Football Players

Eric Matthews

If you've guessed it, Eric Matthews is the namesake of the annual football camp. Before winning a Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers, Eric was a standout football and track star for Santulucees High School, in the heart of Florida. Though it was track that afforded him a collegiate scholarship with Indiana University, it was football that propelled his athletic path to the professional level. After a four year NFL career that was cut short by injury, Eric began coaching high school track, while inching towards using his story to encourage kids to get the most out of sports, but most importantly, maintaining scholastic excellence, while having a plan B.

In 2015, Eric and Anthony launched their first joint camp together, which was a meager camp of 25 kids, at Ballard Park in Tupelo, MS. With only six weeks of preparation, the duo were able to assemble an all star team of 4 NFL alumni, a location, marketing, and a solid foundation to build all future camps upon. Below, is a list of current/confirmed coaches that will be assisting with the 2024 camp.

Muhammad Modeen Shamsiddeen- fantastic running back, coach and mentor. Kids are naturally drawn to his high spirit and great energy. Mohammed was a stand out running back for University of Tennessee Chattanooga, before having his name sewn on the back of a Seattle Seahawks jersey in 92. His career took him through Seattle into the CFL, and back with the Buffalo Bills.

Robert Hicks - Buffalo Bills

Robert Hicks - "Fig" may be the biggest man you've ever met in real life. Standing at at solid 6'7", Mr Hicks was born to play the game of football. After starring at Mississippi State, Mr. Hicks took his talents to the frosty region of Buffalo, and provided pass protection for the Bills. After his career ended, the proud father/husband returned to Georgia where he has given back as a teacher, coach, and mentor.

Anthony Smith- 2X Superbowl Winner

Anthony B. Smith is a former American football safety whoplayed for six seasons in the National Football League(NFL). After playing college football for Syracuse, he was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft.^[1] Smith was also a member of the Green Bay Packers, St. Louis Rams, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Tennessee Titans. He is a two-time Super Bowl Champion with the Steelers in 2008 and the Packers in 2010. Smith retired from professional football in 2012.

Vashon Pearson - Ole Miss/Indy Colts

Vashon Pearson is a 6-1, 195-pound Running Back from Ripley, MS. committed to Ole Miss Rebels.

Pearson, who was redshirted during his true freshman year in 2001, led the team in rushing last season when he gained 807 yards on 158 carries and scored three touchdowns, while ranking ninth in the Southeastern Conference in rushing, averaging 73.4 yards per game. He also had seven pass receptions for another 88 yards to record a team-best 895 all-purpose yards.

During his career with Ole Miss, Pearson earned three letters as he participated in 34 games, starting nine. He had 1,441 rushing yards on 330 carries, with 12 TDs, to average 4.4 yards per carry. His 1,441 yards rushing ranks 13th on the all-time Ole Miss career rushing list. He also returned 12 kickoffs for 77 yards, had two tackles on special teams, and ended his career with 1,723 all-purpose yards.

Pearson would spend the 2005 season with the Indianapolis Colts.