By Krysten Call, Titans Online
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The "Titans Tuesday" tradition continued this week with players making separate visits to Nashville's Litton Middle School and Saint Thomas Hospital.
Defensive back Tommie Campbell surprised students and faculty at Litton Middle School for a Titans PLAY 60 school program while Jordan Babineaux, Darius Reynaud, Alterraun Verner and Jarius Wynn continued the team's long-standing program of visiting the hospital patients.
Campbell was the guest of honor at a special school-wide assembly to impart some significant information about being physically active and eating healthy while also revealing some accounts from his life leading up to becoming a professional football player. The second-year Titan relayed how similar his day at work is to what these students do every day at school.
"Football is just like what you kids are doing now in the classroom situation," said Campbell. "You have to put the time in, focus on what you are doing and be able to know what you are looking at and learning each day."
The Titans' school program crew set the stage for Campbell with an interactive and educational show about the Titans PLAY 60 and Fuel Up to Play 60 programs in addition to some exciting ways to stay active outdoors with the help of Titans partners Tennessee State Parks. The American Heart Association and the Southeast Dairy Association also partnered with the Titans to help spread the word about the importance of physical activity and healthy food choices.
Litton students listened as Campbell stressed the importance of maintaining a healthy diet which includes low-fat, high fiber foods, low-fat dairy, fruits, vegetables, lean meats and whole grains. Campbell gave the students some examples of ways he has taken care of his body.
"I always eat whole grain and wheat bread and stay away from candy and junk food as much as possible," Campbell said. "You only get one body so you want to make sure you put the right things in it."
Campbell also spoke to the crowd about his journey in sports leading to his career in the NFL, recalling that he was always very active as a child. Some activities Campbell enjoyed aside from football were basketball, baseball and track.
"I was pretty much involved in all sorts of extracurricular activities," said Campbell. "It eliminated some of the down time you might have so you want to stay active, get out, have fun and play."
After the assembly, 25 students were chosen by the school for their leadership, grades and good behavior to spend additional time with Campbell for a meet and greet opportunity. The students were able to ask questions as the Titan autographed a PLAY 60 folder for each student. The school's administrators said the students greatly enjoyed the opportunity to meet Campbell and appreciated the encouragement by the player to stay focused and work hard.
As the Titans Tuesdays school program continues to visit schools in the community, the Titans aim to expose the youth to great programs that could impact each student in a positive way. For more information about the various Titans and NFL affiliate programs and challenges available to schools and students in the area, refer to the links below:
