If you go ...
What: Alex Erickson football skills camp
Who: For second- through eighth-graders
When: June 28 and 29
Where: Darlington High School
Registration: Deadline to register is June 24. Register at alexericksoncamps.com
DARLINGTON - Former University of Wisconsin and current Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver, kick returner and punt returner Alex Erickson will host a football skills camp June 28 and 29 at his alma mater, Darlington High School.
The Erickson football camp is open to second- through eighth-graders. The cost of the camp is $50 and includes a camp T-shirt, water bottle, lanyard and other prizes.
"I just felt growing up, I went to camps because it was a great way for me to learn about football, and I enjoyed it," Erickson said. "It's an opportunity for kids to come out, have fun and learn about football. I wanted to give back to the community. These kids can dream big and maybe make the NFL some day."
Two other former Badgers and professional players will assist Erickson with teaching some of the fundamentals and games during the camp, linebacker Joe Schobert (Cleveland Browns) and quarterback Joel Stave (Kansas City Chiefs).
Second- through fifth-graders will meet for the Erickson football camp from 5 to 6:30 p.m. June 28 and 29. Sixth- through eighth-graders will have sessions from 6:30 to 8 p.m. both days.
Erickson said the focus of the camp will be on the fundamentals of passing and route running for receivers and running backs. There also will be interactive drills and games.
The proceeds from the football camp will go to the Darlington Touchdown Club.
"All of the proceeds will go back to the Darlington football program," Erickson said. "Hopefully, down the road we can raise even more money for other youth programs and give some money to charity. That is the long-term goal."
Erickson signed a three-year rookie free agent contract after the 2016 draft. As a rookie with the Bengals, Erickson led the NFL last year in kick return yards (810 yards) and average yards per kickoff return (27.93).
Erickson went from a walk-on to a scholarship player for the Badgers. He was named first-team All-Big Ten his senior year in 2015. He had 72 receptions for 924 yards and three touchdowns. Erickson rushed for 111 yards and had 176 yards on punt returns.
The deadline to register for the Erickson football camp is June 24. Registration for the Erickson football camp can be completed online at alexericksoncamps.com.
"It's a great time for the kids to get out and enjoy the summer and enjoy the game we all love," Erickson said. "The camp is filling up really fast. If you want to get a spot, do so soon."
Erickson is completing organized team activities in Cincinnati this week. After hosting the football camp, he will get married to Darlington High School graduate Kelsi Marie on July 15. He will then head back to Cincinnati for training camp July 26.
"It's very special to get married," he said. "I'm excited that Kelsi and I get to start our life together. After we get married we will have a short time together and then I will have to get back to work with training camp starting."
The Erickson football camp is open to second- through eighth-graders. The cost of the camp is $50 and includes a camp T-shirt, water bottle, lanyard and other prizes.
"I just felt growing up, I went to camps because it was a great way for me to learn about football, and I enjoyed it," Erickson said. "It's an opportunity for kids to come out, have fun and learn about football. I wanted to give back to the community. These kids can dream big and maybe make the NFL some day."
Two other former Badgers and professional players will assist Erickson with teaching some of the fundamentals and games during the camp, linebacker Joe Schobert (Cleveland Browns) and quarterback Joel Stave (Kansas City Chiefs).
Second- through fifth-graders will meet for the Erickson football camp from 5 to 6:30 p.m. June 28 and 29. Sixth- through eighth-graders will have sessions from 6:30 to 8 p.m. both days.
Erickson said the focus of the camp will be on the fundamentals of passing and route running for receivers and running backs. There also will be interactive drills and games.
The proceeds from the football camp will go to the Darlington Touchdown Club.
"All of the proceeds will go back to the Darlington football program," Erickson said. "Hopefully, down the road we can raise even more money for other youth programs and give some money to charity. That is the long-term goal."
Erickson signed a three-year rookie free agent contract after the 2016 draft. As a rookie with the Bengals, Erickson led the NFL last year in kick return yards (810 yards) and average yards per kickoff return (27.93).
Erickson went from a walk-on to a scholarship player for the Badgers. He was named first-team All-Big Ten his senior year in 2015. He had 72 receptions for 924 yards and three touchdowns. Erickson rushed for 111 yards and had 176 yards on punt returns.
The deadline to register for the Erickson football camp is June 24. Registration for the Erickson football camp can be completed online at alexericksoncamps.com.
"It's a great time for the kids to get out and enjoy the summer and enjoy the game we all love," Erickson said. "The camp is filling up really fast. If you want to get a spot, do so soon."
Erickson is completing organized team activities in Cincinnati this week. After hosting the football camp, he will get married to Darlington High School graduate Kelsi Marie on July 15. He will then head back to Cincinnati for training camp July 26.
"It's very special to get married," he said. "I'm excited that Kelsi and I get to start our life together. After we get married we will have a short time together and then I will have to get back to work with training camp starting."
