By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–The Jovante Moffatt “Give Back Tour” continued Saturday on the campus of Union City High School.
Moffatt, a three-sport standout during his Golden Tornado prep-playing days and now an NFL defensive back with the New York Jets, hosted nearly 100 youngsters for his foundation’s inaugural football camp.
Earlier in the day, Moffatt sponsored an Easter Egg hunt inside the UC Schools multi-purpose building that drew more than 150 kids with several prizes given – among them a pair of bicycles.
Giving back to a community he insists was vital to his upbringing and eventual professional success has been a huge priority for Moffatt, who played two seasons with the Cleveland Browns before signing with the Jets in the current off-season.
He’s previously provided athletic shoes and cleats to multiple Union City sports and youth league programs and other area schools. He’s acknowledged and encouraged UC Schools faculty and staff with snacks and food for their new lounges and has presented monetary gifts to several Tornado sports programs.
“This is where I’m from. It’s where I’ll always be from,” smiled Moffatt, who helped Union City to a pair of state football titles, a state runner-up in basketball and was a standout in baseball before signing with Middle Tennessee State University. “I had a lot of people looking out for me when I was growing up and my circle was pretty tight.
“The closeness and tightness within the community is not something you see everywhere. Everybody cares here. Everybody looks out for one another. And it’s a good feeling to help out when you can. Any time I can do that, that’s what I’m going to do.”
Moffatt and members of the Golden Tornado football coaching staff, several UC players and longtime Lake County assistant coach Greg Ross demonstrated and put the campers through several drills during Saturday’s session. The group got words of encouragement from Moffatt both before and after the workout.
Each camper received a towel, courtesy of Moffatt, and there were t-shirts available for purchase.
As for his chances with his new NFL team this fall, Moffatt is hopeful of earning a significant role with the Jets.
“It’s a pretty wide-open (defensive back) room… a lot like the Browns’ room was my rookie year with them,” he said. “They’re bringing in a lot of new guys, and I really believe it’s a chance for me to go there and make a statement for myself.”
The Jets will begin their organized team activities in late May.