CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (KCRG) – The Big Cat Lineman football camp has become a hallmark in the summer for young athletes in Eastern Iowa.
The camp saw eight NFL players come out to teach local kids. That includes Detroit Lions linebackers, Jack Campbell and Trevor Nowaske.
For Campbell, who graduated from Cedar Falls High School, getting to be a part of the kids’ football development is something he’s always wanted to do.
“I remember in middle and elementary school watching Ike Boettger and Ross Pierschbacher. I thought they were the coolest things ever, which they are. Growing up, I wanted to be like them. Then when I was in high school, they were off in college doing amazing things, starting games, and winning national championships,” said Campbell.
The duo got plenty of playing time on the Lions this year, especially with over 20 players on the team landing on injured reserve. For Nowaske, that gave him something extra to teach on Saturday.
“The best thing that could’ve happened to me was getting my feet to the fire. You kind of don’t know what to expect, and you get thrown into this bigger role. The biggest advice I gave to them today was to be consistent. You never know when your name is going to be called in all aspects of life,” said Nowaske.
Campbell’s brother, Drew, is a defensive lineman at Iowa. He used to be a camper, and now he’s a counselor.
“It’s pretty crazy. You don’t know until you graduate and come back that it’s kind of cool what everyone does for the community and the kids that are coming up. It’s definitely a cool experience,” said Drew Campbell.
The camp was for kids in 5th grade through 12th grade.
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