NFL Pro Camp hits DeRidder

Staff WriterIt is not everyday that DeRidder is filled with celebrities, or National Football League (NFL) Players for that matter, but that will be the case starting today, when the 2005 Willie Brown NFL Pro Camp begins at 7:30 a.m. at DeRidder High School.
The camp, organized by the Community Development Network and the Southwest Louisiana Youth Football Association, will showcase such players as Warren Sapp, Randy Moss, Tim Brown, Charlie Joiner and Sebastian Janikowski along with Super Bowl XXII Most Valuable Player Doug Williams, who played for the Washington Redskins and went on to coach at his alma mater, Grambling State University."We have well known players and hall of famers participating in this camp," Avon Knowlton of the SLYFA said.
Children ages 6-18 will participate in drills that will teach skills, plays and more. There will be four age divisions, allowing players to concentrate on lessons most fitting for the children."The camp will emphasize character, self esteem and motivation," Cynthia Taylor of CDN said. "Video presentations will be displayed to help convey the message to children."
The camp hopes to bring in 300 children, all of whom will receive a T-shirt and more importantly priceless lessons on football and life from their heroes."I have seen these pro players with children, giving the message of how to be good citizens," Knowlton said. " It really brings the message home, coming from the children's heroes."
Although this is a private camp, organizers would like to become part of the NFL Youth Football Camp circuit in the future. Also, Coach Brown has announced his plans to help bring back NFL programs and players to the area.Organizers want to thank the public for their support in helping bring a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to the children of Beauregard Parish."Thank you everyone for your support," Knowlton said. "We are hoping to make this an annual event for Beauregard Parish."The camp will also run on Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. After camp ends, the public will be able to see their favorite players at the "Meet and Greet" and "Silent Auction" held at 3 p.m. at Carver Elementary School.

JENNIFER DOWDEN