Washington Redskin Lorenzo Alexander Motivates Kids With Message Of Education, Commitment, and “Never Give Up”
Defensive tackle Lorenzo Alexander is on a mission: To help kids in the Oakland, California area where he grew up reach their full potential. Through his ACES Foundation, the Cal grad empowers youth to achieve their goals by delivering a message heavy on education, perseverance, and accountability as the foundation for success. Read on to learn more about Alexander’s passion for getting kids to believe in themselves, and his gratitude for those who did the same for him.
- Lorenzo with a young athlete at his Hold The Line Football Camp
PHOTO: Rosalyn Ray
Hugbacker first caught up with Alexander at his football camp in Berkeley this summer. We watched as he and several NFL buddies, professional trainers, and high school coaches not only taught the kids gridiron skills, but spent a serious chunk of time coaching them on responsibility, commitment, and the importance of education.
ACES campers warming up
PHOTO: Rosalyn Ray
HB: Who were some of the strong influences in your life?
LA: My mom. And my uncle [Steve Moore], who was like a father figure to me. They both taught me about hard work, discipline, and doing the right thing. Thomas Weatherspoon was also a big influence, and a great mentor. [Weatherspoon is a professional trainer and founder of PEPA Sports in Oakland.]
- Friend and mentor Thomas Weatherspoon of PEPA Sports
PHOTO: Rosalyn Ray
HB: So the positive role models were there; what impact did that have on your starting ACES?
LA: I was given opportunity, I had that in my life; someone to teach me right and wrong. So I want to do that for these kids, through the foundation. I let them know I come from the same place; I’m an example of someone who grew up in the same environment, and was taught to stay on the right path.
Check out this video of Lorenzo and the ACES kids!
HB: Do some of the kids you meet talk about hoping to hit it big in sports?
LA: Yeah, and a career in professional sports is great. It’s a dream for a lot of kids. But a degree lasts forever, and that’s something we want them to understand. It’s a big part of our message.
Pre-game drills
PHOTO: Rosalyn Ray
HB: Any new programs in the works for ACES?
LA: We’re thinking about a lot of things. One thing we really want to do in the future is offer tutoring and SAT preparation.
This fall saw more ACES efforts, including a “Big Play Back-to-School Giveaway” for Oakland’s Claremont Middle School, where over 400 students received backpacks stuffed with all they’d need for a successful start to the year. The foundation also partnered with St. Mary’s High School, gathering over 20 barrels of food at Thanksgiving for the Alameda County Community Food Bank. ACES is currently collecting toys for underprivileged youth for the holidays, and there’s also a celeb bowling tournament on the books for March.
On the field for the Redskins
PHOTO: Washington Redskins
