MOULTRIE, Ga. (WALB) - After two years in the National Football League, Moultrie native Jay Ward returned to a place he will always call home to host his first youth football camp.
“I felt like a kid again like being around everybody I grew up with and then having the kids run around,” expressed Ward.
Over two hundred in attendance with a front row seat to where hard work and dedication can take you. An extra special moment for eighth grader Aiyden Rodriguez who watched Ward play in high school and now gets to learn from his hometown hero who just so happens to play for his favorite NFL team.
“He inspired me a lot to play football and to play defense. He showed me that if you work and try your hardest, you’ll succeed in life,” said Rodriguez.
The Minnesota Vikings safety was drafted in the fourth round of 2023 NFL Draft. While the goal for many athletes is to make it to the big leagues, he believes the true key to success in giving your all even when the pads are off.
“Just be consistent in life and what you doing. As long as you being consistent you’ll keep elevating and climbing higher and higher.”
Not just defense, but all three phases of the game covered at the camp with the help of Colquitt County Coaches. Ward a big fan of what he saw from those following in his footsteps.
“It’s some little kids, y’all better be ready. All the surrounding counties y’all better be ready,” said the former Packer standout.
Ward said that growing up his biggest inspiration was his brother Johnny and he hopes that every year he can come home and be that same inspiration to those that attend his camp.
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