JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – Former Jackson State football player and now Detroit Lion James Houston was back in the Capital City hosting his very first football camp for kids in the area to learn from the best while also giving back to the community that gave him his opportunity.
“Jackson State, man, it’s a special place. I wanted, you know, to give back to the community that fed me. They really have meant everything to me in my career,” James Houston said.
Over 100 kids from around the metro took the field Sunday at the first ever “James Houston Youth Football Camp.”
The experience provided them with hands-on training, focusing on skills development, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
The young athletes got to learn from the NFL star and other coaches, getting the inside scoop about the mindset required to excel in football at the highest level.
“It’s extremely important, man, especially in areas like this where not too many people have camps or have things like this going on, man. The kids need to see that exposure and see that, you know, you can go to these places, and once you get there, come back and help your community. It’s not a foreign thing. I’m just excited. I was blessed enough to be able to do that for them,” Houston said.
It’s safe to say the kids had a good time learning from one of the best, which has inspired them to get where Houston is one day.
“I learned a lot from these good coaches. Everything around me, a good attitude. Yeah, it was a good vibe,” Montario Braden said.
“It feels good cause, like, they are teaching me how I can get there one day,” Damion Thompson said.
“I mean, it’s real cool cause he comes from the same place I come from, so like, it’s motivational for me, and if he can do it, I can do it,” Detrius Roberson said.
Houston plans to bring back the camp to Jackson State every year.
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