Lebron James is not the only son heading home this year, Florida son wide receiver Louis Murphy Jr is also headed back to his home town of St. Petersburg Florida where he grew up and started his football journey. Murphy was a high school football star and those talents awarded him the opportunity to play college football at home for the Florida Gators under the great mind of Urban Myer.
He was selected 124th over-all in the fourth round of the 2009 NFL draft by the Oakland Raiders. Owned by the late Al Davis and everyone knew his trademark was drafting for speed as Murphy was one of Florida’s fastest receivers so he fit the bill.
His career on the field continued but in his heart he had a longtime dream of returning home and giving back to his community. The passion for giving back to his home town inspired him to work with Mt. Zion Human Services to conduct an annual non-contact youth football camp in St. Petersburg called 1stdowns4life. Its goal is to teach today’s youth fundamental football skills while stressing the importance of academic excellence, teamwork, creating a strong moral compass, setting obtainable goals, and the perseverance needed to succeed not only in sports but also in life.
The 2014 off-season yielded an opportunity that no one would pass up, to be able to come home and play for the home town team, as the Tampa bay Buccaneers signed him to a one year deal.
The Florida native as a kid always wanted to have someone make it and come back and help the community. He never got that opportunity, so as a professional football player the burden fell upon him and he would get his opportunity to fulfill his longtime dream.
When asked about the opportunity to come home and be able to give back to his hometown community, he replied “I am so elated to be home! I’ve dreamed of playing for my city for a long time and now its here.” Murphy also added “I want nothing more than to impact this community by continuously giving back. God has blessed me and I want to be a blessing to others”.
The 1stdowns4life camp features several other events such as “The All Star Gala” which is a meet and greet dinner that recognizes all of those involved in the camps and their accomplishments.
There is also an event called “The Circle of Life Summit” which is for the youth to gain some knowledge on increasing their self-esteem and exploring career paths. It features professional speakers that offer their insight and professional experiences.
One of the camps best event features the “Charity Basketball Game” which features many professional athletes. The players involved in the game were of course Louis Murphy himself along with -
Marreese Speights – Golden State Warriors
Jamar Newsome – Dallas Cowboys
BJ Daniels – Seattle Seahawks Super bowl champs
Dominic Rodgers Cromartie – New York Giants
Charles James – New York Giants
Mike Pouncey – Miami Dolphins
Maurkice Pouncey – Pittsburgh Steelers
Jacoby Ford – NY Jets
…And MANY MORE
Murphy’s young football career is far from over and with his drive and determination who knows what kind of mark he will leave on the game, but it is without a doubt his contributions to his community will almost certainly make him a legend in his home town.
