**
 |
Whether it was trying to act older than he really was, or rushing his childhood, he longed to not be a child when he well, was a child. Those experiences led him to his central message when he visited Gra-Mar Middle School as part of the Titans Tuesdays program: be a kid and enjoy being a kid.
"Your job at this age is to make sure you have good grades and you are learning in school," stressed Washington. "Going to the mall and hanging with your friends will come when you are older, worrying about your exact career path will become clearer when you are older: enjoy your time as a child."
Held in the school's gymnasium, Washington spoke to over 500 students about the importance of not only relishing your childhood but also making the right decisions, listening to your parents and teachers and leading healthy lives through eating right and exercise. In a question and answer format with Titans Manager of Community Relations Tresa Halbrooks, Washington spoke at length about the steps and sacrifices he had to make to get where he is today.
|
"Sometimes you have to lose to win," Washington said with a smile. "What I mean by that is, by punting the ball we lose in we are giving the opponent the ball back but we are winning because we are pushing them farther away from the endzone. Just like when you want to go outside and play with your friends and you have homework to do. You lose playing time but with the hour you spend inside doing your homework you win by getting it done and setting yourself up for the future."
After the assembly and presenting the school with an autographed football, 25 students -- a part of the school's Fuel Up to Play 60 team who serve as the school's liaison and encourages others throughout the school to take part and get active -- gathered in the school's library where they were able to meet with Washington in a one-on-one setting. The Play 60 Team also plan events and activities for everyone in the school to take part in to promote a healthy lifestyle which amongst other topics, encourages students to get at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day.
After all the questions had been answered and a group photo had been taken, Washington left the students of Gra-Mar Middle School with smiles on their faces, positive thoughts in their minds and with a Tuesday they will not soon forget.
About "Play 60"The Titans "Play 60" initiative encourages youth to get at least sixty minutes of physical activity or play per day in effort to fight childhood obesity. Since the NFL's Play 60 inception, the NFL has committed over $100 million to youth health and fitness through programming, media time for public service announcements and grants from Titans Owner K.S. "Bud" Adams' Jr., and his fellow NFL owners and players. For more information about the NFL's Play 60 campaign please visit* http://www.nflrush.com/health/
 |
|
Twenty-five students -- a part of the school's Fuel Up to Play 60 team who serve as the school's liaison and encourages others throughout the school to take part and get active -- were able to meet with Washington in a one-on-one setting.* Fan Zone Titans + Nissan Stadium App presented by Verizon Stay up to date with team and stadium news, concert and event announcements, stream live Titans games and more!  Tennessee Titans Marketplace A one-stop shop for Titans memorabilia, autographed items and more!  Follow Us |
