All event photos by VLBryant for vlbryant.com

By Terrika Mitchell

Homecoming came early for Tallahassee football fans who joined  NFL corner back William Gay for his third annual hometown football camp. The three-hour training— free to boys age 5-17 on a first-come-first-serve basis— was held June 9 at the James S. Rickard’s High School football field.

[Read about last year’s Official William Gay Charity Weekend here]

Gay, who plays for the Arizona Cardinals, hit the turf with about 175 young participants and with the help of fellow league players. Fellow and former teammates Crezdon Butler, Bryant McFadden, Ike Taylor and Curtis Brown joined Gay in guiding the young athletes.

Myron Rolle, who plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers– which Gay also played for– took to twitter with enthusiasm about the day. “Excited to be at Rickards High today for @williamgay23 camp! Ready. Feet. Go!!” he tweeted Saturday morning.

Even the rain didn’t stop the drills and technique teachings held on the very 100 yards Gay played high school ball on before attending the University of Louisville. Trainees received lunch along with camp T-shirts.

As part of his Official Weekend home, “Big Play Will Gay” also hosted a bowling night on Friday and a pool party following the morning football training. All events were free to the public courtesy of Gay and countless volunteers.

Gay said, “The weekend was a big success and I can’t wait until next year. There is nothing more rewarding to me than passing on my knowledge to the youth and giving back to my community.”