The 2016 NFL Scouting Combine was one to remember for every football fanatic from Ohio. From the hopes of finding a quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, or watching the 14 draftees from Ohio State perform at the most elite level yet. Being a native of Cleveland, Ohio, both of those reasons would’ve sufficed as to why I should’ve stayed updated on how things were going in Indianapolis. Until I got invited there myself. In the early weeks of the New Year, I was asked to speak at the NFL Combine on behalf of Fuel Up to Play 60. I spoke to Community Relation and Team Services personnel from various teams in the NFL in the Indianapolis Convention Center while the real show was going on right next door, in Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts.
Upon standing at the podium for my presentation, I had three full pages of a speech that I was determined to get through, by the end, I had used not a single sentence directly from those papers. During my presentation I spoke about why FUTP 60 is such a vital partnership with their teams, what opportunities are given to both students and teams when they’re involved and how to enhance their experience with the program. I also gave a rundown of my history with the program and all the opportunities I’ve been given because of my involvement and that of my hometown team, The Cleveland Browns. My lengthy monologue was accompanied with a PowerPoint showing the audience all that I’ve done with the program as well.
Along with this extraordinary opportunity of voicing my experiences first hand, I got to reunite with a familiar face I had met back at the FUTP 60 Student Ambassador Summit in 2014. This person happened to be none other than, Super Bowl 50 champion, Team Captain and Safety for the Denver Broncos, David Bruton Jr. David, a valued FUTP 60 Player Ambassador and spoke to the audience about his role and love for the program.
From the moment I walked into my hotel the night before, seeing a sea of NFL personnel in team logos from head to toe, and receiving hotel room key embossed solely for the NFL Combine, I knew this would be a special experience for a 15 year old, especially me. Just as I did in my presentation, I would like to close with praise to this program for the opportunities I’ve been given through it-especially this one, it takes the cake! (Some type of healthy cake, of course-if that exists?) Some of my favorite memories from my involvement thus far include speaking to audiences where I am undoubtedly the youngest in the room, just like this one!
Keep Fueling Up and Playing 60!
Avery
Youth Council Leader
10th Grade
We are so very proud of you, Avery! Thank you for your voice and your energy in building the FUTP60 program here in Ohio, and across the nation. We applaud your enthusiasm, your professionalism and your fun spirit. You are contributing to the success of the FUTP60 program. Keep up the great work!
Great job Avery … so proud of what you have accomplished. Keep up the great work!
We are so proud to have Avery as part of our Fuel Up to Play 60 team with the Cleveland Browns! I don’t think there could have been a better person selected to speak about the program in front of NFL representatives, as your passion and dedication shines through to motivate us all to grow and strengthen this program in the greater Cleveland area.
Your leadership and enthusiasm are inspiring. Thank you for your hard work with the Fuel Up to Play 60 program, and your unwavering support of the Browns!
Thank you all SO MUCH!! You all know I couldn’t do what I love if it weren’t for yourselves. Many thanks always. ( & Go Browns!)