Defensive lineman Dre'Mont Jones, the Seattle Seahawks' biggest splash in free agency this offseason, has wasted little time in making an impact on the community.
On Monday and Tuesday, Jones hosted a youth football camp at Joint Base-Lewis McChord, located less than 10 miles outside of Tacoma, Washington. The camp was free to attend for children aged 6-14 and taught fundamental skills to the game of football.
Jones was more than happy to do host the camp, not just because it was fun for him, but because he wants to inspire future generations.
“Most of all I really want to inspire the kids,” Jones told the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service. “I remember being this age when I first started playing and how I viewed professional players; I would have loved the chance to interact with them. I just want to encourage these kids to keep going after their dreams and make them realize it is possible to achieve them.”
Based on the kids reactions, it seems Jones accomplished his goal. Eight-year-old Ian Collins told the DVIDS that he thought the event was "really cool," and that he learned a lot of useful information.
According to the DVIDS, NFL players have been hosting youth football camps, called ProCamps, at military bases across the country throughout the summer. Jones was the last of 11 players to take part in such an event. The first to do so was Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Greedy Williams, who hosted a camp at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana on June 17-18.
“The children in our military communities face many challenges with a lifestyle involving frequent moves and the prospect of one or both parents deploying,” said Marine Sgt. Maj. Michael Saucedo, senior enlisted advisor to the DeCA director and CEO. “Events such as ProCamps are examples of how the commissaries’ industry suppliers and manufacturers help enhance the benefit through giveaways and sales promotions.”
Jones, who had 22 sacks in four seasons with the Denver Broncos, came to Seattle in March on a three-year deal worth over $51 million. His impact on the field still remains to be seen, but he's off to a good start with his off-field impact.
You can find Jonathan Alfano on Twitter @JonAlfano_News
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