New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan signed a massive contract extension just a few days ago, securing his future through 2023. It would be understandable if he wanted to take a few days off to relax and enjoy that accomplishment, but Jordan had other plans: hosting a hundred New Orleans-area kids at a youth football camp in Tulane University’s Yulman Stadium.
Joining Jordan was former teammate Keenan Lewis, who played cornerback for seven years in the NFL and was hired to coach football at Landry-Walker High School, a New Orleans-area powerhouse, back in April. Saints defensive linemen David Onyemata and Marcus Davenport were also on hand to assist with drills and interact with the campers.
Jordan is the latest Saints player to give back to the New Orleans community this summer, with running back Alvin Kamara having hosted a similar event at the Saints practice facility just weeks ago. These are obviously fun events for all involved, but they are also educational opportunities for kids with dreams of playing in the NFL to learn from stars like Jordan and Kamara.
That might seem like a long shot, but it wouldn’t be that unusual for some future NFL players to be in the crowd of campers at Jordan’s event. Seattle Seahawks franchise quarterback Russell Wilson was once a mostly-anonymous attendee at the Manning Passing Academy sponsored by the NFL’s legendary Manning family — quarterbacks Peyton, Eli, and their father, Archie. Paths get crossed all the time at these football camps, and it’s fascinating to wonder if any of the youngsters Jordan and his teammates met Saturday could play against them someday.
