PINEVILLE, La. (KALB) – Cincinnati Bengals lineman Cody Ford returned to his former elementary school Thursday, February 12, to serve as grand marshal for the Krew of Barron’s Mardi Gras parade at J.I. Barron Elementary in Pineville.
Ford surprised students at the school where he once attended, leading a parade that featured beads, T-shirts and footballs being tossed to excited students lining the route.
“Yeah, it was pretty cool. I mean, the kids were having fun, and it was good to see how much excitement they had on their faces,” Ford said. “It’s just kind of…what I do everything for is to give back, and especially to the kids.”
Students lined the parade route as Ford and other participants distributed Mardi Gras throws. Some students received signed memorabilia from the NFL player.
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“My favorite part about the parade was Cody Ford, and when he signed both of my things,” one student said. “I like it because he could be practicing right now, but he signed people’s jerseys.”
“My favorite thing that I caught today was this blue ginormous beaded necklace,” another student said. “My favorite part was when they gave us stuff, and I’m excited for Mardi Gras because it’s about where we’re from.”
The former Pineville Rebel said he tries to give back to his community, particularly to schools he attended.
“I don’t try to be anyone’s role model. I just try to be who I am and put good out into the world, and especially in my community, and especially schools that I attended,” Ford said. “It’s always fun to come back home.”
Ford said seeing the students’ reactions reminded him of his roots.
“Seeing those kids light up is always a joy, brings me back a little bit, and also brings me peace and humbleness because it’s bigger than me,” Ford said. “But at the end of the day, in a small community like this, they get around me and light up like a movie star. But when I get around them, I just remember where I come from and what it’s all about.”
Students said Ford’s visit showed them they could achieve their dreams.
“They told us that he actually came to the school, I think, when he was younger. So that’s cool, basically saying that we’re going to come to this school and then we can go big,” one student said. “So, if any kids are watching with their parents, believe in your dreams, and you can be whatever you want.”
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