Credit Score.

Some of you are sitting pretty at 750+ — reliable, punctual, and consistent. You say you’re going, and your payment hits before I even finish the sentence.

Some of y’all hover around 620 — decent, but occasionally need a payment plan, a reminder, and a strongly worded meme in the group chat.

And then there’s that 580 crew — you know who you are. I won’t call names publicly (yet), but let’s just say I’ll be in touch privately with credit counseling options.

Here’s the fix: start saving now. Will said it best back in August: “$25 a week starting today gets your flight paid off by Christmas.” Simple math, big results.

And for those of you who struggle with saving — I’ll take it a step further. You can literally send me your contributions weekly or monthly, and I’ll hold it in my high-yield savings account. Yall know I won’t touch it. I’ll even let it collect the 4% interest while I hold you down. Call it a “Commissioner’s Layaway”: a service to the people.

Brotherhood Above All

We’re not those college kids anymore, and we’re not the reckless 20-somethings who thought hangovers were myths. We’re not in our 30’s anymore, fumbling to remember if we have enough days off to make it, or waiting til August to see if we can find a reasonable flight with the check we just got paid yesterday. We’re grown men now — husbands, fathers, leaders, professionals — and that’s exactly why this weekend matters so much.

Life pulls us in a hundred directions. Work, family, bills, obligations — they all demand our time.

But this weekend? This is our waterfront. This is our tailgate. This is our JNIC Homecoming.

These weekends are the few moments we carve out for ourselves. The few times we hit pause and remind each other that we’re still those same brothers from Hampton — the same brothers who laughed until sunrise, talked about dreams, and believed we could conquer the world.

Tulum is our next Homecoming. Our next chance to gather, recharge, and celebrate who we are and how far we’ve come.

The Final Word

So here’s where we stand:

Dates: Labor Day Weekend 2026 (September 4–7)
Location: Tulum, Mexico
Flights: Open now — deadline to book, March 1, 2026
Housing: Will commence now and coincide with those who are ready to book early, with all others to be booked after flights are confirmed
Mindset: Come ready — financially, mentally, and physically.

Buy the ticket. Book the flight. Clear your schedule.

Don’t be the little square on the Zoom screen again, holding a beer alone while the rest of us are on a beach.

Tulum isn’t just a vacation — it’s a reunion. Because when all is said and done, stats fade, players get injured (I can attest), and fantasy titles come and go — but brotherhood? Brotherhood lasts forever.

See you in Tulum.

— The Commissioner

Week 6: Our JNIC Homecoming Awaits