Former 49er QB John Paye goes over passing drills during the 49ers Youth Football Camp Saturday at the UOG Field. (photo by Kevin Wang)
This weekend Guam’s youth football players had the opportunity of a lifetime, the chance to workout with five players from the San Francisco 49ers.
Three rookies and two retirees from the 49ers organization are here for a workout with Guam’s youth to share techniques and drills that they do in the National Football League. There were roughly 200 registered kids as they were split up evenly into six different groups.
Each group got the opportunity to learn from each player. Michael Thomas, a rookie safety for the Niners, taught kids about speed and agility and how it is important to the game and his position in particular. “We just wanted to share some techniques that we do on the NFL level with kids here,” said Thomas.
All of the players were genuinely surprised to find out that Guam is in fact 49er Country. “I have grown to learn that there are a lot of 49er fans here,” added Thomas who felt the Hafa Adai spirit as they received a warm welcome making them feel like they are at home.
49ers rookie safety Michael Thomas goes over secondary drills to the young football players. (photo by Kevin Wang)
The mission of this weekend is plain and simple, give back to the community. “We just want show people that the 49ers care, and there are still players here that still want to give back to the community,” added Thomas.
Next on the agenda for 49er Weekend is the golf tournament at Leo Palace, which is a fundraiser to benefit the Guam Youth Football League.
The Rookies
Cam Johnson: Linebacker from Virginia, 22 yrs old, 7th round pick (2012)
Michael Thomas: Safety from Stanford, 24 yrs old, undrafted (2012)
Tony Jerod-Eddie: Defensive End from Texas A&M, 22 yrs old, undrafted (2012)
The Veterans
Dana McLemore: Cornerback from Hawaii, played 1982-96 (49ers), 1986 (Saints), 1987 (49ers)
John Paye: Quarterback from Stanford, played 1987-88. Super Bowl XXIII
Tony Jerrod-Eddie has some fun with the youth players at the 49er Camp. (photo by Kevin Wang)
49ers linebacker Cam Johnson goes over the techniques of hitting the sled. (photo by Kevin Wang)