Lacrosse has deep Native American roots, legendary players and a growing presence on the national stage.
In ESPN’s newest Places installment, Rabil’s Places, which debuts today on ESPN+, Premier Lacrosse League co-founder and Hall of Famer Paul Rabil takes audiences on a five-episode journey that explores the rich history and cultural impact of America’s oldest team sport.
Rabil spoke with Front Row about what fans can expect, what surprised him during filming and what this series means to the lacrosse community.
Lacrosse has a powerful origin story rooted in Native American culture. How did you approach that history in Rabil’s Places?
Much of the Places franchise is about origin stories, so when we began our iteration of Rabil’s Places, we knew we had to begin where the sport did – with the Haudenosaunee.
Lacrosse is a gift from the Creator, a spiritual tradition, a competitive game and a way of life. I wanted to honor that history by learning and spending time with Native American players who wanted to share their stories. We traveled to the Onondaga Nation and had powerful conversations with players and leaders like Jeremy Thompson, Zed Williams and stick maker Jack Johnson. This is America’s first game; it’s the fastest-growing, and the future is bright.
This series blends documentary storytelling with personal journey. What crafted the creative vision behind each episode?
Our goal was to create a show that was equal parts historic, celebrating legacy, fun, exciting and full of gratitude. We saw Rabil’s Places as a layered narrative – from the story of the game and my experiences in and around it.
Every episode connects a piece of lacrosse history with something personal – like a memory, mentor or moment that shaped me. The ESPN, Words + Pictures and Omaha Productions teams brought cinematic quality to every location. It’s part field trip, part film and part reenactments.
(L-R) Host Paul Rabil, former Penn State lacrosse star and NFL wide receiver Chris Hogan and UNC head football coach Bill Belichick talk lacrosse. (Omaha Productions)
Gary Gait, former Syracuse lacrosse star, greets Rabil. (Omaha Productions)
Rabil (R) interviews stick maker Jack Johnson. (Omaha Productions)
Rabil: "The future of lacrosse is global, diverse, and growing fast, and this series will connect that future to the legacy that got us here." (Omaha Productions)Was there a location or moment that left a lasting impression on you?
The Onondaga Nation [located south of Syracuse, N.Y.] is a special place. Being there, playing lacrosse makes everything feel far bigger than any win or loss. But, I’ll also never forget the energy in places where lacrosse is home or continuing to expand – like Baltimore or San Francisco.
Getting a stick back in the hands of people like Bill Belichick, Pat Spencer, Mick Foley and Gary Gait will showcase the greatness the game has.
This series spotlights legends and unsung heroes alike. How did you balance honoring the past while looking toward the future of the game?
We wanted to elevate legends like [former Syracuse standouts] Jim Brown and Gait with today’s stars like Blaze Riordan and Charlotte North. We also made it a priority to shine a light on people pushing lacrosse forward in new and important ways – from grassroots coaches to trailblazing players in the men’s and women’s game.
All tied in with the flair of some of the biggest celebrities who have played the game. The future of lacrosse is global, diverse, and growing fast, and this series will connect that future to the legacy that got us here.
What kind of impact do you hope Rabil’s Places will have on the growth and perception of lacrosse — especially in communities new to the sport?
I hope it opens doors. I hope someone watches an episode and thinks, “This game could be for me.”
This series will give you access to the beautiful game, some of its best stories, with a connection to the sport that anyone who’s played can feel. At times, lacrosse has been viewed as a regional, elite sport. Our show says the opposite. This is a game with roots in community, connection, inclusion, competition and awe-inspiring highlights. If we did our job right, it’ll spark curiosity, excitement, and participation across the board.
