NYC prosepcts learn from former NFL greats
NEW YORK -- On one side of a small turf football field, smack dab in the middle of downtown Manhattan, a former five-time Pro Bowl receiver and No. 1 overall pick demonstrated how to run a proper out-route. A few yards away, a five-time Pro Bowl cornerback backpedaled and flipped his hips alongside a group of high schoolers. Nearby, a potential Hall of Fame linebacker urged a contingent of prospective 'backers to stay low and read their gaps. Meanwhile, a former All-ACC running back showed a few college football hopefuls just how to prevent that ugly disease known as "fumblitis."
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Irving Fryar, Troy Vincent, Derrick Brook and Lamont Jordan, among other former NFL players and a contingent of coaches, shared their wisdom with New York City high school football players on Tuesday morning as part of NFL Prep, a division of NFL Player Engagement.
The event, spearheaded by the Nike Leadership Challenge and the vice president of NFLPE, Troy Vincent, sought to teach high school athletes about the values of education, relationships, commitments and, of course, football.
"The goal is to be complete," said Vincent, a former Walter Payton Man of the Year winner who is involved with numerous philanthropic organizations. "If there's one thing we want the kids to take away today, it's that football does not define you. Your academic success is key to your future. Football is a great game, but it isn't the be-all-end-all."
The event began with an introductory meet-and-greet for the 50-plus camp attendees (registration was limited for more personal, one-on-one interaction). Afterwards, they watched a video with testimonials from the likes of Michael Vick and Tony Dungy, who warned them about the dangers of a high-profile life. Vincent and Brooks followed up with a PowerPoint presentation, illustrating their own personal experiences while explaining the value of education, setting goals and mastering basic life skills.
"What they were saying up there was eye-opening," said Abraham Lincoln High (Brooklyn) linebacker Keyon Barwell, one of the camp's standout performers. "I learned a lot from them about life and how to carry yourself. They sort of changed my thinking."
Brooks and Vincent kept the presentation loose and fun. At one point they showed how a random racy Twitter post could lead to an athlete's demise. Later they played motivational Nike videos to encourage hard work and fitness.
"I think the kids really responded well," said Brooks, who is also a former Walter Payton award winner and has a master's degree in communications. "I love dealing with the kids, and I'm very fortunate to have this opportunity to [teach them]. I was one of the first people to raise my hand to sign up when Troy called. Hopefully we can continue this and it grows throughout the country."
The former Pro Bowlers used poignant, modern-day examples to illustrate the importance of academics. They lauded current Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, who chose to go back to college even though he was a potential top pick in this year's NFL draft. Vincent explained how Luck was criticized by numerous media organizations, but in his mind the Cardinal quarterback made the right decision to complete his degree.
Vincent then read a quote from former Giants great Lawrence Taylor. Taylor may have been a tremendous pass rusher, but he lamented his lack of skills outside of football.
"We want to touch the athlete sooner so he doesn't set unrealistic expectations for himself and believe the NFL is the only way out," Vincent said. "By that I mean I don't want these kids to get to be a senior in high school or college and then be told, 'Hey you're not good enough [for college football or the NFL]' and then have nothing to fall back on.
"Let me tell it to them straight as freshmen so they'll realize they have to buckle down in the classroom," Vincent continued. "We have to get that in their heads now so they'll understand about GPAs, SATs and all of that."
When the presentation ended, the athletes took to the field. With motivational tunes like "We Ready" and "Welcome to the Jungle" blaring over the loudspeakers and eager coaches shouting instructions, the players were primed to strut their stuff.
Many of them had never been to a prospect camp before, and some had never really left their respective boroughs.
"I've never been to something like this before, so this has been great for me," Barwell said. "I got a chance to learn from guys like Derrick Brooks about how to be a better linebacker. This is something not many football players can say they've ever done before."
Each athlete was tested in the 40-yard dash, the pro-agility and vertical leap. Then they broke down into small groups for specialized positional drills. An hour later the receivers, linebackers and running backs engaged in a friendly 7-on-7 competition, while the linemen learned about blocking techniques. The camp wrapped up with an "iron man" competition, testing the players' speed, strength and endurance.
"It was a great experience and a lot of fun," said offensive lineman Mohamed Bilal of Midwood High in Brooklyn. "I've learned a lot on the field like blocking techniques and footwork. I appreciate that these NFL players are out here teaching the youth like myself about football."
When the camp ended each player had a chance to speak to the coaches, ask questions and even get a few autographs. More than a few called it a "once-in-a-lifetime" experience.
"I've never done something like this before," said Lincoln High defensive tackle Robert Kitching, another standout. "This was just really, really cool. I had a great time."