Kennard Devane Cox, a Miami resident, former Killian High School student and a cornerback for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League, is bringing back his “Camp No Excuses.”
The 28-year old graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and top pro player explained how sports are important, not just in themselves, but also as a way to advance in all areas of life.
“This has been a part of my life since I was a youngster,” Cox said. “We need to work on each other and better each other. That’s how we become better people. These are life lessons because at the end of the day, no matter what you are, a lawyer, a sports reporter or an athlete, we’re all human beings. We all have a story to tell.”
He said that often people come up with excuses for why they can’t do certain things in their lives and, if they come to believe and accept that, it limits them in what they can accomplish. Sometimes they need outside motivation to overcome that mindset.
“Camp No Excuses” is designed with that in mind, and aims to encourage and educate athletic students, participants, volunteers and their families, teaching them not only the fundamentals of football, but more so, the fundamentals of life and the importance of resiliency.
“Our campers will learn that no matter what circumstances they are facing, if they dedicate themselves and focus their efforts toward setting and achieving their goals, they can, in fact, accomplish anything they put their minds to,” Cox said.
The camp will take place at Miami Killian Senior High School, 10695 SW 97 Ave. and begins on June 21. Registration deadline is June 16. Registration is limited to 335 participants, ages 10-18, and special needs limited to 35 participants, up to age 27. There is mandatory attendance for all parents of campers in grades 8-12 from 9 to10 a.m. The camp is free.
Cox said that the camp is run by his team of 12 educator/coaches, all people who he knows and who have helped him in some part of his life.
“I’m not just teaching kids how to tackle on the field, but how to tackle life,” said Cox, who is married and has two children of his own.
For volunteers, community service hours are offered for high school and college students.
For information or to register, visit www.outsidethehuddle.org.
