Michael Clayton will be giving back to his alma mater and giving to charitable organizations through a camp this weekend.
Photo courtesy of the Tesla Group
Though he's played on a Super Bowl champion (New York Giants) and a national college champion (LSU), wide receiver Michael Clayton hasn't forgotten his roots. He also hasn't forgotten the need to help less-fortunate persons through various charities.
[Michael Clayton: The Best We Ever Saw]That's why he has formed the first Baton Rouge Rush Football Minicamp, which will be held at his alma mater,
Christian Life (Baton Rouge, La.), on Saturday, July 28.
Clayton won a BCS title at LSU after astellar prep career at Christian Life.
Photo courtesy of the Tesla Group
The eight-year NFL veteran, who is a current free agent, told MaxPreps, "Your school means a lot. When I was in high school, I never imagined having a career that I've had. I just aspired to be a good role model and compete. My school provided a great foundation. Being at a Christian school, I was able to get in touch with God which has had the most dynamic impact on my life."
Headmaster Peter Barnes, who taught Clayton in high school, noted, "We're just thrilled to open our facility and have him back on our campus. We're very proud of Michael. I'm certainly not surprised (by his football accomplishments), because his athletic talent was easily recognizable. But he had great character to go along with that."
Clayton said he is hoping for between 200 and 250 players broken into age groups of 8-11, 12-14 and 15-18. Campers are coming from Mississippi and Alabama as well as Louisiana.
They will be tested in the 40-yard dash and shuttle events. There will be a lot of one-on-one competition, climaxed by a 7-on-7 tournament. Age-group awards will be made for the fastest times in each event and MVP awards also will be given in each age group. Each player will receive an autographed picture of Clayton.
Clayton, who won a Super Bowl withthe Giants, is currently a free agent.
Photo courtesy of the Tesla Group
In addition to player fees, the camp will raise funds through local business sponsors. The proceeds will go to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, which Clayton also worked with during his years in Tampa and New York.
Assisting Clayton as coaches and speakers at the camp will be some of his former mentors, including Richard Mann, Dr. Randy Winfield, Rashaun Matthews, Maleene Brooks and Terrel Browder.
He hopes to help campers get future college scholarships through his website,
Generationnextfoundation.com, and to help them understand that even if they do make it to the NFL, that careers often are short and that they should prepare for the long haul.
In the future, Clayton said his goal is to expand the camp to a three-day weekend.
