Eagles' Jeremy Maclin encourages students at North Philadelphia school
NORTH PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Jeremy Maclin is having the type of season kids dream about.
And on Monday, he encouraged some local kids to make sure they too dream big.
Maclin was a special guest at the St. James School, an independent Episcopal Day School in North Philadelphia. It is a place that takes kids growing up below the poverty line and ensures they get into some of the area's most prestigious high schools.
Maclin says it means everything to be able to give back.
"Once you do that you are reaching your maximum potential as a person," Maclin said.
The Eagles star receiver offered the students some words of wisdom and then joined them for a healthy lunch.
The school is a partner of the Vetri Foundation for Children, whose Eatiquette program aims to transform traditional school lunches to family-style eating, creating an interactive environment.
After lunch, Maclin came outside for recess and a game of catch.
He switched positions taking on the role of quarterback.
You can bet it was as much fun for him as it was for the kids.
But where his talent really shined through was in his ability to reach the students.
"He said don't be scared to ask people for help. When you need help you should ask," student John Macon said.
"We thought he would be uptight - he's a football player - leave me alone, but he wasn't. He was nice. He was cool. He was humble," 8th grader Sydnee Reddy said.
And when his football career is over? This is exactly what he sees himself doing.
"I just want to work with kids. Give them inspiration. Just give them the ability to learn from me, learn from my experiences, and just try to help them along the way," Maclin said.
Today, he did just that. A day St. James will never forget.
Maclin also invited some lucky students to a bowling event on Friday night.
This is all part of his JMac Gives Back foundation.
To learn more about this foundation, visit jmacgivesback.com.
To learn more about Eatiquette, visit vetrifoundation.org.
