NFL Hall of Famer Inspires Kids

NFL Hall of Famer, Andre Reed, spent over five hours inspiring Club members during his visit to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming. Andre and his girlfriend Theresa, along with the help of Mustang Buds volunteers, helped build a Reed-ing zone for Club members. Having a reading corner helps children to focus and decrease the frustration of children that need quiet in order to read.

Andre Reed gifted members with t-shirts, his book, a goodie bag, and football playing cards. All of which he took time to autograph. Brian McCarthy, Main Club Branch Director, said, “Andre’s passion was evident for the Club and how it had an impact on his life. He really believes in the mission and what we do.”

This Hall of Famer dedicated his time to the kids by answering questions and getting to know them. During Andre’s motivational speech he credited the Club for giving him the tools needed to be the best he could be, at whatever he wanted to be. Andre voiced how the situation of his upbringing should have equaled failure, but coming to the Club as a six-year-old changed everything. “I knew that failure was not an option for me. When I came through these blue doors that word ‘failure’ no longer came into play.”

Record numbers on the field earned Andre a coveted spot in the NFL Hall of Fame, but he hasn’t stopped reaching to do the utmost. Andre has visited sixty-five Boys & Girls Clubs across the nation; fifteen of which he’s built Andre Reed-ing corners. “My days of playing football are over,” Andre declared, “but my days of inspiring kids have just started.”

Andre’s visit was a huge presence with an awesome message that left an impact. “After seeing Andre the kids were so pumped and wouldn’t stop talking about it.” McCarthy expressed, “Every night since then kids curl up in that corner and read – even those of which, had never taken much interest in books.”