Former Buffalo Bills safety gives back to Rock Hill community with free summer camp

Jonathan Meeks achieved the dream that many young footballers wish for: playing in the NFL.

The safety from Clemson by way of Rock Hill High School was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the fifth round of the 2013 NFL Draft.

Meeks made 31 combined tackles in 36 games during a four-year NFL career. He now hopes to share some of this knowledge with local young people as part of his first Football CAMP (Community Advancement Mentorship Program).

The three-day event is being hosted in partnership with local nonprofit The Community Partnership Foundation (CPF) at Rock Hill High June 13-15. The camp works with students in grades six through twelve.

“Going to the NFL, I’m just trying to share with the guys what I learned getting there and what I learned while I was there,” Meeks said. “There are basic things, basic principles like hard work, resilience, character.”

“The most important thing I will say is faith. It gives you hope; it gives you love; it gives you confidence. This gives you the ability to respect the game and others you play with, because it’s not about “I”, but about “we” in life.

The first day of camp was a combo-style session with one-on-one coaching from volunteers, testing campers in events like the 40-yard dash and the three-cone drill.

However, campers also learned about mental health and financial literacy, receiving lessons on aspects of life outside of football.

“I know a lot of kids want to get into professional football or professional athletics in any form…, but they never take into consideration a lot of the things that happen when it comes to concussions or illnesses,” said Alexis Purdy, marketing and events coordinator. “I think it’s a really big part of our generation to instill that in younger people to let them know that that’s also part of becoming an athlete and to really focus on that because you can. take it everywhere.”

Purdy and Meeks said the Rock Hill community came together to support the camp in a big way.

Local businesses and organizations donated more than $10,000, making it possible to offer a camp initially marketed at $125 per person for free.

Meeks said this level of contribution embodies the ideals he wants to teach his campers and wants kids to see the rewards of community camaraderie.

“This is for future generations,” Meeks said. “They are our hope. When I am older and no longer able to do this, I will learn from my children and my community to be well equipped for sustainable living.

Meeks said the second day will feature skills and drills directly related to what campers can do on a football field. Day three will be competition day, with campers playing 7-on-7 and head-to-head against each other.

Meeks also said the camp could also expand into a host of other sports like basketball or cheerleading because he wants to continue teaching kids the principles that will allow them to succeed in their sports and in life.