MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – Saturday in Mobile, local hero and Super Bowl champion Neil Farrell Jr., a defensive tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs, gave back to his community by hosting a free football camp.
The event included haircuts, food, and goodie bags for all participants. Farrell also donated a $2,000 check to the Boys and Girls Club of South Alabama, making the day even more memorable.
“It feel good to do something for my city. It ain’t nothing but family and friends out here,” said Farrell. “Nothing else and nothing more so I’m grateful for those to be out here helping me out. It’s a blessing.”
His mother, Sherry said she’s very proud of her son, “This is a way for him to give back to the community. He loves his hometown and he’s showing that today by the outcome of the kids. As you can see, everybody is here to have fun.”
Joshua Lane, a coach and Farrell’s childhood friend, emphasized the importance of giving back.
“I think the big thing is when you’re as fortunate and as blessed as Neil has been, is very important to have opportunities to come back and give back to the community like today and I’m honored that he even considered me to come out,” said Lane.
Despite the heat, kids seemed to enjoyed themselves.
Darius Johnson said he signed up ”because I like playing football and I like practicing.”
Kendal Giddens said his favorite drills involved racing and catching the ball.
Coaches like Jalen Mixon and Harry Satterwhite, another Mobile native and quarterbacks coach at East Mississippi community college were also supportive.
” I just feel like at the end of the day it’s about the kids. My partner said — he just wanted to do this for the kids — free everything like. We gotta give back,” said Mixon.
“Oh it’s awesome. Neil’s done a really good job getting all these kids out here on a Saturday getting them to run around and have fun,” said Satterwhite.
Another coach and father of one of the participants summed up the day perfectly.
” I think it’s a great opportunity that he’s bringing to the city. Everyone knows this is a football city. It’s just great for the kids, great for the community.”
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