Photo via LA Times

One of the NFL's more unique characters, Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch is also among football's top worldwide advocates.

Tim Rohan of Sports Illustrated details Lynch's work with American Football Without Barriers, a nonprofit filled with current and former NFL players that puts on football camps across the globe as part of its charitable mission.

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Lynch's travels have included stops in Brazil, Portugal, Turkey and a memorable experience in Egypt:

#BeastMode ghost riding his new whip with @AFWBCamp in Egypt.https://t.co/vaKnoVKNms

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) February 29, 2016

Lynch most enjoys his time with the kids, and while other players bring a businesslike approach to the ceremonial aspects of the gig, Lynch does it his way — unfiltered Beastmode.

"The ambassadors are (his) best friends everywhere we go," AFWB Strategy Director Todd Buelow said.

Allan Trimble announces retirement after 22 years at Jenks

Photo via USA Today High School Sports 

Charles Ely of KTUL in Tulsa, Oklahoma, reports Jenks High School football coach Allan Trimble has retired from coaching after more than two decades at the school, due to his battle with ALS.

Jenks reached the state championship game an incredible 18 times in Trimble's 22 seasons, with 13 titles. The Trojans averaged 11 wins per year as Trimble racked up 242 victories at the helm.

Trimble will continue to mentor area youth through his Trimble Strong Foundation.

22 years, in just 2 words. Thank You. pic.twitter.com/Jjcwp76zMe

— JTFootball.com (@JTFootball_com) April 12, 2018

Penn State coach reaffirms stance to protect Friday night lights 

Photo via Grantland

Penn State football coach James Franklin is one of many college football coaches to say the NCAA should stay out of Friday nights. David Jones of Penn Live.com reports Franklin said so again this week, as Penn State is scheduled to play its first Friday contest on Sept. 21 at Illinois.

"Friday night is for high school. Truly, Saturday is for college. And Sunday is for the NFL," he said. "I think that's a great model that's worked for a long time, and it allowed each separate phase to enjoy on their own. All those complemented and supported each other."

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Two years ago, the Big Ten Conference unveiled its plan to play six Friday games each season from 2017-21. Franklin, Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh and Northwestern's Pat Fitzgerald have been among the most outspoken opponents.

"There's enough days in the week that make sense for all of us. I think the model should stay the way it is," Franklin said. "We shouldn't be doing anything to hurt or damage one of the other levels, specifically high schools." 

Rival programs join forces for fundrasier

Photo via WBTV.com

John Carter of WBTV says Catawba County, North Carolina, high schools have put their rivalries aside in a fundraising effort.

Area schools have helped Bandys High School students sell tickets for Saturday's "Rockin' the Farm" concert fundraiser at Bandy's football stadium.

"We're rivals on the field, but we all have the same goals," Lincolnton High School junior Alex Secrest said. "Once we come to school, we're all trying to learn and better ourselves and just move on and do bigger and better things."

Bandys students say they welcome the help. 

"I think there's just a special bond around Catawba County schools, and I think we all come together as a group," Bandys junior Noah Caldwell said.