Football Players
Eric Matthews




If you’ve guessed it — yes, Eric Matthews is the namesake of the annual football camp. Before winning a Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers, Eric was a standout two-sport athlete at Santaluces High School in Boynton Beach, Florida. There, he earned recognition as one of the state’s top football and track stars. Though it was track that ultimately earned him a collegiate scholarship to Indiana University, it was football that opened the door to a professional career in the NFL.
At Indiana, Eric became a two-time Big Ten qualifier in both indoor and outdoor track, as well as the Penn Relays Long Jump Champion. On the gridiron, he contributed to two bowl games — the Independence Bowl and the Copper Bowl. His athletic journey culminated in 1996 when he joined the Green Bay Packers, winning a Super Bowl in his rookie season. He later went on to play for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington Redskins before an injury brought his NFL career to an early close.
Following his professional career, Eric returned to his roots, coaching high school track and gradually stepping into his calling as a mentor and community builder. His passion became clear: helping youth maximize their potential through sports while prioritizing academic excellence and always having a plan B.
In 2015, Eric teamed up with Anthony Mitchell to host their first youth football camp at Ballard Park in Tupelo, Mississippi. With only six weeks of preparation, the two organized a powerful launch — drawing 25 kids, recruiting four NFL alumni, securing a venue, and setting a standard for what would become an annual tradition of impact and empowerment.
The Endzone Club/ Eric Matthews Foundation partnership was born from this vision — to serve and uplift youth through sports, mentorship, and opportunity. The foundation’s mentoring program focuses on building trust, fostering relationships, exposing young people to new possibilities, and reinforcing the importance of education and real-world preparation. From field trips and sports clinics to candid conversations and exposure to influential leaders, every activity is designed to plant seeds of confidence, discipline, and hope.
Mentorship, as Eric believes, isn’t one-size-fits-all — but its ripple effects can shape a life forever. The Foundation’s community outreach efforts aim to create a safer, more supportive environment for youth to thrive by offering a wide range of charitable services and developmental programs.
Today, Eric Matthews continues to inspire the next generation, not just with his Super Bowl ring, but with his unwavering belief that every child deserves a shot at greatness — on and off the field.




Absolutely! Here's a polished and engaging rewrite of Muhammad Modeen Shamsid-Deen's bio, perfect for use on a website, program, or flyer:
Muhammad Modeen Shamsid-Deen
Coach | Mentor | Former NFL Running Back
Known for his high energy, infectious spirit, and natural connection with youth, Muhammad Modeen Shamsid-Deen is more than just a fantastic coach — he’s a motivator, mentor, and living example of perseverance.
A standout running back at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Muhammad’s explosive style and work ethic earned him a shot at the NFL. In 1992, he was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks, and although he was initially released, he remained determined, earning a spot on the Seahawks’ practice squad for two seasons. His journey continued into the Canadian Football League (CFL) with the Toronto Argonauts, and later he returned to the NFL with the Buffalo Bills.
From youth leagues to professional fields, Muhammad’s passion for the game has never wavered. His love for football began early in life, and he was fortunate to turn that passion into a career that taught him life-shaping lessons in leadership, discipline, teamwork, and resilience.
Now off the field, Muhammad is pouring that same energy into the next generation. As a coach and mentor, he inspires kids not only to become better athletes — but to become better people. Whether he's coaching running backs or sharing wisdom from his playing days, Muhammad’s presence leaves a lasting impact.
> “The same drive that fueled my NFL career now powers my mission to uplift, teach, and inspire.” – Muhammad Shamsid-Deen
Football is where it started, but mentorship is where the legacy lives on.
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Robert Hicks - Buffalo Bills


Robert “Fig” Hicks
Former NFL Lineman | Educator | Coach | Mentor
At 6’7” and built for battle in the trenches, Robert “Fig” Hicks is one of those rare individuals who looks like he was born to play football — and he lived up to that calling.
A standout offensive lineman at Mississippi State University, Hicks turned heads with his size, strength, and discipline in the SEC. His talents eventually took him to the NFL, where he suited up for the Buffalo Bills, anchoring the offensive line and protecting the quarterback in the cold, high-stakes atmosphere of professional football.
After his NFL career, Robert traded in his cleats for classroom shoes — returning home to Georgia where he has continued to make an impact as a teacher, coach, and mentor. A proud husband and father, “Fig” is deeply committed to shaping the next generation, using his platform to teach young men not just about football, but about life, responsibility, and character.
> “Football gave me a platform, but giving back is my true purpose.” – Robert Hicks
From the gridiron to the classroom, Robert Hicks remains a giant — not just in stature, but in heart and service.

Anthony Smith- (possible)

Anthony B. Smith
2× Super Bowl Champion | Former NFL Safety | Mentor
Anthony B. Smith is a former professional football safety whose talent, tenacity, and football IQ led to a successful six-year career in the NFL.
After a standout collegiate career at Syracuse University, Smith was selected in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He made an immediate impact with his physical play and sharp instincts in the secondary.
Over the course of his career, Smith played for several top-tier organizations, including:
Pittsburgh Steelers
St. Louis Rams
Jacksonville Jaguars
Green Bay Packers
Tennessee Titans
He is a two-time Super Bowl Champion, earning rings with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2008 and the Green Bay Packers in 2010.
Smith officially retired from professional football in 2012, closing the book on a career that included 76 games, 176 total tackles, 7 interceptions, and 18 passes defended. His longest interception return was an impressive 50 yards.
Today, Anthony remains committed to giving back through mentorship and youth development, using the lessons from his playing days — teamwork, resilience, and focus — to uplift the next generation of athletes and leaders.
> “The game gave me more than a platform — it gave me purpose. Now I use it to give back.” – #27.



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