Former NFL Players From Pasadena Host Youth Football Clinic at The Rose Bowl

By Fredy Ramirez

A gloomy Saturday in the summer didn’t stop the hundreds of children who participated in the Pasadena youth football clinic from having fun June 10 at the Rose Bowl.

Football players and coaches from all levels directed the many different aspects of the camp. Current Broncos Defensive Back Coach Marcus Robertson and former National Football League Player Chad Brown, who both attended John Muir High in Pasadena, helped in directing the drills, making sure the drills kept the children engaged and entertained.

Excitement filled the air as the children played catch during early morning registrations. They wore their favorite collegiate and professional teams who they hope to one day play for. More than anything, the children wanted to get on the field and get things going.

Before things got under way, Brown spoke some words of encouragement to the youth. His message; anything is possible. He stood in front of the hundreds and said, “Who is going to be next?” One could already tell that this is more than just a football clinic and the impact made goes far beyond the gridiron. With those motivational words, the clinic began.

“I hope they walk away thinking I can do this. Someone else from Pasadena did. It’s possible.” said Brown

The children stretched out on the field as the coaches went around to acclimate them. Council Member Tyrone Hampton joined the children during the stretches even though he overdressed for the occasion. None the less, the energy in the stadium started building. The coaches gave out high-fives and joked around with the children to keep them engaged. The warm up drills woke up the youth and got them going.

With so many participants, there needed to be an equal amount of drills and they all delivered. Each drill focused on a different aspect of football. From offense to defense, each drill developed a part of the game. Box drills, ladder drills, cone drills, and so many other drills worked on the development of these youth.

More importantly, the children and coaches continued to have fun.

“The highlight of my year is coming to the Rose Bowl and giving back in some small way.” said Brown.

The other coaches enjoyed their time at the clinic as well. During one of the wide receiver drills, one of the coaches lined up against a child in press coverage. He bent down and looked them straight in the eye. The child proceeded to put a move on him and got away. As the child got away and caught the ball, the coach smiled and so did the child.

With the football clinic nearing the end, they proceeded to the 7-on-7 game. Four different games broke out. For a moment, one couldn’t tell who wanted to win more; the coaches or the children. The coaches called plays and the children made plays, all while having fun.

After a long day of playing and having fun, they all went in to have some food to restore some of their energy.

The children may get older and move on to other sports or attend another football clinic but one thing is certain; the coaches will be there next year ready to teach and have fun.

Captions:

1- Councilman Tyrone Hampton stretches with the children at the youth football clinic. –Photo by Fredy Ramirez / Beacon Media News

2- A camper tackles a bag as one of the many drills that they did. – Photo by John Chaides / Beacon Media News

3- Two campers participate in a drill where one runs with the ball while the other tries to strip it from them. – Photo by John Chaides / Beacon Media News

4- A camper runs with a football while Marcus Robertson encourages him. – Photo by John Chaides / Beacon Media News

5- A camper backpedals in a drill to help work on his reaction speed. – Photo by John Chaides / Beacon Media News

6-  Coach gets excited after his team scored. – Photo by John Chaides / Beacon Media News

7- A young football hopeful runs the ball at the youth football clinic. – Photo by John Chaides / Beacon Media News

8- A player dives at his opponent but fails to stop the touchdown. – Photo by John Chaides / Beacon Media News

9- A bunch of the coaches stand for a picture before the camp starts. – Photo by John Chaides / Beacon Media News

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