Jonathan Meeks, hailing from Rock Hill High School, realized the NFL dream, drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the fifth round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Across his four-year NFL career, Meeks amassed 31 combined tackles in 36 games. Now, he’s giving back to the local community with his inaugural Football C.A.M.P. (Community Advancement Mentorship Program), held in collaboration with the local nonprofit The Community Partnership Foundation (CPF) at Rock Hill High from June 13-15. Targeting rising sixth graders to rising 12th graders, the camp aims to impart essential life lessons alongside football skills.
Reflecting on his NFL journey, Meeks emphasizes values like hard work, resilience, and character, underscoring the importance of faith and teamwork. The camp kicked off with a combine-style session, offering personalized coaching in drills like the 40-yard dash and the three-cone drill. Beyond football, campers received education on mental health and financial literacy, recognizing the holistic development of young athletes.
Community support played a pivotal role, with local businesses and organizations contributing over $10,000, allowing the originally fee-based camp to be offered for free. Meeks views this generosity as a lesson in community fellowship, instilling values of giving back and supporting future generations. Day 2 focuses on football-specific skills and drills, while Day 3 culminates in friendly competition, fostering camaraderie and sportsmanship among participants.
Looking ahead, Meeks envisions expanding the camp to encompass other sports like basketball or cheerleading, aiming to equip youth with principles for success both on and off the field.
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