CBS 58's Hometown Athlete: Milwaukee natives and NFL players give back through youth camp
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee natives Eric Murray and Dare Ogunbowale are back at it again for the second annual youth football camp called "The Mil." This year, Eric Murray created the Eric Murray Foundation to support the camp as the two continue to give back.
"Football is a beautiful sport. I mean, a great team game," said Ogunbowale. "For guys to be able to learn that at a young age, and me being able to be one of the people that is teaching them, is special for me."
At Vincent Stadium, the Milwaukee natives aim to teach and inspire the roughly 300 boys and girls in grades six through 12 through the game they love. Campers go through football skill drills before playing 7-on-7.
"We want to keep getting kids to come out here and build a competitive edge, and that's going to carry you through whatever endeavor in life that you want to pursue," said Murray.
Murray played at Riverside University High School before heading to Minnesota and eventually the NFL, playing for the Kansas City Chiefs, Cleveland Browns, Houston Texans, and Jacksonville Jaguars. Ogunbowale starred at Marquette University High before playing for Wisconsin. His NFL journey has taken him through Washington, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Houston Texans.
The idea for a camp started in the Texans' cafeteria as teammates and is now one they want to grow to other areas to help their hometown even beyond football.
"We wanted this to be a every year thing, an every year thing, a staple in the Milwaukee culture, a staple in Milwaukee's community," said Ogunbowale.
The two hope they can serve as an example of what comes with hard work.
"I get to play at the top 1% in the NFL and it's great. Like I enjoy it," said Murray. "I'm fortunate, but it takes a lot of hard work, and I need people to understand that, and I want kids to understand that. It takes hard work, it takes consistency and perseverance, and you're going to have to take some sacrifice along the way."
On the field themselves, Murray is coming off an AFC South Division title and playoff appearance with the Jaguars.
"We still got Trevor. We got a host of receivers, and our defense is coming off a really great year," said Murray. "It'll be our second year in the defense. So, we got a lot of, you know, bank reps. So, we just looking to expand on that and take it to the next level."
Ogunbowale is currently a free agent, using the free time to get engaged to his fiancé, prepare for a second child on the way, and watch his sister Arike play with the Dallas Wings in the WNBA. All while staying ready.
"I'm a very, very versatile player. I've been that throughout my career, made a career out of that, and just being reliable, being available. Just working, working, staying in shape, staying ready, ready for whatever, whatever team, whatever team I'm going to end up at," said Ogunbowale. "Just staying ready to be the same player I've been for nine years."
The two are already preparing for year three of the camp next year.