COLTON>> On July 21st, Shareece Wright hosted a youth football camp at Colton High School. At the event, children up to the age of 14 participated in football drills, exercises, and competitions amongst each other. The event also had a DJ and vendors, which was being sponsored by Boxed Water, Eyeblack, Michelin, Lion’s Share Sports Group, and the sports drink company, BODYARMOUR.
Shareece Wright graduated from Colton High School in 2006, attended the University of Southern California, and was later drafted by the San Diego Chargers as the 89th pick in the 3rd round of the 2011 NFL draft. After being drafted by the Chargers, he later signed a one year contract in 2015 with the San Francisco 49ers. Once his request to be released from San Francisco was granted, he signed with the Baltimore Ravens. Upon his original contract being completed, Wright was asked to sign a 3-year contract extension with the Baltimore Ravens. Just recently after being released by the Baltimore Ravens; he entered into free-agency. Wright signed a one year contract with the Buffalo Bills on May 1st, 2017.
“Learning the fundamentals of football which includes, holding the football, making cuts, having nice footwork, knowing how to move, get off of tackles, and tackling with your head up while having fun doing it,” are some of the skills he emphasizes with the kids who attended the camp this last weekend.
When asked about the things the kids are learning at the camp; he mentions those previous skills outlined above. Wright said, "even though he was not able to attend events like these as a kid, by providing events like these, I"m able to pass on fundamental information about the game of football to the children in his hometown, while also increasing their love for the sport." He continued by saying, “As a kid, my major problems were being able to afford camps, playing football, and buying cleats and all the other football gear.”
His motivation for doing these events comes from not having the opportunity to attend events like these growing up, or being able to afford camps and buying cleats. Along with talking to local high schools and their students, Shareece hosts events like this one in partnership with USA Football Fundamentals organization to give back to the community and his hometown. “That’s just kind of what motivates me to want to do it; I want to give them something I never had the opportunity to have,”says Shareece.
Will Wright, whose a close friend to Shareece and Colton High School alumni, describes him as a “Humble, down to Earth person, who is always willing to help people.” He gave us an example of this when he informed us that one of the attendees was not able to find a ride to the event. Will said after hearing this; Shareece then paid for an Uber for that person to be able to attend the football camp.
Shanu Akinremi of NuFlexFit says, "This event is a “fairytale”, referencing Shareece giving back to the community and coming back to his high school after making it big. He also says he’s “Enjoying Shareece Wright and what he’s doing for the community. It’s big, it’s has great energy and ambience.”
Marcos Camacho, a freshman at Grand Terrace High School and a Colton resident, describes his experience at the camp as “A great experience that most kids do not get. I was very fortunate to be able to meet him and workout with him. Shareece was a good coach and it was a pleasure to meet him and practice with him and I hope he does this event again soon.”
When asked about the advice he could give to other athletes trying to make it to college, Shareece Wright responded with “The best advice I can give those other athletes is to never give up. You lose the battle when you give up on the dream that you’re chasing. If you keep running, eventually you’ll get there.”
Shareece stated this is his last event before heading to training camp with the Buffalo Bills and getting ready to start the 2017-2018 NFL season.