After his Super Bowl championship, Green Bay Packers wide receiver Donald Driver was able to spend some time doing something that he is passionate about off the field: reading to children.
The author of two children’s books, Driver was invited by the National Education Association to participate with a lineup of other star readers including First Lady Michelle Obama, Jessica Alba and other celebrities from the education, cooking and entertainment worlds.
Driver read from his own book, “Quickie Handles a Loss.”
Proceeds of Driver’s book go to the Donald Driver Foundation, which combats educational inequalities and homelessness.
“It is an honor to be able to join First Lady Michelle Obama and the Secretary of Education for the 14th annual Read Across America Campaign,” Driver said. “I am excited to read my ‘Quickie’ book to all of the kids that are here at the Library of Congress. I always encourage my own kids, and all kids, to read as much as possible.”
The national kickoff of NEA’s Read Across America took place at the Library of Congress for more than 250 local children.
Other quotes from NFL players:
At Norcross Elementary School, Redskins linebacker and children’s book author Chris Draft read to the kids. Former NFL players Dewey McClain and Solomon Brannan also visited the school.
“I think our kids saw the real importance of reading and getting those reading skills down, not just for testing, but for life,” said Kenya Johnson, an assistant principal at Norcross Elementary.
Washington Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall, whose son attends Duncan Creek Elementary School, talked to students about the importance of education before reading aloud Dr. Seuss’ “If I Ran the Zoo.”
Hall told the students he studied education at Virginia Tech and planned to be a schoolteacher before he was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons. The importance of education is something that was instilled in him at a young age, he said.
“Reading is something you will always use,” he said. “You use it every day, whether it’s reading a letter from a friend … or whether it’s reading instructions on how to do something.
“Anytime you have an extra second in the day, just pick up a book.”
Atlanta Falcons kicker Matt Bryant, who has three children at Duncan Creek, also read books to students. His first choice was “The Foot Book.”
“Obviously, being a kicker, I know a little bit about feet,” he told the children. “Dr. Seuss and I have bonded.”
Bryant said he gets a lot of practice reading at home to his 4-year-old, but this event was his first time reading at a school.
“I’m just like anybody else. My job just happens to be highly thought of by most,” he said. “Anytime I can get out and make a difference, I’m more than happy to do that.”
