towel boy

MR. TOMONOSHi! Towel Boy

Dream it. Chase it. Catch it.

Towel Boy

where greatness begins with determination

From sidelines to spotlight—Towel Boy proves champions are made, not born.

In every corner of the world, there’s a dreamer—a kid who stays up late drawing plays in their notebook or practicing their catch against the wall. Buzz is one of them. But when dreams collide with reality, it’s perseverance that keeps the game alive.

Towel Boy is the story of chasing that dream harder than anyone else. It's for the underdogs, the overlooked, the ones told “not good enough”—and the ones who refuse to listen. With Buzz and his enchanted towel, we discover the magic isn’t just in the towel, it’s in his relentless belief that he can rise above every challenge.

Whether on the field, in life, or in pursuit of your own greatness, "Dream it. Chase it. Catch it." isn’t just a tagline—it’s a call to action for anyone ready to rewrite their story.

from playbooks

to comic books

MR. TOMONOSHi! Towel Boy

"Towel Boy" follows the misadventures of Buzz, a young boy with dreams of becoming a famous football player like his cousin Marty, a superstar in the professional league. Despite his small stature and limited skills, Buzz's passion for football drives him to pursue his dream against all odds. After failing to make the little league football team, Buzz becomes the team's towel boy, determined to stay close to the sport he loves. While washing clothes, he discovers a magical towel that enhances his abilities, allowing him to run and catch like his famous cousin. This newfound talent catches the coach's attention when Buzz makes an incredible one-handed catch during practice, earning him another chance to try out for the team.

The series explores themes of friendship, perseverance, and the love of the game. Buzz's relationships with his teammates and friends, both on and off the field, play a significant role in his journey. "Towel Boy" delves into the everyday moments that define Buzz's experience as an athlete, from interactions in the mall and lunchroom to the camaraderie in the locker room.

As the creator of the series, I bring a wealth of authenticity and a deep understanding of the sport to "Towel Boy." Having played in the NFL for 10 years, earned a Pro Bowl selection as one of the league's best Tight Ends, and achieved the ultimate dream of winning a Super Bowl, I intimately understand the journey, the challenges, and the triumphs that come with pursuing greatness. This personal experience enriches the narrative, making Buzz's story both realistic and inspiring. The series celebrates the joy of playing football and the importance of never giving up on your dreams, regardless of the obstacles you face.

"Towel Boy" is a unique and relatable series that resonates with readers of all ages, particularly those who dream of making it to the NFL. Through Buzz's story, the series highlights the value of friendship, the pursuit of a dream, and the moments that truly matter both on and off the field.

MR. TOMONOSHi! Towel Boy

10 years. Pro Bowl. Super Bowl.

meet buzz

MR. TOMONOSHi! Towel Boy

determined

big-hearted dreamer

Buzz is a spirited and determined 12-year-old boy with dreams of becoming a famous football player like his cousin Marty, a superstar in the professional league. Despite his small stature and limited skills, Buzz's passion for football is unwavering.

Living in a small town where football is a big part of the community, he idolizes his cousin Marty and hopes to one day follow in his footsteps. Buzz is known for his infectious enthusiasm and positive attitude, never letting setbacks dampen his spirits.

Apart from football, Buzz enjoys spending time with his friends, especially Ashley, who is always there to cheer him on. He loves hanging out at the mall, playing video games, and exploring new places in his town. Buzz is also fascinated by sports history and often reads about famous athletes and their achievements.

Additionally, Buzz is a sneakerhead, with a keen interest in collecting and wearing the latest and coolest sneakers, adding to his trendy style of fresh kicks and fresh fades.

He is determined to work hard, improve his skills, and never give up on his dream. His resilience, optimism, and loyalty are his greatest strengths, while his small stature and inexperience are challenges he constantly faces.

As a friend, Buzz is incredibly supportive and always ready to lend a helping hand. He values his relationships deeply and is known for his loyalty and kindness.

Buzz is the type of friend who will stand by you through thick and thin, offering encouragement and positivity even in the toughest times. His infectious enthusiasm and positive outlook make him a joy to be around, and his friends know they can count on him for both emotional support and a good laugh. Whether it's cheering on his teammates or helping a friend in need, Buzz's genuine care for others is a defining aspect of his character.

Buzz's story is one of perseverance, friendship, and the love of the game, a testament to the power of never giving up and always fighting for what you want.

the art of

towel boy

MR. TOMONOSHi! Towel Boy

The art style of "Towel Boy" is something I'm really proud of. It's heavily influenced by anime, which gives the series a rich and sporty look. As a sports comedy anime, the artwork features expressive eyes and round faces that really bring the characters to life. This style captures the energy and excitement of Buzz's life, making each scene feel lively and animated.

The characters have a cartoony aesthetic that's rich in color and full of personality. Their expressive features and exaggerated emotions add a comedic touch, enhancing the storytelling and making it more enjoyable. The designs are stylish and fashionable, reflecting the modern and trendy aspects of their lives, both on and off the field.

One of the things I love most about the art is the vibrant colors. They create a visually appealing experience that draws readers into Buzz's journey. From the bright hues colliding on the football field to the colorful settings of everyday life, the artwork adds depth and dimension to the narrative. This rich color palette not only highlights the action and excitement of the sports scenes but also emphasizes the warmth and camaraderie of the off-field moments.

Overall, the anime-inspired art style plays a crucial role in defining "Towel Boy's" down to earth identity. It appeals to fans of both sports and anime, offering a fresh and entertaining perspective on the world of football. The combination of expressive, cartoony characters and vibrant, comedic visuals makes "Towel Boy" a standout series that resonates with readers of all ages.

themes + Values

MR. TOMONOSHi! Towel Boy
  • Friendship is at the heart of "Towel Boy." Buzz's relationships with his teammates and friends are central to the story. These bonds provide him with the support and encouragement he needs to keep pursuing his dream, even when the odds are against him. The series highlights how friendships can be a source of strength and inspiration, both in sports and in everyday life.

  • Teamwork is another key theme in "Towel Boy." The series illustrates how working together with others can lead to success. Buzz's interactions with his teammates, both during games and in everyday situations, highlight the importance of collaboration and mutual support. This theme is a valuable lesson for readers, emphasizing that achieving goals often requires the help and cooperation of others.

  • In addition to the sports action, "Towel Boy" includes many slice-of-life moments that add depth to the story. These scenes, set in places like the mall or the lunchroom, provide a glimpse into the everyday lives of the characters. They highlight the normalcy and relatability of Buzz's experiences, making the series more engaging and realistic.

  • One of the most prominent themes in "Towel Boy" is perseverance. Buzz's journey is a testament to the power of never giving up, no matter how many setbacks you face. His determination to stay involved with football, even as a towel boy, and his relentless pursuit of improvement, showcase the importance of resilience. This theme is especially relevant to young readers who may be facing their own challenges and need a reminder to keep pushing forward.

  • Throughout the series, Buzz experiences significant personal growth. His journey from a boy who gets cut from the team to someone who earns a second chance is a powerful narrative of self-improvement. "Towel Boy" shows that personal growth often comes from facing challenges and stepping out of one's comfort zone.

  • At its core, "Towel Boy" is a celebration of the love for football. Buzz's passion for the sport is evident in everything he does, from trying out for the team to becoming the towel boy. This theme emphasizes that the joy of playing and being part of a team is just as important as winning. It encourages readers to find and pursue their own passions with the same enthusiasm.

  • Buzz's story is filled with obstacles, both on and off the field. Whether it's his initial failure to make the team or the challenges he faces in his personal life, "Towel Boy" shows that overcoming obstacles is a crucial part of any journey. This theme teaches readers that setbacks are not the end, but rather opportunities to grow and learn.

Ain't no mountain too tall, no play too big—Buzz is here to ball, baby!

-Buzz

Step back and watch the playa play, Playa!

-Buzz

towel boy

MR. TOMONOSHi! Towel Boy

Rise up. Stand out.

Towel Boy

built for the game, driven by dreams.

In sports and in life, it’s the moments when we rise that define us—the challenges that test our spirit, and the courage to stand out when everyone else falls in line. Buzz wasn’t born a star athlete. He didn’t have the height, the skills, or even a spot on the team. But what he did have was a relentless drive, an unshakable belief in his dreams, and the magic to turn obstacles into opportunities.

Towel Boy is more than a story about football; it’s a story about life. It’s about the lessons we learn from the game—how to persevere, embrace our uniqueness, and chase greatness with everything we’ve got.

Buzz’s journey reminds us that whether you're on the field or navigating life’s challenges, greatness isn’t given—it’s earned.

lesson plans

Looking for a way to engage kids, empower teachers, and involve parents in meaningful learning? Towel Boy lesson plans offer the perfect blend of inspiration, education, and fun.

From teamwork to time management, these plans turn Buzz's story into hands-on activities that teach life skills while sparking creativity and resilience in young minds. Teachers gain tools to bring lessons to life, parents see their kids grow into determined problem-solvers, and students learn the importance of perseverance—on and off the field.

Let Buzz’s journey inspire the next generation of dreamers, leaders, and team players. These lesson plans aren’t just educational—they’re transformative!

  • Objective:

    Students will learn the importance of time management, understand how to prioritize tasks, and develop strategies to manage their time effectively, using examples from the comic series "Towel Boy."

    Materials Needed:

    • Whiteboard and markers

    • Printed handouts of a weekly planner

    • Sticky notes

    • Pens and pencils

    • Timer or stopwatch

    Lesson Duration:

    1 hour

    Lesson Outline:

    1. Introduction (10 minutes)

    • Discussion: Start with a brief discussion about what time management is and why it is important. Ask students to share their thoughts on how they currently manage their time.

    • Objective: Explain the objective of the lesson and what students will learn by the end of the session.

    • Connection to "Towel Boy": Introduce Buzz from "Towel Boy" and explain that one of the main lessons he learns is how to balance his practice, workouts, school work, friendships, and chores.

    2. The Importance of Time Management (10 minutes)

    • Presentation: Use the whiteboard to list the benefits of good time management, such as reduced stress, increased productivity, and more free time for activities they enjoy.

    • Examples from "Towel Boy": Provide examples from the series where Buzz struggles with balancing his responsibilities and how learning to manage his time helps him succeed.

    3. Identifying Priorities (10 minutes)

    • Activity: Hand out sticky notes and ask students to write down all the tasks they need to complete in a typical week (e.g., homework, chores, extracurricular activities).

    • Discussion: Have students categorize their tasks into three groups: high priority, medium priority, and low priority. Discuss how to determine the priority of tasks.

    • Connection to "Towel Boy": Relate this activity to Buzz's journey, highlighting how he learns to prioritize his football practice, school work, and time with friends.

    4. Creating a Weekly Planner (15 minutes)

    • Handout: Distribute printed weekly planners to each student.

    • Activity: Guide students in filling out their planners with their tasks, starting with high-priority tasks, followed by medium and low-priority tasks. Encourage them to allocate specific times for each task.

    • Tips: Share tips on how to stick to their schedule, such as setting reminders and breaking tasks into smaller, manageable chunks.

    • Connection to "Towel Boy": Discuss how Buzz uses a similar approach to manage his time effectively, ensuring he can balance all his responsibilities.

    5. Time Management Strategies (10 minutes)

    • Presentation: Introduce various time management strategies, such as the Pomodoro Technique (working for 25 minutes, then taking a 5-minute break), setting SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound), and avoiding multitasking.

    • Discussion: Ask students to share which strategies they think would work best for them and why.

    • Connection to "Towel Boy": Highlight moments in the series where Buzz applies these strategies to improve his time management skills.

    6. Practice and Reflection (5 minutes)

    • Activity: Set a timer for 5 minutes and ask students to start working on a task from their planner. After the timer goes off, discuss how they felt about the time they spent and what they learned from the experience.

    • Reflection: Encourage students to reflect on their current time management habits and identify areas for improvement.

    • Connection to "Towel Boy": Relate this reflection to Buzz's growth throughout the series, emphasizing how he learns from his experiences and improves over time.

    7. Conclusion (5 minutes)

    • Recap: Summarize the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing tasks and using time management strategies.

    • Q&A: Allow time for students to ask questions and share their thoughts on the lesson.

    • Homework: Assign students to use their weekly planner for the next week and come prepared to discuss their experience in the next class.

    Final Thoughts

    By tying the lesson plan to "Towel Boy," students can see a relatable example of how effective time management can help them balance their various responsibilities. Buzz's journey provides a practical and inspiring context for learning these important skills.

  • Objective:

    Students will learn the importance of teamwork, understand the key components of effective teamwork, and develop strategies to work collaboratively with others.

    Materials Needed:

    • Whiteboard and markers

    • Printed handouts with teamwork scenarios

    • Sticky notes

    • Pens and pencils

    • Timer or stopwatch

    Lesson Duration:

    1 hour

    Lesson Outline:

    1. Introduction (10 minutes)

    • Discussion: Start with a brief discussion about what teamwork is and why it is important. Ask students to share their thoughts on times when they had to work as part of a team.

    • Objective: Explain the objective of the lesson and what students will learn by the end of the session.

    • Connection to "Towel Boy": Introduce Buzz from "Towel Boy" and explain how teamwork plays a crucial role in his journey and success.

    2. The Importance of Teamwork (10 minutes)

    • Presentation: Use the whiteboard to list the benefits of good teamwork, such as achieving common goals, improving communication, and building trust.

    • Examples from "Towel Boy": Provide examples from the series where Buzz and his teammates work together to overcome challenges and achieve success.

    3. Key Components of Effective Teamwork (10 minutes)

    • Presentation: Discuss the key components of effective teamwork, including communication, cooperation, trust, and respect.

    • Activity: Hand out sticky notes and ask students to write down what they think are the most important qualities of a good team member.

    • Discussion: Have students share their thoughts and discuss how these qualities contribute to effective teamwork.

    • Connection to "Towel Boy": Relate this activity to Buzz's experiences, highlighting how he learns to communicate, cooperate, and build trust with his teammates.

    4. Teamwork Scenarios (15 minutes)

    • Handout: Distribute printed handouts with different teamwork scenarios.

    • Activity: Divide students into small groups and assign each group a scenario. Ask them to discuss how they would handle the situation and come up with a plan to work together effectively.

    • Presentation: Have each group present their scenario and solution to the class.

    • Connection to "Towel Boy": Discuss how similar scenarios are addressed in the series, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in overcoming challenges.

    5. Team-Building Activity (10 minutes)

    • Activity: Organize a team-building activity, such as a group puzzle or a cooperative game, where students must work together to achieve a common goal.

    • Debrief: After the activity, discuss what strategies worked well and what could be improved. Emphasize the importance of communication and cooperation.

    • Connection to "Towel Boy": Relate the activity to Buzz's journey, highlighting how team-building exercises help him and his teammates become more cohesive and effective.

    6. Reflection and Application (5 minutes)

    • Reflection: Encourage students to reflect on their current teamwork skills and identify areas for improvement.

    • Application: Ask students to think about how they can apply what they've learned about teamwork in their daily lives, whether in school, sports, or other activities.

    • Connection to "Towel Boy": Emphasize how Buzz's growth as a team player helps him both on and off the field, and encourage students to strive for similar growth.

    7. Conclusion (5 minutes)

    • Recap: Summarize the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of communication, cooperation, trust, and respect in effective teamwork.

    • Q&A: Allow time for students to ask questions and share their thoughts on the lesson.

    • Homework: Assign students to observe and reflect on a team activity they participate in over the next week, and come prepared to discuss their observations in the next class.

  • Objective: To promote physical activity, coordination, and teamwork in kids, with exercises inspired by football drills and Buzz’s determination.

    Materials Needed:

    • Cones or markers (for agility drills)

    • Jump rope (optional)

    • A soft ball or foam football

    • Timer or stopwatch

    • Open space

    Duration: 30 minutes

    Warm-Up (5 minutes)

    Start with a dynamic warm-up to get the body moving:

    • High Knees: Run in place with knees up for 30 seconds.

    • Arm Circles: Rotate arms forward and backward for 30 seconds each.

    • Buzz’s Sideline Shuffle: Shuffle side-to-side for 1 minute—Buzz stays ready to jump into the game!

    Circuit Training (20 minutes)

    Rotate through these fun exercises with 1-minute breaks between each circuit:

    • Magic Towel Sprint:

      • Kids pretend they’ve found Buzz’s magical towel! Sprint from one cone to another as fast as they can, holding a towel like Buzz running into action.

      • Repeat for 2 rounds.

    • Catch Like Buzz:

      • Practice catching a soft ball or foam football in different ways—two-handed, one-handed (like Buzz!), or overhead catches.

      • Take turns passing and catching with a partner or coach.

    • Locker Room Push-Ups:

      • Modified push-ups for younger kids (knees on the ground, chest down).

      • Challenge them to “push up like champions,” aiming for 10-15 reps.

    • Buzz’s Agility Ladder:

      • Set up cones or markers in a zigzag pattern.

      • Kids run, hop, or shuffle through, pretending they’re dodging opponents to score a touchdown.

    • End Zone Jump:

      • Jump forward as far as they can, landing in the “end zone.” Try three jumps and measure their progress each round.

    Cool Down and Reflection (5 minutes)

    End the workout with stretching and mindfulness:

    • Stretch Like Buzz:

      • Reach arms overhead, touch toes, and stretch legs to relax muscles.

    • Reflection Huddle:

      • Gather kids in a circle and ask: “What was the most fun part of today’s workout? How did Buzz inspire you to keep going?”

    Weekly Goal:

    Encourage kids to complete Buzz’s Playbook workout 3 times a week and track their progress. Add challenges like timing their sprints or mastering one-handed catches.

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