NFL FOOTBALL PLAYERS

WELCOME TO CAMP

New York Jets coach Herman Edwards greets 800 kids to his week-long free football camp at CSU-Monterey Bay

A sea of kids in gray T-shirts covered the plush green grass at CSU-Monterey Bay on Monday. All of them seemed to have smiles and big dreams.
The annual Herman Edwards Football Camp attracted about 600 kids last year.
On Monday, there were 800 youngsters, ranging in age from 9 to 17, creating some nervousness among those running the camp.
"To be honest, we're running out of room,'' Edwards said of the camp which is in its 11th year. "We need more fields. But you know the deal. We won't turn a kid down."
The largest free football camp in the nation has grown each year.
Along with an abundance of NFL hopefuls are hundreds of parents sticking around to watch their sons or daughters get an education on the fundamentals of football and life.
"God may have given you talent, but that won't make you successful,'' said Edwards, when addressing the group. "You have to work at everything in life. It's called commitment."
In between signing autographs, the New York Jets head coach canvassed the field. He was wired with microphones from two television networks. He was also being followed around by a reporter from the New York Times.
At one point, Edwards looked over at Jets quarterback Chad Pennington and said, "My pants are falling off because these microphones are too heavy."
When two kids approached Edwards during filming, he said, "You just want to be on TV. I used to want to be on TV when I was your age. Now I try to stay away from the cameras."
The only one who had more energy than the 800 or so autograph-seeking kids was the seemingly never-aging Edwards, who didn't stop moving, other than to check up on his wife Lia, who is pregnant.
When things seemed a bit chaotic early in the camp as lines more than 100 kids deep formed, Edwards reassured everyone that everything would be fine.
"The sun is shining,'' said Edwards, who with the help of adidas and the NFL, brought in an T-shirts and gym bags for the kids to keep. "We're OK."
Over the past five years, the camp has done no advertising. Yet the numbers continue to grow, as news spreads by word of mouth.
Among those in attendance Monday was Monterey graduate Tim Dunn, who is expected to sign this week with Weber State on a full-ride football scholarship.
Some kids have been attending the camp for eight years. More high school athletes are choosing to learn from Edwards and a staff of former and current NFL players along with local coaches.
The lure of an autograph and a chance to meet Edwards, a one-time Monterey High football star, who had his high school jersey retired and presented to him Monday, is for the young and old.
"Isn't this great,'' Edwards said. "Once we get past the registration, the coaches take over and the camp runs itself. Now the key (today) is getting the kids to remember what team they're on. There are no trades here. You just can't go play with your friend."
Edwards has also brought in an all-star lineup of current NFL players to help coach during the week.
Pennington was in town Monday. Curtis Martin, the NFL's leading rusher, is slated for later in the week.
Denver Broncos all-pro safety and one time-Stanford defensive back John Lynch will be at the camp today.
While Pennington -- who guided the Jets to an AFC playoff win over San Diego with a torn rotator cuff in his throwing shoulder -- was an attraction, he sent a strong message to wide-eyed kids.
"We all have goals and dreams,'' said Pennington, addressing the campers in a semi-circle. "Surround yourself with successful people. There's always pressure. But we know what's right or wrong."
Edwards' camp has always been more than just about football. Parents can only shake their heads in disbelief as one man can get 800 kids to sit quietly and listen to his every word.
"There is no yelling and no swearing," Edwards told the group. "The most important thing you can learn is to say is 'thank you' and 'please.' Try telling your parents that. You'll go a long ways in life."
The Edwards camp had its first "graduate" make it to the NFL last season -- Maurice Mann, who spent his rookie season with Miami.
But ask Edwards what pleases him most and he'll remind you that there has never been a bag -- the ones filled with goodies that each kid gets -- stolen in the 10 years the camp has been running.
In addition, former campers are coming back to help conduct the camp along with alumni in the area.
Edwards keeps his speeches short, but crisp. He understands the kids are here to play football. But his words make an impact.
"These kids could be doing something else on this nice California day," Pennington said. "But they choose to come out here.
"That says something about this camp."

By JOHN DEVINEHerald Staff Writer