The Second Annual More to Life Community Fun Day and Football Camp took place the Saturday before the Fourth of July holiday on the campus of Grenada High School.
Current National Football League players J.J. Russell of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tyre Phillips of the Washington Commanders, along with other NFL players conducted the two-hour camp for over 150 children.
“I thought things went really well,” Phillips said. “We appreciate the community coming out and supporting the event. It was a hot day, but the children came out and seemed to enjoy the drills we put them through.”
Russell and Phillips enjoyed being back home and giving back to the community.
“This town means so much to J.J. and me,” Phillips concluded. “We enjoy giving back to our hometown. It was a truly wonderful day in Grenada. We were proud to bring together families, local leaders and community partners to create an experience focused on youth, mentorship and connection.”
Campers run through tackling drills during the Second Annual More to Life Community Fun Day and Football Camp at Grenada High School’s Charger Field. | Photo by Chuck Hathcock © 2025 Emmerich Newspapers, Inc.
Sponsors for the event were Grenada Tourism, the Grenada Baptist District Association, Bayside, Sols Point Capital, Guaranty Bank, Benowitz Wealth Management, Brian Levy and Goal Line Sports, who provided all the participant T-shirts and Pizza Hut, who provided meals for the campers.
Community vendors including —Walmart Vision Center, Renasant Bank, A Squeeze of Lemon, Better Juices, and Snap Fitness — came out to share resources and engage with attendees. We also had bouncy houses, games and activities that kept kids smiling all afternoon.
More than 20 volunteers generously gave their time to help the day run smoothly. We started with fun and games, then transitioned onto the football field where Russell and Phillips led football drills and shared motivational words with the campers. The day wrapped up with a pizza celebration and a reminder to the youth that their community is here for them.
Plans are already being made for the 2026 camp.
