Jason Witten Returns To Elizabethton For Annual SCORE Foundation Football Camp

ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. – Jason Witten moved through the animated crowd like a modern-day pied piper. Everywhere Witten turned, he was followed by swarms of followers eager for recognition and affirmation.
Such is life for one of the biggest sports heroes in the Mountain Empire.

The five-time All-Pro tight end for the Dallas Cowboys returned home Saturday to host his seventh SCORE Foundation football camp. SCORE stands for Support, Community, Overcome, Rebuild, Educate.
More than 2,000 children between age 7-18 registered for what has blossomed into one of the largest free football camps in America.

“I’m just kind of in awe of how many kids come out every year,” Witten said. “It’s unbelievable to see how this thing has grown.”

With the wide-eyed pupils devouring his every word and gesture, the 6-foot-5, 265-pound Witten mixed practical football lessons with broad messages focusing on teamwork and education.

Tyler Whitlock, a 16-year lineman for the Elizabethton High School football team, appreciated the goodwill gesture. Witten also starred for the Elizabethton Cyclones.
“This is [his] way of giving back to the community,” Whitlock said of Witten. “It’s good to see a guy who comes around to his hometown to be with the people he grew up with.”

According to Whitlock, Witten fits the template for a role mode.

“Jason is a great guy to look up,” Whitlock said. “I’ve watched Jason and kind of modeled myself after him as I was growing up. Watching Jason accomplish all he has done has inspired me to become a better athlete and maybe play college ball some day.”

Tyler Richardson came to the camp with an impressive resume. The linebacker earned first-team Class A all-state honors and was a nominee for Mr. Football in Tennessee after starring last season at Grace Christian Academy in Knoxville.

“I think it’s great for kids to have the opportunity to learn from a staff like this,” said Richardson, who plans to play football at Maryville College.

For Richardson, one of the highlights of the day was simply being associated with Witten.

“It’s neat just seeing that he’s not some giant guy,” Richardson said. “He’s pretty much a down-to-earth-type country boy.”

Despite the heat, Saturday’s multi-faceted task appeared to be a labor of love for Witten. The camp was featured in a popular United Way commercial two years ago.

“I’m humbled,” Witten said, noting that the camp was expected to attract 1,500 youngsters.

As usual, Witten was assisted by an all-star list of coaches and players. In addition to Bobby Carpenter, Gerald Sensabaugh and DeAngelo Smith of the Cowboys, Saturday’s list of VIPs included former University of Tennessee football head coach Phillip Fulmer and current UT starting quarterback Jonathan Crompton.

Several former UT players, including Will Bartholomew, Jason Respert and Robert Peace, also attended. Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo is among the camp alumni.

“It’s great to have so many great guys come to this little town,” Witten said. “We’ve had first-round draft picks, national champions, all that stuff.”

Witten took time during Saturday’s morning session to chat with his friend and former coach, Fulmer.

“I really enjoyed being with Coach Fulmer at UT,” Witten said. “I remember when he recruited me on this field. He told the kids that it’s amazing to see all that has happened since I was a 17-year-old boy.”
According to Witten, the off-field guidance of Fulmer was just as vital as the football tutorials.

“A lot of people have been there for me in my life, but [Fulmer] developed me as a player and man,” Witten said. “He gave me direction and allowed me to see where I wanted to go.”

As Witten peered around the crowded field, he reflected on the larger purpose of Saturday’s event.

“These kids have so many dreams, but I just like seeing the joy and happiness they have out here,” Witten said. “Really, that’s what it all about.“

New John Battle High School football coach Ryan Witten, who worked as a staff member Saturday, said the camp attracted kids from as away as Memphis, Kentucky, North Carolina and Orlando, Fla.

“I love being associated with this camp and foundation,” Ryan Witten said. “We started very small and it’s been awesome to see how things have grown.”

Elizabethton High School senior Zach Boles and Clintwood senior Nick Robinson were each awarded $5,000 scholarships from the Jason Witten Foundation Football Camp.
|(276) 645-2544