Jason Witten offers instruction and inspiration to young campers

ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. - It seemed like the glorious old times at Elizabethton High School.

On a steamy Saturday morning at Dave Rider Field, former Elizabethton football star Jason Witten drew cheers from hundreds of adoring followers. More than 1,700 kids from age 7 to 18 participated in Witten’s 8th annual SCORE Foundation youth football camp.

Witten and his VIP cast of instructors offered a blend of inspiration and instruction. The camp, billed as one of the largest free football camps in America, has been featured during National Football League telecasts and profiled in a variety of national publications.

According to Witten, his annual homecoming is a labor of love.

“I had big dreams as a kid, and fortunately there were people there to really guide and encourage me along the way,” Witten said. “A lot of kids don’t have that, so we want to encourage them and tell them to believe in their dreams.”

After practically re-inventing the tight end position at the University of Tennessee from 2000 to 2002, Witten has developed into one of the most durable and consistent players in the NFL. In just seven years, Witten has made 523 receptions and 5,965 yards while being voted into the NFL All-Star game every year since his rookie season.

Witten has also been honored for his many charitable efforts. In 2009, he was selected as a finalist for the NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year award.

Former University of Tennessee football coach Phillip Fulmer cited the selfless example of Witten in a speech Saturday. To Witten, the payoff comes from the reaction of his animated young campers.

“When you see all these kids and the smile on their faces, it makes you realize and understand the platform you have as an athlete,” Witten said. “We take a lot of pride in being able to provide this camp.”

Clint Phillips of Sullivan South was among four student-athletes from the Mountain Empire who received a $2,500 SCORE Foundation Football Camp Scholarship. Phillips, whose older brother, Curt, plays quarterback at Wisconsin, plans to attend Tennessee to prepare for a career in medicine.

“I had no idea that they were even doing this scholarship, but it’s the biggest honor I’ve ever had,” Phillips said. “Jason is really setting a good example for all these kids.

“He came out of this area and fulfilled his dream of making the National Football League, and now he’s coming back and taking care of his community.”

Alexander Nadler (Abingdon) and Jonathan Whitesides (Patrick Henry) were also awarded $2,500 scholarships, while Taylor Harmon from Tennessee High was awarded a $500 scholarship after being chosen from a group of nominated student-athletes in an online poll.

As usual, an assortment of players from the National Football League and the University of Tennessee assisted as camp counselors.

It was the third trip to Elizabethton for Bobby Carpenter, a linebacker who was drafted in the first round of 2006 NFL draft by the Dallas Cowboys. Carpenter now plays for the St. Louis Rams.
“I love coming back and helping Jason,” Carpenter said. “This is a great cause, and Jason is so passionate about helping people.”

Carpenter said the zeal of the campers carries over to the staff.

“This camp just seemed to get bigger ever year, and I love watching these kids run around,” Carpenter said. “If they are going to be excited, then we should be excited. I remember what it was like to be that age and going to camps.”

Linebacker Ryan Fowler of the New York Jets and defensive tackle Abrayu Franklin (San Francisco 49ers) also worked at Saturday’s camp along with UT tight end Luke Stocker and first-year quarterback Matt Simms.

Stocker, a 6-foot-6 senior from Berea, Ky., received a three-hour lesson in the finer points of the tight end play from Witten on Friday.
“I told [Stocker] that I kind of paved the way for him,” Witten said. “When I got to UT, the tight end position didn’t even exist there. Now Luke is catching every other ball. Luke has a great future, and hopefully he learned a couple things.”
Witten took time to praise his friend Tony Romo, the embattled Dallas Cowboys quarterback who assisted during the Witten camp several years ago.

“A lot of time people question Tony’s motives and whether he’s going to play golf or be on the football field, but I really think that Tony is in same caliber of only five or six players at the quarterback position,” Witten said. “When you mention Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, Tony’s name is right there.”

Meanwhile the Witten legend continues to grow in the minds of young campers such as 8-year-old Parker Wilmoth of Kingsport, Tenn.

“I’ve watched [Witten] play on TV and I’ve learned a lot from him today,” Wilmoth said. “Jason is my favorite player.”

As he walked through the sea of young disciples, Witten admitted to being “amazed” by the growth of camp.

“It’s always a thrill for me to able to come back home and do this camp,” Witten said. “It’s more of a reward for me than anybody else to see these kids and have an impact on their lives.
“I don’t think it can get any bigger, but we’re never gonna turn anybody away.”

agregory@bristolnews.com | Twitter: @Greg_BHCSports | (276) 645-2544