Saturday, July 14, 2012

When Fernando Velasco broke into the NFL, the Tennessee Titans linemen knew he would never forget where he grew up.

Never is that more clear than when he holds his Camp C.H.O.I.C.E.S. football camp at Jefferson County.

For the third straight year, Velasco brought together a star studded cast of pro players to teach the area's future players.

For Fernando, it's important that the kids aren't just learning the on field basics. The camp's name itself explains the true message, and Velasco is motivated to keep that going.

"The choices you make today will really determine your future and just really try to set you up for the future," Velasco said. "Each letter in choices means something. The 'C' is Christ, the 'H' is humility, the 'O' is opportunity, the 'I' is integrity, the next 'C' is character, the 'E' is education and you put it all together and that equals Success."

The camp isn't just important to the host and the kids.

Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson is one of the guys who came by this year. That's the same Charles Johnson with 20 sacks in the last two years and a $72 million dollar contract.

He's been to plenty of these camps and it never gets old.

"When you see NFL guys come out and come to a small country town to support their hometown hero, it's all love," Johnson said. "I know kids look up to this. They take this and cherish this moment so we just try to come out here and show the kids some love."

Velasco plans to continue the annual camp every year and always keep it free for the young players.

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