Justin Cone, a second-grade student at Hyde Park Elementary, had one of his dreams come true when Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew knocked on his door to take him to school in a limo on Tuesday, October 28.
The visit was part of the NFL Play 60 campaign’s “Take an NFL Player to School” contest, also sponsored by JCPenney. This program encourages youth to get 60 minutes of exercise a day, and Justin was selected for the contest after completing an online entry form at
www.nflrush.com over the summer.
When Jones-Drew and Justin arrived at school, they were greeted in the auditorium by the entire school for a special assembly. The Jaguars player discussed the importance of exercise and encouraged students to take care of their bodies in healthy ways.
“Being active keeps you healthy, so make sure you eat the right foods and exercise,” he said.
Jones-Drew told students to exercise for at least 60 minutes each day, and then took health-related questions from audience members.
Hyde Park Elementary teachers also had a question for the running back, “How important is it to have a good education to play football?”
“Having a good education is essential if you want to be a football player,” he said. “You need to be able to read plays, perform well under pressure like you do when you take tests, and even know mathematics to study yards and angles.”
After the assembly, Justin’s class joined him and Jones-Drew for an outside P.E. class. Teacher Michelle Leclair had arranged different stations for students to participate in, including a football toss, running exercises and jump rope activities.
Justin said he was so excited to play football with Jones-Drew, his favorite player, and that he wanted to play football and become a running back.
Principal Tarsha Mitchell knows the visit from the football player will have a lasting impact on her students.
“Professional football players are role models that students look up to,” she said. “They will take his advice about exercise and the importance of reading, and use it in their everyday lives.”
Jones-Drew enjoyed visiting Hyde Park Elementary and hopes other professional athletes will be involved with kids.
“It's fun to give back to the community and it’s something every player should do,” he said. “When you give back, you are doing your part to make children feel important, which they are.”
JCPenney also gave back to Hyde Park Elementary. During the assembly, a representative presented the school with a check to help fund their in-school and after-school programs.
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