Photo By Staff Sgt. Solomon Cook | LeGarrette Blount, Detroit Lions running back, receives a U.S. Flag at the Tyndall...... read more read more
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LeGarrette Blount, Detroit Lions’ running back and three time Superbowl champion, visited Tyndall June 21-22, 2018, to lead a sports ProCamp for Tyndall youth.
The event afforded children interested in football the chance to learn the fundamentals of offensive and defensive techniques and sportsmanship during the two-day camp.
“This will be my second [ProCamp] of the year,” Blount said. “I always try my best to do things like this every year. There are a lot of kids that don’t get an opportunity to do things like this. [Its important] to give these guys a chance to run around, have fun, play football and do all the things you like to do.”
At the kickoff of the ProCamp, members of Tyndall leadership were in attendance to provide remarks about the special event for members of the Tyndall Youth Program.
“I want you to know that this is a really big deal that all of these people are here today,” said Col. Brian Laidlaw, 325th Fighter Wing vice commander. “Only two Air Force Bases in the entire world are getting the opportunity this year to do what you guys are getting to do. Big efforts like this – big shows – big opportunities for boys and girls like you do not just happen by accident. There’s a lot of very friendly, very giving people who have each and every one of you in their hearts.
“These next two days are about putting the real heroes in the spotlight,” Laidlaw continued over the loudspeaker. “Those real heroes to people like me are the boys and girls sitting right here. We ask you to move all the time, endure long times away from your parents when they deploy; you guys and girls have to put up with a lot. These people recognize that, and you are truly special to them. Thank you for all that you do, and I truly do hope you get the opportunity to enjoy this absolutely once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Blount has many years of experience playing in the NFL. He has played on seven different NFL teams and led the league in rushing touchdowns in 2016. The children had the chance to gain firsthand knowledge and insight from the NFL veteran.
Blount, members of his ProCamp team and volunteer coaches put the children through a series of different drills focusing on route running, catching, basic to intermediate skills for line and secondary positions. Another focus was having a never-give-up attitude in not just the game of football, but in life.
“How many of you have ever played a game where you didn’t get picked, or were one of the last people that got picked? Or, someone said ‘I don’t know if they can do it?’” an announcer asked the group children. “Back in 2010 when [LeGarrette Blount] came into the NFL, all those teams in the league didn’t pick him. He came in as an undrafted free agent. Now he’s got three Superbowl rings! If someone tells you, you can’t do something -- guess what? You can prove ‘em wrong, and you can do it.”
Blount later spoke of his thoughts and fond feelings he had about his ability to give back.
“I know how much fun it is for me. I enjoy every second of it and realize how important it is,” he said. “[It is important for children to learn] hard work and discipline.
“[Football] has taught me discipline, how to be a man and how to be a professional,” Blount continued. “[You never know] the impact you can have on so many people and lives, how just a laugh, smile, joke or handshake can effect somebody’s day. To be able to have that impact and influence is humbling.”
As Blount prepared to take the field, he closed with a special message to the parents.
“It’s very important [for kids to be active.] You want your kids to be healthy and have a healthy lifestyle. The kids are going to learn a lot. I’m going to try to tire ‘em out so their parents can get some good rest tonight,” he said with a laugh and smile.
| Date Taken: | 06.22.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 06.27.2018 13:24 |
| Story ID: | 282468 |
| Location: | TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, FL, US |
| Web Views: | 109 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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