Photo via USA Today

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees has earned a reputation for positive off-the-field work during his 18 years in the NFL. The 39-year-old added to that last weekend in San Diego, where he presented high school QB Alex Ruiz with a prosthetic leg.

Ruiz — a longtime fan of Brees, who wears his No. 9 jersey — had his right leg amputated below the knee in February, following a serious injury while playing for Linfield Christian High School in Temecula, California. Brees' Football 'N' America flag football league works with local charities, and through the Challenged Athletes Foundation, helped Ruiz, 17, who wants to remain a competitive athlete.

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"If there's anything above cloud nine, that's where I'm at right now," Ruiz told espn.com after he spent time with Brees, which included throwing him a pass.

"It was a very emotional presentation and really exciting for everyone in our league to be a part of it," said Brees, who also agreed to pay for an athletic training prosthesis once Ruiz gets used to this one.

A friend of Brees' in Temecula called him last season and told him about Ruiz, and Brees sent a personalized jersey to him. 

"In the back of my mind, I said to myself, 'I hope I get a chance to meet this young man someday,'" Brees said. "Alex has suffered a long and very difficult road, but has remained so positive and insists this set of circumstances will not hold him back. He still has loftier goals than ever for his athletic career and beyond. We wanted to help his dreams come true."

Southern California coaching legend Don Markham passes away at 78

Eric Sondheimer of the Los Angeles Times reports Don Markham — known for perfecting the double-wing offense — died this week at 78 years old.

Spoken like a true football coach right there. No fanfare. Go help a football program. Not surprised. pic.twitter.com/9UGmQWxMhz

— Chris Fore, MA, CAA (@CoachFore) May 15, 2018

Markham began his coaching career in 1966. At Bloomington High School in 1994, one year after the team went 1-9, Markham arrived, and his unstoppable run game set a then-national record with 888 points in a 14-game perfect season (63.4 ppg). He retired with 312 wins and five Southern Section championships.

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U.S. National team alum to host youth football camp in Detroit

Photo via Cowboys Wire - USA Today

Dallas Cowboys cornerback and 2013 U.S. National Team member  Jourdan Lewis will host an inaugural wide receivers vs. defensive backs skills camp May 27 at the Detroit Police Athletic League headquarters or The Corner Ballpark, site of the old Tiger Stadium. The invite-only camp is free for all participants in grades 6-11. 

"I always wanted to do something like this,” Lewis, a Detroit native and Cass Tech High School graduate, told the Michigan Chronicle. "I want the kids to know that I’m accessible. I want their success as bad as I want mine, especially with the kids I’ve been working with since they were in middle school. Their success is the success of the city. This will lead to so many more, too."

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Many Detroit natives who have become NFL players have returned to host youth camps in their old neighborhoods. Brandon Graham (Detroit Crockett/Philadelphia Eagles), Tony Lippett (Detroit Crockett/Miami Dolphins) and Desmond King (Detroit East English Village Prep/Los Angeles Rams) will also host camps this spring and summer.

Female football coach makes history in Wyoming

Jennifer Gardner became the first female high school football head coach in state history, when Big Horn County School District No. 2 approved her new role at Lovell High School earlier this week.

Gardner's promotion came after three years as an assistant coach with the offensive and defensive lines. 

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"I've always loved football. I've always loved teaching," Gardner told the Casper Star-Tribune. "I'm looking forward to coaching the boys and having a team of my own."

Gardner's experience factored into the decision, Lovell activities director Joe Koritnik said.

"She established herself as a very good lines coach. She had developed a positive rapport with our players, specifically with the linemen, so we felt good about how she makes connections with kids,” he said.

"She's pretty dynamic and she has very good leadership qualities that will benefit her in this role.”

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