DARLINGTON — Some heavy rain did not disrupt the 8th Annual Football Skills camp hosted by Alex Erickson at Martens Field in Darlington on Wednesday June 18. Two sessions were conducted with the first session for kids in 2nd through 5th grade. That session endured the heavy rain. By the time the second session, for sixth through eighth grade began, the rain was reduced to light sprinkles. Erickson said he estimated the camp drew around 300 kids total. Erickson was assisted by members of the Darlington Redbird coaching staff. The football camp featured a “combine style” with drills for the positions of quarterback, receiver, running back, linebacker, defensive back, and more.

When asked about his current NFL playing status, Erickson said he is now a free agent after playing three games for the New England Patriots in December last year. He said his agent is contacting various teams to see if there is any interest in his services. Erickson said, “if there’s nothing out there, I guess I’ll ride off into the sunset. Nine years (in the NFL) is a heck of a run, and it’s been great.”

Erickson was a 2011 graduate of Darlington High School, then played college football for the Wisconsin Badgers, where he lettered for three years as a wide receiver and punt returner. He joined the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2016, where he spent five seasons as a wide receiver and kick returner. In 2016, Erickson led the NFL in kick return yardage and in 2017 he led the league in number of kick returns. Erickson has also played for the Carolina Panthers, the Los Angeles Chargers, Washington Commanders, and New England Patriots. He was also in training camp with the Houston Texans and the New York Jets.

The football skills camp was free for all attendees and included a camp T-shirt.