Denver Bronco cornerback Chris Harris Jr. held his annual “Underdog” football camp Friday at Lee Snider Field and over 250 elementary and middle school athletes participated in drills and spoke with camp leaders.
Harris, who is fresh off of a Super Bowl championship, made his way back to his home town in order to help inspire young athletes to continue down a path of discipline and leadership.
Harris says he understands the impact of setting an example for kids as an NFL player and uses the camp to help teach strong values to his campers.
“Me, growing up I didn't have that. I didn't have older NFL players come back and show support and install life into me. For me to come back here kind of helps give these kids a head start,” Harris said.
Among the different drills, competitions, and speeches Harris helped implement a unique exercise that all athletes will experience throughout the duration of the camp.
Harris invited Steve Hahn, Director of the Anti-Bullying Collaboration, to set up a station to speak with individual campers about the adverse affects of bullying and how to handle bullying situations.
Harris says when he was approached with the idea there was no doubt about adding an anti-bullying element within the camp.
“It's huge. There's tons of bullying going on in their schools right now. I just wanted them to know what happens if they get bullied and how they should react to that, be able to help a friend. Also, a couple of those kids might be the bullies. So to be able to explain to them that's not cool and be able to help them out,” Harris said.
Harris will travel back to Denver on Sunday to begin organized team activities.
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