Ricks gives back with free football camp
Former Anahuac High School and NFL player Mikhael Ricks talks with campers on Friday morning at Kyle White Stadium during his Fourth Annual Camp.
Campers are all smiles at the Third Annual Mikhael Ricks Football Camp on Friday, June 20, at Kyle White Stadium.
ANAHUAC— He has been to the top of the game in his profession, but don't ever think Anahuac High School graduate and former NFL wide receiver/tight end Mikhael Ricks has forgotten where he came from.
On Friday morning at Kyle White Stadium, Ricks put on his annual 4th football camp. The camp was free, and Ricks had about 25 campers in attendance learning from a former NFL player.
"You have to stay humbled and always remember where you started at and where home is," said Ricks. "We had some good teams here at Anahuac and played in a good district with some good opponents. Playing here started my career and led me to college at Stephen F. Austin."
In 1998, Ricks was drafted in the second round by the San Diego Chargers. He played in all 16 games in his first season with the Chargers. Ricks played for three seasons with the "bolts" and then had stints in Kansas City, Detroit and the Dallas Cowboys.
Ricks finished his seven-year career with 155 receptions for 1,939 yards and eight touchdowns.
In 1999, Ricks finished with 40 receptions and 429 yards, and his last season was in 2003 with the Lions, in which he had 37 receptions for 434 yards and two touchdowns.
"Playing football in the NFL is a job," added Ricks. "You have your daily routine to get you ready for Sundays. I remember getting to the facility on Wednesday morning, sometimes around 6-6:30 and not leaving till around 8 o'clock that night. Also, your diet is very important in watching what you eat."
Ricks enjoyed his run in the NFL and said that it is something he will never forget. "There is a very small percentage of college football players that make it to that next level, so giving back is something very important to me."