WATCH: National Team alum Jameis Winston hosts annual youth football camp at Tampa Bay Buccaneers practice facility

By Kailey Harmon | Posted 6/4/2018

(photo via baynews9.com)

For the third year in a row, Jameis Winston hosted his Youth Football Procamp this weekend at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' practice facility, One Buc Place. Hundreds of kids attended to learn techniques from the 2013 Heisman Trophy winner and 2010 U.S. National Team member.

“They get a chance to play football with me (Saturday). They see me at the game, they see me on the field, on TV, but they don't get a chance to get affiliated with me in this way.” Winston told Bay News 9.

The Bucs opened their doors to over 300 children, including 75 from the Special Olympics and at least 15 from Winston’s hometown in Bessemer, Alabama. The camp was designed for young athletes at any level, providing pro tips, hands-on instruction, fundamentals in football, and even contests.

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Teaching alongside the Bucs' quarterback were Tampa Bay’s top high school and college coaches. Winston’s teammates O.J. Howard, Gerald McCoy, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Donovan Smith, Lavonte David, and Kwon Alexander also made an appearance, as did Los Angeles Rams running back and fellow 2010 National Team alum Todd Gurley.

Parents were grateful to see their kids having the opportunity to interact with the players.  

“Seeing a kid smile, seeing them 1-on-1 with these players, that's pretty awesome,” Francis Kelly, whose son attended, said.

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Winston shared how important the community is to him because his child will grow up there. He and his girlfriend are expecting a boy in July.

“I'm about to have personal experience because my child is going to grow up in this community hopefully. It's exciting. It's exciting to be able to put on things like this,” Winston said.

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The event also coordinated with Winston’s charitable foundation, The Dream Forever Foundation, to provide camp scholarships for disadvantaged youth in the area. Winston also paid for the kids and parents from his hometown to come to Tampa and attend.

The quarterback kept the public up-to-date with the event on Twitter.

 

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