The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Landry all smiles at football camp
It was all smiles and focus as 250 kids from grades 1-8 came together at Rocky River High School for the Jarvis Landry Football ProCamp on June 23 where the Browns’ new star receiver was on hand to instruct some lucky kids.
Following a chilly and damp morning, the rain moved out of the area at just the right time as campers descended to the home of the Pirates and got one-on-one time with the man who led the NFL in receptions last season.
Presented by ProCamps Worldwide, the event ran smoothly with full participation from the Pro Bowler — who flashed his speed by seemingly being all over the field at all times.
From teaching foot drills to showing campers how to take a handoff, Landry got in on all of the fun — including a stint at quarterback — as the 25-year-old looked like the biggest kid out there while playing with some new friends.
“(Having fun), that’s what it’s about. Obviously encouraging kids to get outdoors and play,” Landry said. “I know for me, I’m a big competitor. So to have some of the older kids competing against each other is always fun to get them going and to see everybody happy and having fun.”
Getting in on the team drills, Landry spent part of the touch game toward the end of camp as the quarterback for some of the teams and had the chance to be on other end of a passing touchdown on a few deep balls.
“To have the opportunity to come out here — I did this in Miami and I’m doing it out here now — it’s bigger than me.” — Browns wide receiver Jarvia Landry, on his football camp
With everyone having fun and working hard while learning, Landry said he’s thankful for the opportunity to host camps like this and engage kids early on so they learn how to play football the right way.
“It’s actually a part of the reason I wanted to do this, (because) where I’m from in Louisiana, I didn’t go to any camps. I never had any camps, so I never had the opportunity to be face to face with a pro,” Landry said. “To have the opportunity to come out here — I did this in Miami and I’m doing it out here now — it’s bigger than me.”
On hand to help run drills at the camp was Rocky River coach Josh Wells, who saw all the positives that came with the camp as participants from all over came to learn from one of the best in the game today.
“It’s a lot of fun, a lot of new faces, kids from all over the area, I think we have a kid from Virginia here so that’s pretty cool,” Wells said. “Just watching him (Landry) interact with kids and the little pointers that he makes are a big take away. As a coach, you’re always learning and trying to get ideas and Jarvis is the best in the business.”
Putting Rocky River on center stage with WKRKFM 92.3 The Fan helping put on the camp, almost every commercial break had info on the camp to get the Rocky River community in a bright light with anticipation for the Browns at an all time high.
And, to further showcase the Rocky River community, HBO had cameras all over the area, presumably filming for its “Hard Knocks” series, which this year features the Browns.
“It’s big, it’s positive to have people come and see our facilities. You heard it on the radio for weeks, so it’s pretty cool that Rocky River gets that recognition,” Wells said.
Keeping a close eye on the campers as several other area coaches and other organizers and family were on hand to help ensure the camp was a success, Landry said he saw the competitive drive and spirit in a few of the attendees who were looking to be noticed, maybe even follow in Landry’s footsteps in the future.
“I hope (we have some future Browns players out here),” Landry said with a big smile. “Even if one kid takes something that I tried to teach or come out here and learn a fundamental technique, whatever it is that carries on, I did my job.”