Photo By Tech. Sgt. Tyler J. Bolken | C.J. Sanders, a wide receiver from Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, Calif.,...... read more read more
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CARSON, Calif. - C.J. Sanders may look like any other high school athlete. He heads to classes every day before heading to football practice, hoping his skills will earn him a scholarship to college. What makes Sanders special is what’s done off the field.
Sanders is the son of former NFL wide receiver Chris Sanders and step-son of former NFL safety Corey Harris, but Sanders is doing remarkable things himself.
Sanders founded the CJ’s Gift Foundation, a nonprofit organization that promotes self-esteem and self-worth to disadvantaged youth and their parents.
“I started the foundation during hurricane Katrina because there were a lot of people not getting the help they needed and I felt like I needed to do my part,” said Sanders.
Initiative like this is what makes Sanders the ideal candidate for the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl Game. Players are selected for this week-long practice and mentorship event not only for their athletic abilities, but the intangible virtues such as honor, courage and commitment.
“I chose to play in this bowl because Marines do so much for our community and they take pride in brotherhood and discipline,” said Sanders. “I feel like I grew from this experience and became a better man.”
Sanders spent the week leading up to the bowl game learning characteristics that would not only make him a better player on the field, but a quality citizen off the field.
“The biggest thing I took away from the Marines is their brotherhood. They’re a really close group of individuals and that rubbed off on my team, even though we were only together for a short period of time,” said Sanders.
Sanders is a wide receiver from Brentwood Academy High School, Brentwood, Tenn., who is committed to playing for the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame.
“One of the lessons I learned from the bowl was that I’ve really got to make the most of my opportunities,” said Sanders.
| Date Taken: | 01.05.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 01.05.2015 00:44 |
| Story ID: | 151346 |
| Location: | CARSON, CA, US |
| Hometown: | BRENTWOOD, TN, US |
| Web Views: | 178 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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