Super Bowl LIII and the NFL Experience hit Atlanta last week and the city was on FIRE with Super Bowl events, festivities and activities. I swore that I wasn’t gonna go downtown and get caught up in the mix but alas an opportunity to talk to a few amazing NFL players about our youth came up so I hit the grind.
McDonald’s NFL Super Bowl LIII Play Day
McDonalds, the NFL and 100 Black Men of Atlanta teamed up this year for NFL Super Bowl Play Day. NFL Super Bowl Play Day is a Super Bowl event to treat about 60 kids(and their families) from area neighborhoods to an unforgettable day of fun at the Super Bowl LIII NFL Experience at the Georgia World Congress Center. Through this event they got to interact with NFL players, get the FULL game day experience plus a chance to win a set of tickets to the Big Game!
NFL players Shaquem and Shaquill Griffin (Seattle Seahawks), Eric Ebron (Indianapolis Colts), Mark Ingram (New Orleans Saints) and Mohamed Sanu (Atlanta Falcons) were all present and accounted for. They spent the entire day with these kids and select press. The players spent quality time really talking to and getting to know them. Throughout the afternoon the players could be seen playing games with them. They danced, they talked and they encouraged. You could see the impact that they were having by simply looking at the smiles and the eyes of the children. I had an opportunity to interview all of the players. The statement that stood out the most to me came from Atlanta Falcons, wide receiver, Mohamed Sanu. When asked why he devoted his time to the kids today, he responded,
…because you never know who is in here. Mohamed Sanu
In other words you never know who you might impact from your positive presence and influence. He went on to say (off camera) that as a kid he met an NFL player for a moment and it changed his whole life. He carries that same philosophy forward and dedicates a lot of his down time encouraging the youth.
I spoke to Shaquem (Linebacker) and Shaquill (Cornerback) Griffin aka “The Griffin Twins” of the Seattle SeaHawks. I was immediately drawn to ask them about their gorgeous locs. #NaturalHair They were more than forthcoming and stated that they grew their hair out just so they could look cool on the field with it flowing from the back of their helmets. But seriously, it makes them easily identifiable to the kids and they love that.
It was a bit more serious with Mark Ingram, Running back for the New Orleans Saints. He was not interested in talking about ANYTHING that had to do with that play off game and the worst call of the century. There is a reason why he was nominated for Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 2018. He even has his own foundation (the Mark Ingram Foundation). On this day he only wanted to talk about his desire to help kids. Not only was he present for today’s activities but he stopped by the Boys & Girls Club the day before. He has dedicated his off field time to encouraging and uplifting our youth.
Of course Eric Ebron of the Indianapolis Colts was interview goals for a die hard Colts fan like myself. #GoColts! He was so much fun. The main way he impacts is to spend quality time with these young men and women joking around and being positive. He lets them know that someone is there for them.
Some people just need somebody to talk to… Eric Ebron
His love for the kids is obvious and he spends most of his downtime working with them, that is, when he is not playing video games himself!
You can check out my FULL video and recap of each interview here!
It was an energetic day full of smiling kids and excited parents. I am 100% sure that the children that were able to participate in the days activities were left with a lasting impression. Shout out to: Shaquem and Shaquill Griffin, Eric Ebron, Mark Ingram and Mohamed Sanu for all they do to support our youth! This was definitely a Super Bowl NFL PLay Day to remember. Thank you to McDonalds, 100 Black Men of Atlanta and the NFL for allowing them to have a true and carefree day of fun.
Comments
