Eight football players and two coaches have been chosen to represent the Bronx in the Empire Challenge. Former NFL quarterback Boomer Esiason started the Empire Challenge to raise funds to combat cystic fibrosis. Esiason's son, Gunnar, was diagnosed with the respiratory disease. The players, who say it?s a great honor to have been chosen, continue to prepare for the game against the Long Island All Stars. The Empire Challenge kicks off Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Hofstra University.