MIAMI (WSVN) - Three former University of Miami football players, who are now in the NFL, gave back to South Florida kids by hosting a camp Wednesday.
DeMarcus Van Dyke, who played football and ran track and field at UM, now plays for the Atlanta Falcons, after having been drafted in 2011. He said the camp is their way of giving back to the community.
“I just want to give these guys a jump start on the future,” Van Dyke said. “Talk to them about life outside of football.”
About 200 children ranging in age from 5 to 15 were at the third annual camp when 7News visited, Wednesday.
Right now @D_VanDyke8 is hosting his annual skills camp at the Northwest Boys & Girls Club. #GivingBack #FutureStars pic.twitter.com/ibqQAOzBJU
— New Day New Way (@NewDayNewWay_) June 29, 2016
For them, seeing NFL players who grew up in their neighborhood can be awe-inspiring, leading to some “crazy” questions.
“It’s crazy, they ask how much you make, do you got a big house, a big car,” Van Dyke said. “Questions like that, that I asked when I was younger.”
Van Dyke was joined by fellow ‘Canes football alums Lamar Miller and Travis Benjamin, who play in the NFL for the Houston Texans and San Diego Chargers, respectively.
“If you just put your mind to it, just stay focused, being positive and staying in school,” said Miller. “Make sure you’re doing the right things. I feel like anybody in this community could be successful.”
The camp, held at the Northwest Boys and Girls Club, can also be a safe haven for children who have been exposed to violence in their community.
“Guns are so easy to come around these days,” said Benjamin, “and being protective, just growing up in a safe environment is good for these kids. Coming out here and watching football players and their role models, who they look up to, it’s a good thing for them.”
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