Linebackers LaMarr Woodley and Keyaron Fox, tackle Max Starks and cornerback Anthony Madison are giving back to kids in their communities by hosting football camps in their hometowns.
Woodley hosted the 3rd Annual LaMarr Woodley Football Camp on Saturday, June 12 in Saginaw, Michigan.
The free camp, which was open to kids 8-15, combined football and teamwork skills while developing self-esteem both on and off the field.
"I love working with kids," said Woodley. "It's fun being around them with all of the excitement. Being an NFL player and coming back and do those things is fun. It's just something I like to do."
Woodley holds the camp at Saginaw High School in an effort to give back to the community where his football days began.
"This community means a lot to me and I will always support it," said Woodley. "I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for all of the community members who have helped me along the way. I really strive to give back to Saginaw as much as possible, and I'm really happy to be able to bring back this camp again for its third year."
Starks is hosting the Max Starks Youth Football Camp on June 18-19 in Orlando, Florida.
"I have been given a lot of opportunities and it's time for me to return that favor," said Starks. "Back in Orlando we don't have a football team and the kids there are great football players. I am a product of that environment and so if I can do anything to help foster that and help more kids gain exposure I am going to."
The free camp, which is being held at Lake Highland Preparatory School, is open to kids ages 7-18. Starks will also host a golf outing to benefit the Max Starks Fund, which is working on building a learning annex and computer center in the neighborhood where he grew up.
"I have been blessed with great opportunities and I want to repay that favor to those children and let them know somebody does care," said Starks.
For more information, visit www.maxstarks.com.
Fox is hosting the Will of Steel Weekend on June 19 which included a football camp, dance camp and adult aerobic boot camp through the Keyaron Fox Foundation. The camp is being held at Welcome All Park in College Park, Georgia. For more information visit www.keyaronfoxfoundation.org.
Madison is hosting his first football camp in Thomasville, Alabama on July 10, open to kids in his hometown and neighboring communities.
"It's just giving back, finally having the opportunity to do so," said Madison. "We have a lot of kids in the community that deserve to have someone to look up to. It's for kids to come out and enjoy themselves. I want to teach them the importance of work, education, work ethic, faith, the things that helped me get where I am now."
Youth football was big in Madison's hometown as he grew up, and continues to thrive, but this is the first time that an NFL player is bringing a camp to the area. And while football is the main focus, the camp will also teach other important life lessons.
"Football is the drawing power," said Madison. "It's what the kids will see. At the same time we get them there and give them an opportunity to listen to what people have to say.
"It's a blessing for me. I came in as an undrafted free agent. Every year it's a battle. To be here, going into my fifth year, faith and hard work and the right people to believe in help you go a long way. That is what I want to instill in these kids."
