Pasadena QB Club Hosts UCLA Legend James Washington at Rose Bowl Luncheon Friday

The Pasadena Quarterbacks Club is maintaining its 79-year tradition of uniting USC and UCLA football communities through its 2024 luncheon series, now experiencing a post-COVID revival.

The organization’s second luncheon of the season, scheduled for Friday October 25 at the Rose Bowl, will feature UCLA alumnus, former Dallas Cowboys safety, and two-time Super Bowl champion James Washington in an intimate format designed for direct interaction between speakers and attendees.

“We have a strong contingent of members that are USC fans and we have a strong contingent that are UCLA fans, so we try to have at least one speaker that is a Trojan alum,” said Craig Franzen, President of the Pasadena Quarterbacks Club.

The event follows the club’s September 27 season opener, which featured USC legend Lynn Cain. Washington, a UCLA four-year starter who ranks third in UCLA history with 15 career interceptions, currently serves as Director of Scholarship Development for UCLA Athletics and President of NFL Alumni Association of Southern California.

Franzen emphasized the unique format of these gatherings. “I think one of the things that is kind of special is when a coach and a player comes or players come, they sit amongst our members and have lunch with them and talk football. I think it’s a great connection not only for the player, but also for our club.”

The organization maintains strong ties to local football programs while adapting to post-COVID challenges and inflation. Current partnerships include St. Francis High School with Coach Harrington and Pasadena City College under Coach Robert Tucker.

“We want to celebrate the teams that had success last year. John Muir Football saw a rebirth of their program… Even though St. Francis, the school itself is in La Canada, they have a good mixture of La Cañada, Pasadena and surrounding community residents or students,” Franzen said.

The luncheon is expected to run from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with meetings held during school days on Fridays limiting some coach participation.

Tickets are available for $40 for members and $50 for non-members through www.pasadenaquarterbacks.org or pasadenaquarterbacks@gmail.com. Due to the treasurer’s absence, only online credit card payments or checks are being accepted. The club traditionally hosts a final “rivalry” meeting before the annual USC-UCLA game.

Please contact Jim Gruettner at 626-799-7478 or 626-524-0435 for details.