See a snippet of Jennings’ Superbowl Game in our Video of the Week panel along with this video featuring his wife, Nicole! Read Harold’s Column “A Good Lose,” on the Viewpoints page!
By Sonya Hollins, editor
editor@comvoicesonline.com
Watching the Superbowl was personal for those of us in Kalamazoo, Michigan. We had someone in the game who we were rooting for more than anyone else–Greg Jennings. He made us proud with his first Superbowl win!
[youtube width=”240″ height=”205″ align=”left”]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMFGtxx5jXI[/youtube] Jennings was a star in the game with his touchdowns. More importantly his humble spirit shone bright as he bowed to one knee after each touchdown. I’m sure he dreamed of such a moment when he was taken to football practice by his parents as a child. Playing for Rocket football at the Douglass Community Center in Kalamazoo planted that seed which has grown beyond measure.
I remember meeting Jennings in 2005. He was visiting the field of the Rocket Football practice at the Douglass Community Center. O’Neal Ollie, director of the program, coached a younger Jennings years before. Students flocked around Jennings along with other members of his Western Michigan University football team who also came out to inspire the youth.
The Kalamazoo Central High School graduate would be drafted in 2006 to the Green Bay Packers, #52 in Round 2. The wide receiver has been with the team for the past six seasons.
Jennings, like so many other athletes from Kalamazoo have always had the heart to give back. Others from Kalamazoo such as TJ Duckett, Littlejohn Flowers, Duane Young, and Derek Jeter to name a few, all have or continue to play professionally and have remained loyal to their Kalamazoo community through fund raising events and youth organizations.
An athlete is more than someone who can play the sport well–very well in fact. They are role models to others, and not just kids. Seeing an athlete reach their full potential and accomplish their dreams is commendable. After watching Jennings and seeing him choke-up in his post-game interview, it motivated me to keep in mind that dreams, do come true.
Congratulations Greg, keep doin’ what you do!
