Marcedes Lewis and Coach Lara interview with CBS: '4th and Forever' Coach's Corner
KFWB's Ted Sobel caught up with Long Beach Poly Head Football Coach Raul Lara and former-Jackrabbit Marcedes Lewis, a current NFL All-Pro Tight End with the Jacksonville Jaguars, to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing children growing up in tough urban environments.
Listen to the interview here.
For many young men, the opportunity to play collegiate and professional football is a one-way ticket ticket to a brighter future.
But to local product Marcedes Lewis the journey out of of Long Beach always sounded better as a round trip.
"When you are growing up as a kid in a neighborhood in the inner city your dreams are to become a big NFL player take care of your family and be able to give back," says Lewis. "That's always been one of my dreams since I was playing football in the street."
Coach Lara, whose coaching duties come in addition to his full-time job as a nighttime probation officer, says watching members of freshman squad turn from boys into men is what keeps him going.
"I am from this community and they are also from this community. So I do feel a part of them," Lara says. "At times, I do treat them like my kids."
Lewis, arguably Coach Lara's most successful former player, agrees that what matters most is giving back to the people and city where all his dreams began. His commitment to Long Beach is the motivating force behind the Marcedes Lewis Foundation. Now in its 3rd year on the Poly High Campus, the football camp offers training, tips and encouragement to over 700 children. All paid for by the NFL star.
"This is where my heart is, so for me to come back and be able to have everybody in the stands and have all the kids on the field, and me be in their same shoes years ago?" Lewis says. "I'm just excited to do it - it's a beautiful thing."
And if there is any doubt about coming back to where it all started, the one-time jackrabbit has this bit of advice for Long Beach Poly's future stars:
"Nothing is better than the feeling I have right now."
Tune in for new episodes of "4th and Forever" every Thursday at 9/8c on Current TV. For popular scenes, web exclusives, and additional blogs, visit http://current.com/4thandForever
-
- groups:
- 4th and Forever, 4th and Forever Blog
-
-
- 4thandForever
- added this
