NFL Gives Back to the Community
Photo Courtesy of: Matthew Lopez
The volunteers showing their fun side after training with the kids. .
Photo Courtesy of: Matthew Lopez
Kids and volunteers showing their skills after a hard training session. .
Photo Courtesy of: Matthew Lopez
Jimmy Smith (left) and fellow NFL Superstar taking time out of training to pose with the kids. .
Photo Courtesy of: Matthew Lopez
Brad Sorensen posing with the Valenzuela Brothers at the conclusion of the event. .
Photo Courtesy of: Matthew Lopez
The NFL Superstars are never to busy to pose for the camera. .
Photo Courtesy of: Matthew Lopez
NFL Stars blind-sided during photo-op .
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Even when they work hard the children and stars make the time for a photo opportunity. .
Photo Courtesy of: Matthew Lopez
Volunteer demonstrating side drills to the children. .
Photo Courtesy of: Matthew Lopez
Two young boys concentrating through step ladder drill. .
Photo Courtesy of: Matthew Lopez
And the winner is... .
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Jimmy Smith waiting to show the kids a new drill. .
Photo Courtesy of: Matthew Lopez
Jimmy Smith teaching the proper way to catch and hold the football. .
Photo Courtesy of: Matthew Lopez
Brad Sorensen tossing the ball with the kids. .
Photo Courtesy of: Matthew Lopez
A young boy running through a gauntlet of drills. .
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The children dashing to meet Jimmy Smith and Shareece Wright. .
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Drew Rosenhouse watching the kids perform at their best. .
Photo Courtesy of: Matthew Lopez
Jimmy Smith offering encouraging words to the kids before training begins. .
Photo Courtesy of: Matthew Lopez
A group stretch before the children start their drills. .
By Matthew Lopez
Community Writer
06/25/2014 at 10:08 AM
Grand Terrace High School received a special visit from Colton High School graduates, now NFL professionals Shareece Wright of the San Diego Chargers and Jimmy Smith of the Baltimore Ravens as they hosted their Second Annual Different Breed Elite Skills and Drills 2014 Football Camp at Grand Terrace High School.
The Different Breed event is a local community event put on by the two pro athletes. The event is to give back to the community and offer developing athletes tips and advice to improve their skills. Wright and Smith share that they give back to the community because this is where they grew up and played football, and they want to help local kids achieve their dreams.
The morning was filled with eager athletes awaiting tips from NFL stars Jimmy Smith and Shareece Wright. Before the event started, NFL agent Drew Rosenhouse offered the children words of encouragement, “Be active and stay out of trouble,” said Rosenhouse. “Don’t be afraid to follow your dreams, but be prepared to work hard in order to capture your dreams.”
After his speech, Rosenhouse introduced the pro athletes to the field to begin the event. Jimmy Smith then introduced other members of the NFL family such as Grand Terrace's own Brad Sorensen of the San Diego Chargers to offer the children tips on improving their game. The children were then broken into eight different groups to practice different football drills such as the ladder drill, catching passes from Brad Sorensen, and tackling dummies.
“The best part [about the event] is giving the kids the opportunity to get better,” said Shareece Wright of the San Diego Chargers. “And give them the opportunity to work with NFL players."
At the closing end of the event, all the children had the opportunity to meet the NFL players and get signatures on their t-shirts.
During an interview, Shareece Wright offered a last piece of advice to the children, “Know what you want to do and make it happen. Don’t let anyone discourage you. There is nothing in life that you can think of that’s impossible. Anything you can think of is possible, if you can think it you can do it.”
For those interested in helping with the third annual Different Breed camp should contact Ryan Smalls the head coach of Colton High School.
