ENGLEWOOD, N.J.—On June 8, iconic New York Giants football player Garrett Dickerson became a real life hero to young boys in Englewood.
The famous tight end of the New York Giants led a group of 100 kids in a one-day “Summer Camp” at Winton White Stadium across from the Dr. John Grieco Elementary School.
The free event was organized by Barry Harris, the head football coach at Dwight Morrow School, who brought a group of seasoned local football players to assist.
“It’s about giving back to the community,” Harris said.
From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the youngsters from pre-teenagers to 18 year olds, rotated through five stations, where they did rigorous offensive, defensive and agility drills. Everyone wore a Dickerson T-shirt that he had given out.
“This is so cool!” yelled a fifth grade student. “I can’t believe we’re playing football with Garrett Dickerson!”
Dickerson recalled great memories of his own youth, when he played football in Englewood and was coached by Coach Harris through the 10th grade.
“It was a great time in my life, and I am still friendly with a lot of the friends that I made in Englewood,” he said.
The 6-foot 3-inch, 248-pound football star spoke with pride about other great athletes who have grown up in Englewood like Juwann Winfree, who was just signed by the Broncos.
“I loved growing up here, and now I want to give back to the community,” he said.
IN RELATED NEWS…
Local NFL star Winfree coming to library
The Englewood Public Library invites the public to join as it welcomes Englewood’s own Juwann Winfree, a National Football League player recently drafted by the Denver Broncos, Sunday, June 23 from 2 to 3 p.m.
Winfree will discuss his path to the NFL, including his time at Dwight Morrow High School and as a college athlete and scholar.
Mayor Michael Wildes will be honoring Winfree with a key to the City of Englewood during the program. All are welcome to this free event, sponsored by the Team Winfree Youth Foundation.
For more information, email Library Director John Arthur at arthur@englewood.bccls.org.
The Englewood Public Library is located at 31 Engle Street, Englewood, N.J.