LILBURN, Ga. -- Jason Elam once navigated the neighborhoods around R.D. Head Elementary School on his bike. Tuesday he visited the school via limousine.
The Atlanta-area native and Falcons kicker accompanied second-grader Gunnar Samuelson to school Tuesday as part of the NFL's Take a Player to School program.
Elam was among 34 players selected to participate in the program that rewards elementary students with a visit from their favorite NFL players. Elam led kids in fitness activities as part of NFL’s PLAY 60 campaign, helping youth get 60 minutes of exercise a day. Samuelson won the visit by entering a sweepstakes at J.C. Penny.
"I thought it was pretty neat that I got to do it right in my own little community," said Elam, who attended Brookwood High School before heading off to the University of Hawaii and a 15-year stay with the Denver Broncos. He signed with the Falcons in the off-season. "This brings back a lot of memories for me."
Elam attended nearby Gwin Oaks Elementary but noticed little has changed in the average life -- or excitability -- of students. He was welcomed with a pep rally and spent more than two hours at the school. He answered questions from the students before helping clear the gym floor for and hour of high-spirited, high-energy play and exercise.
The 38-year old values physical fitness and hard work. He delivered both messages to the students.
"You just give it your best shot and everything you got," he told the assembly. "That's all that matters."
The gym class rotated through football-themed drills and Elam gave a couple of kicking lessons. Staying fit is key to continuing his longevity in the NFL and something today's youth must realize.
"Early in my career I wouldn't train at all," Elam said. "I would just drop a bag of balls at the 40-yard line and start kicking 50-yard field goals. One of the big things is taking care of their bodies, staying in shape. It's critically important. Studies have shown the more exercise you get the better your health is going to be."
Samuelson's mother, Carol, who works at the school, described the experience as "incredible" for Gunnar and his classmates.
"It was wonderful," added Elam. "The kids were great. Getting a chance to meet Gunnar was awesome. Just to see Gunnar's face when we walked in, I know he was probably looking forward to this. When I was his age if something like this happened to me I wouldn't have slept the night before... I'm just glad as a player I can do things that really mean something to the community and hopefully inspire the kids and Gunnar, too."
RELATED LINKS:
- AJC.COM: It’s back to school for Falcons kicker Elam
- J. MIKE'S MISSIVES: Elam enjoys childhood memories
- COMMUNITY: Click here for more Falcons in the Community news
