Over a dozen NFL players and coaches convene at Pioneer for free youth camp By ZACH SHAW Summer Managing Sports Editor Mighty Mike Martin has been a hit with Michigan fans for years. After winning state champi- onships in football, wrestling and shot put at Detroit Catholic Central, turning himself into an All-Big Ten defensive lineman at Michigan, then becoming a successful Tennessee Titan, it’s tempting to call Mighty Mar- tin a hometown hero. But on Satur- day, with kids draped around his tree-trunk legs and an even wider smile on his face, it wasn’t Martin’s mightiness that made him a hero. Instead, at the first annual Mike Martin Youth Football Camp, a free camp for elementary and middle school athletes held at Pioneer High School, it was Magnetic Mike Martin who was mak- ing everyone’s day. “He went to a lot of these camps when he was young,” said Theresa O’Hara, Martin’s mom. “With the men he saw (back then), he wants to emu- late that. Not just the qualities of being a football player, but giv- ing, working hard for something and dreaming big. “He’s got such a big heart and is so person- able. Even when he was at Mich- igan, he would get right down at the kids’ level and would sign their shirts and hats. He’s got this magnetic personality.” The camp was complete- ly free for Metro Detroit kids. Growing up going to similar camps, Martin knew how impor- tant it was to make the camp accessible and worthwhile. He bussed campers in from his hometown of Redford, talked and signed auto- graphs for anyone who asked, and made sure that — with a dozen NFL players help- ing out, a full-service DJ and the Detroit Pistons’ Flight Crew per- forming a trampoline dunk show — it was more than just a day at the football field. “The big thing for me is to get everyone out here,” Martin said. “At first the camp was limited to 200 kids, then we made it 300, then we moved it to 350. It was hard to say no, but I’m glad every- one is having a good time, because that’s what it’s all about. “Trying to connect communities and make it go full circle, bringing all the kids together and trying to do something good — get the kids excited about learning new stuff and getting to know everyone.” Martin’s camp wasn’t the first free youth camp held by an NFL player, and it certainly won’t be the last. Michigan has endorsed giving back to the community for years, and numerous play- ers have taken that beyond their time in Ann Arbor. Nearly all of Martin’s assis- tants on Saturday have had their own camps or events, and they were happy to make the trek to Pioneer on their own dime to return the favor. “A lot of guys who play foot- ball came from bad areas or not the best areas, and the opportu- nity to give back is huge,” said Taylor Lewan, a 2014 first-round draft pick and former All-Amer- ican offensive tackle at Michi- gan. “If you can take one kid and inspire him to give back to his community someday, then you’re helping things come full circle.” Less than a quarter mile away from Michigan Stadium, Martin’s charisma had brought everyone together. It was clear that it was a special event for everyone. “We can relate to a lot of the things they’re saying because we know the area and a bit of what they go through,” said Brandon Graham, a former Detroit native and Michigan standout who cur- rently plays for the Philadelphia Eagles. “You might have gone to the same schools or know some of the same people. The conver- sation and connection is there because you’re from the same place. You feel right at home.” While drills and condition- ing were a part of the event, the primary focus was on inspiration and fun. Mich- igan coach Greg Mattison was among the many speak- ers, all empha- sizing respect and dedication to anything you do. After that, NFL stars and kids alike were drawn together for scrimmages, races and all-around fun. So to Magnetic Mike Martin, it was mission accomplished. “It’s amazing, man. I’ve gone to other camps to help out, and I’ve never had my own,” Martin said. “So to turn the tables and for me to be the guy hosting it, especially with kids from my hometown, it hasn’t really sunk in yet, but it’s special.” “I’ve known Mike for a long time,” Lewan said. “Just to see him around people, he’s always smiling always there for every- one, so it’s only fitting that there’s going to be a few hundred kids here running around and having a blast.” 12 Thursday, June 25, 2015 The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com SPORTS DELANEY RYAN/Daily Former Michigan and current Titans defensive linemen Mike Martin held his first Youth Football Camp, which was free for all campers. DELANEY RYAN/Daily Nearly 400 children from grades 3-8 participated in drills, games, and contests at Pioneer High School during the four-hour camp dedicated to fun and football. ‘Magnetic’ Mike Martin attracts hundreds to camp “A lot of guys who play football came from bad areas.” “(Martin’s) just got a magetic personality ... I’m so proud.” “It hasn’t really sunk in yet, but it’s special.”