Former Auburn football player Will Herring hosted his 9th annual Back to the Dawghouse Football Camp Saturday at the Opelika Sportsplex.
Herring, an All-SEC first-team linebacker for the Tigers in 2006, has built a reputation in his hometown of Opelika for being a role model to the youth of the community.
"Like it or not, the fact is that we are role models," Will said. "I know contrary to some of these superstars, some people say they are not role models, but you are role models. People look up to you, and in my opinion you're a role model.
"Growing up in my family I was taught the value of hard work and being humble and I just hope that passes on to some of the kids here at the camp."
Will's father, Ron, said family values play a big part in what they hope kids will learn from the camp.
"We use this as a vehicle to reach kids. Football is a platform, and we stress character, integrity, education, 'mind your momma,' 'listen to your coach' and that kind of stuff," Ron said.
The football camp, which is free for kids third to seventh grade, is viewed by Will as an opportunity to give back to the community that supported him throughout his youth and the early stages of his football career.
"It's just a way to reach kids because these kids love football, and they care what we have to say so we try to take advantage of it and tell them a little about Jesus and just love up on them a little bit," Will said.
\0x200BHis strong Christian faith motivates him to be involved in the community and to set an example for the kids who look up to him.
\0x200B"God has given myself as well as these other guys a platform. You know, my platform is football. There are different platforms in life, but for us I think we're mighty blessed to play a game that we love and for me to do it and make a living," Will said.
\0x200BRonnie Herring, whose son attended the camp for the third consecutive year, said Will's honesty, faith and respect toward others are what make him such a great role model.
"He has a lot of respect for people, and of course a lot of people respect him. The way he interacts with people and the way he treats people is a great example for the young men that watch him," said Ronnie.
"I really admire that he's outspoken about his beliefs. He does it in a very respectful way and I think that's great for the children including my son."
Will, who is currently a member of the New Orleans Saints, said while he enjoys being involved in other community events, the annual football camp has always been his favorite.
"From time to time I'll have a speaking engagement here or there and if I can help out in any way I can I love doing that. But, you know, right now this camp is kind of our passion, and we look forward to it every year."
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