Packer back Lacy speaks of the power of prayer in Carthage visit for An Evening With Eddie Lacy
Green Bay Packers running back Eddy Lacy addresses the crowd at Carthage College on Friday night.
It’s hard to say what goes through Eddie Lacy’s head as the Green Bay Packers running back charges through obstacles standing between him and the end zone.
Even he admits to not knowing that guy on the field.
“I’m trying to figure out who he is, too,” Lacy laughed as he spoke to a crowd of about 300 fans at Carthage College Friday night. “I don’t know what the switch is that makes me go from who I am to who I am on the field, because it’s so not my personality.”
Friday’s fundraiser for Outreach Hope Ministries was presented by the Greater Milwaukee Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
In his appearance at Carthage College, Lacy spoke about his faith and how it kept him going when his family was displaced from their New Orleans area home following Hurricane Katrina.
Listening to him talk about those years, the audience began to get a sense as to why the otherwise mild-mannered, jovial 24-year-old has no problem overcoming challenges in his path.
Long and winding road
Lacy, who hails from Geismar, La., about an hour west of New Orleans, was in ninth grade when Hurricane Katrina hit. His family evacuated the area the day before the storm, but their home was destroyed.
“We took what we could from the house, but for the most part there was nothing,” Lacy recalled. His family found temporary housing through a home sharing program before eventually relocating to a small trailer.
“Nothing was the same,” Lacy recalled. “Before Katrina, I had your typical kid life, but then that all changed.”
The next three years Lacy describes as “a real dark place. The only thing I succeeded at during that time was football.”
Then, one night, Lacy’s mom came into his room crying.
“She began to tell me everything I was feeling and thinking,” Lacy said. “But the thing is, I’m someone who is really guarded with my emotions, so I was puzzled how she knew these things.”
When she was done speaking, Lacy’s mom turned and left the room. It was then that he realized how his mother knew the challenges and emotions he was battling.
Starting to believe
“My mom prays a lot. She prays for me so much,” he said. “And that is when I really started to believe I had a chance. I could do something more. Without that moment, I probably wouldn’t be where I am today.”
There’s no hiding Lacy’s gratitude for his parents (last fall, he made good on his promise to buy them a house), or the power of prayer his mother instilled in him. For other young people experiencing a dark place, Lacy left them with this advice.
“Your parents, they’re there for you no matter what. So let’s start there,” he said. “And it’s prayer. There’s definitely power in prayer. And I learned that the night my mom talked to me.”
He also learned dark times are meant to visit, not stay.
“Those times are building you up for what’s to come in the future,” he said. “And I think that’s what prayer and your parents help you with.”
Credit to SARA RAE LANCASTER
To book Packers Eddie Lacy for an upcoming appearance or event, contact Mark@MayfieldSports.com
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So Proud to work with Next Door Foundation
Next Door Announces Star Packer Running Back Eddie Lacy Will Lead ‘Walk With Me’ Event on May 16
Milwaukee – (March 27, 2015) – Next Door, a nationally-recognized leader in early education, announced today that star Green Bay Packer Running Back Eddie Lacy will lead “WALK WITH ME” -- the 26th Annual Walk for Children on Saturday, May 16th at Next Door Headquarters in Milwaukee.
“WALK WITH ME” brings together hundreds of friends, families and special guests from throughout greater Milwaukee. The event raises funds and awareness for Next Door’s programming and services designed to help at-risk children get ready for first grade and ready for life.
“I am so excited to welcome Mr. Lacy as our Walk Leader and thank him for his commitment,” said Next Door Executive Director Carol Keintz. “We appreciate his dedication to our mission and to the people we serve. Our Walk is traditionally the highlight of the year for Next Door. We welcome everyone to walk with our children and our families on this special day!”
“WALK WITH ME” is a family-fun event and includes a one-mile walk starting at Next Door, 2545 N. 29th Street. This year’s festivities include live entertainment by popular national musical act, Alex & the Kaleidoscope, kids’ games and activities, prizes, and food for all registered participants. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and the Walk begins at 10 a.m.*
Harley-Davidson Motor Company is the presenting sponsor for this event.
Eddie Lacy, star running back for the Green Bay Packers, was named the 2013 NFL Offensive Player of the Year. He played college football for the University of Alabama.
Mr. Lacy is represented by #MayfieldSport, Wisconsin’s premier sports marketing and booking agency representing your favorite Wisconsin professional athletes. www.MayfieldSports.com
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WALK WITH ME event sponsorships available. For more information and to register a team, visit nextdoormil.org/NextDoor/Walk-for-Children or contact Megan Kutchenriter at (414) 562-2929
(414) 562-2929 ext. 192 or at mkutchenriter@nextdoormil.org.
*NO PETS PLEASE: WALK WITH ME participants are welcome to bring strollers or wheelchairs, but for the safety of participants and pets, Next Door asks that pets be left at home. Thank you.
About Next Door: Next Door has served children and families in Milwaukee’s central city since 1969. Our mission is to support the intellectual, physical, spiritual and emotional development of children so they become self-sufficient, contributing members of the community. Through a holistic approach, we provide programming to support school-readiness through a high-quality early educational environment, parent engagement and a focus on family wellness. Programs: Early Head Start (home and center based) including Prenatal Care Coordination, traditional Head Start programs, K(4) and K(5) Charter School, and Educare of Milwaukee for children 6-weeks to 3 years. Crucial supporting programs include: Books for Kids, Adult Basic Education, and Fatherhood Enrichment.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
How well do you know John Kuhn from the Packers? We asked John at a recent event some questions that fans wanted to know.
John Kuhn, Football Player Highlights
John Kuhn is married to his wife Lindsey and they play an active part in Packers charitable events and are dedicated to the success of the House of Hope, a Green Bay shelter for homeless single mothers, ages 18 to 24, and their children. He has a dog - a boxer named Buckwheat and his favorite color is blue. His favorite thing about Green Bay is the rich tradition also saying he is humbled to play on the field following all of the great players who have played here and to play with his current teammates. He majored in chemistry, so if he weren’t playing football he would have wanted to be a dentist. Lastly, he is currently reading the third Hunger Games book because he enjoyed the first two movies.
See if You Know These John Kuhn Football Statistics!
Below we list a few more John Kuhn Highlights!
Kuhn was born on September 9th, 1982 in Dover, Pennsylvania. As an outstanding high school athlete he played football, basketball, baseball, and ran track. In football ...he played both sides of the ball, playing HB/FB and linebacker. He went on to play football for Shippensburg University. During his time there he was a 3 time All-American and was a finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy (the Division II equivalent of the Heisman trophy). Kuhn holds 27 school records and six PSAC records, with 4,685 career rushing yards and 53 career touchdowns. Kuhn went undrafted in 2005 but was signed by the Steelers and was a part of the Superbowl champion team in 2006. In 2007 he was signed by the Packers and has been with them ever since. Some highlights from his time so far in Green Bay include winning Superbowl XLV, going to the Pro Bowl in 2011, and Second-Team All-Pro honors in 2011.
Host a book signing event with author, scholar and Green Bay Packer Super Bowl Champion, Dr. George Koonce, Jr.
“Is There Life After Football?” Surviving the NFL, exclusive first-run copies are now available to the general public.
Is There Life After Football? draws upon the experiences of hundreds of former players as they describe their lives after their football days are over. It also incorporates stories about their playing careers, even before entering the NFL, to provide context for understanding their current situations.The authors begin with an analysis of the “bubble”-like conditions of privilege that NFL players experience while playing, conditions that often leave players unprepared for the real world once they retire and must manage their own lives. The book also examines the key issues affecting former NFL players in retirement: social isolation, financial concerns, inadequate career planning, psychological challenges, and physical injuries. From players who make reckless and unsustainable financial investments during their very few high-earning years, to players who struggle to form personal and professional relationships outside of football, the stories in the book put a very human face on the realities of the world of professional football. George Koonce Jr., a former NFL player himself, weaves in his own story throughout, explaining the challenges and setbacks he encountered and decisions that helped him succeed as an NFL Director of Player Development, PhD student, and university administrator after leaving the sport.
Ultimately, Is There Life After Football? concludes that, despite the challenges players face, it is possible for players to find success after leaving the NFL if they have the right support, education, and awareness of what might await them. But players themselves must also resist being totally engulfed by the NFL culture in which they live. A fascinating study with unprecedented insider access, this book is essential reading for anyone interested in the world of professional football.
George Koonce played professional football for a decade, the majority of those years with the Green Bay Packers and during which they won Super Bowl XXXI. After his playing career ended, he served as senior associate athletics director and director of development at Marquette University, athletics director at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, director of player development for the Packers and special assistant to the athletic director at East Carolina University.
Now Dr. Koonce, he received his Ph.D. from Marquette University with his doctoral dissertation focusing on “Role Transition of National Football League Players: Using the Grounded Theory.” His guest column on the same topic on the NFL blog received national notice and raised awareness for the problems faced by retired NFL players. He is a member of the NFL Player Engagement Advisory Board and is co-authoring a book titled “Is There Life After Football,” which is scheduled to be released for publication in December.
Dr. Koonce currently serves as vice president of the office of advancement at Marian University where he provides leadership and strategic direction for students. He is responsible for growing awareness and increasing philanthropic support for Marian University through community and alumni engagement.
Signed by the Green Bay Packers before the 1992 season. He played for the Packers from 1992-1999. He was an eight-year starter as the Packers returned to dominance, starting 102 of 112 games. He played all three linebacker positions with the Packers and was with the team when they won Super Bowl XXXI.
To book George Koonce for an event, please contact a member of the Mayfield Sports Team or call 262.366.8188
New bookings w/ Packers John Kuhn, Richard Rodgers, Davon House, William Henderson and more. Book your event with us today: non profit event, golf outing, speaking engagement and more.
Reference this post and receive a SPECIAL GIFT if booked before March 1, 2015.
We offer a wide range of players from the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers and other professional athletes for public appearances, autograph sessions and football camps, as well as other paid appearances or endorsement deals. If you are looking to hire a motivational speaker, we are the firm to call. Contact us today for more information at 262.366.8188262.366.8188 or please complete the booking form. Proud to work with numerous professional athletes from your favorite team. Book a player for your next event. Ask about players such as: Eddie Lacy, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Davante Adams, John Kuhn, Mike Daniels, Richard Rodgers, Gilbert Brown, William Henderson and more. Visit our clients page for a more extensive list. www.MayfieldSportsMarketing.com/clients
Packers’ Barclay eager to get back into action
BY JEREMY REEVES
KENOSHA — Green Bay Packers offensive lineman Don Barclay was among the celebrity guests at Sunday’s Holy Rosary Sports Night.
Barclay made the team as a non-drafted free agent in 2012 and started 21 games at right tackle his first two seasons before suffering a season-ending tear of the ACL in his right knee last August.
A restricted free agent, he said he hopes to be back in Green Bay next season.
Here are a few topics Barclay addressed in an interview with the News:
— He didn’t offer a percentage of where he’s at in his recovery process or a timetable for his return to the field but simply stated his goal is to get his (injured) right leg as strong as his left leg. This was the first major knee injury of his career.
— Even if he and starting right tackle Bryan Bulaga both re-sign with Green Bay, Barclay said he’s not conceding anything. Before his knee injury, Barclay — who can play multiple positions on the line — was viewed as the unit’s “swing man” and top backup.
“Every year, I go into it and I’m trying to compete for a starting position. That’s my goal ... so that’s how I view it going into each year.”
— After recovering from surgery and starting his rehab, Barclay was allowed to return to the sideline for games about midseason. So he witnessed first-hand the Packers’ late collapse in their NFC Championship game loss at Seattle.
“I just think you’ve got to use it as motivation. I think you can go either up or down in that situation, and I believe the team is going to go up,” Barclay said. “I’m not saying we’re going to use this as fuel to our fire, but I think you’ve just got to learn from this. Teams can either go down or thrive from these situations, and I think with the players we’ve got and the coaches we’ve got ... I think our future is bright and we will get better next year.”
— When Barclay got hurt, Packers coach Mike McCarthy said, “They don’t come any better than him. If you want someone to emulate what a Green Bay Packer football player is on and off the field, he’s definitely one of your guys.”
“I appreciated him saying that,” Barclay said. “I did hear that soon after I got hurt, and that did mean a lot to me. I try to hold myself to a high standard, especially playing for an organization like the Packers. It’s a special place and a special town, and given the opportunity to do this is special. So I try to make the most out of it.”
Make this Holiday season even more special by attending what will be a legendary event for any fan of the “Green & Gold.” On Saturday, December 20th all are invited to attend “Holiday with The Pack”, “a greats of the Green Bay Football Team autograph session held at Fox River Mall in Appleton WI. This nostalgic afternoon will feature former gridiron titans Gilbert Brown, William Henderson, Santana Dotson and Ahman Green. Purchase an autograph/s are $25 each. A portion of all autograph proceeds will benefit the TOYS for TOTS Program. Numerous items such as: photos, helmets, and footballs will also be available for purchase on site, starting at $5 and as high as $125 for the serious collector. Fans will have hours of opportunity to attend ths Green Bay legends autograph signing, as two separate sessions will take place from 11 AM – 1 PM and then again from 2 PM – 5 PM. In keeping up with the warm seasonal spirit of giving back, “Holidays with The Pack” has partnered with the US Marines “Toys for Tots” program, and will have representatives on hand to accept new, unwrapped toys for children in need. US Marines will also be on hand to collect financial donations for the “Toys for Tots” program. Mayfield Sports is also proud to partner with FM 101.1 WIXX and WBAY TV. FM 101.1 WIXX will be on site during the event for a live broadcast. ** A special thanks to WISCO HOTELS as a our Official Hotel Group and HONOR CANVAS (NEW licensed and unique military artwork) Don’t miss this unique opportunity to meet and collect autographs from 3 S.B. Champions. Meet Green Bay Legends and relive the glory days at the “Holidays with The Pack” event on Saturday, December 2014 at Fox River Mall 4301 W Wisconsin Ave, Appleton, WI 54913 (920) 997-1784 Each player – $25.00 each (1 autograph per player: Brown, Henderson and Dotson, Green = $100.00) All Holiday Inscriptions – Complimentary Special Inscriptions – $10.00 per inscription (SB Champs or PHOF) UNSIGNED PRODUCT: Our 8×10 Photo – $5.00 Our 11×14 photo – $10.00 Our Mini Helmet $25.00 Our Wilson (Packers) Replica Football – $30.00
Our Art Canvas – 100.00 Our Custom Replica Jersey – $100.00
Our Authentic Duke Football – $100.00 Our Full-Size Replica Helmet – $125.00
FOR A LIMITED TIME. We are offering Packers Clay Matthews FS Replica Helmets and Authentic Footballs with free shipping. Utilize FREESHIP and get free shipping.
https://mayfield-sports-memorabilia.myshopify.com/blogs/news/15828769-packers-clay-matthews
Green Bay Packer comes to support Toys for Tots in Escanaba
The Toys for Tots campaign is off to a good start in Ecanaba this year. The goal is make sure every child in need in that area has toys under the tree come Christmas morning - and the first day of the push for toys got a lot of people to donate thanks to Green Bay Packers cornerback Davon House.
Outside the Walmart this evening members of Escanaba Public Safety, Marine Corp. Reserve and other dignitaries greeted people who filed inside. If they bought a toy and put it in the toys for tots bin they could then say hello to Packers cornerback Davon House.
A lot of good cheer tonight by everyone who wants to make this happy holiday for the less privileged.
Davon House, Packers cornerback, said, "What I get out of it, I love children anything that's dealing with children, I'm there so, Mark gave me a call told me that they are looking for a player to come out here help out and I was willing to do it."
Christine Baur, Store Manager, said, "It is amazingly gratifying. I'm a mom, I was a single mom so I know how hard it is when you don't have something for your children on Christmas so this is a way to give something back to our local community and make sure all the children of Delta County wake up to a great Christmas."
Now even though this was a good start everyone connected with toys for tots says they will need your generosity right up until Christmas, so please make a donation if you can.
