For Immediate Release

July 12, 2007

Former Minnesota Viking Joey Browner speaks with National Youth Sports Program participants about the value of education

MINNEAPOLIS - On July 11, 2007 former Minnesota Viking Joey Browner visited University of St. Thomas National Youth Sports Program (NYSP) participants encouraging academic success. Coming from a family of talented NFL players, Joey Browner was a Minnesota Viking Safety from ’83-’91, first round NFL draft choice out of the University of Southern California, six-time Pro Bowler, and four-time member of the John Madden “All-Madden Team.” 

Being known as one of the most intimidating NFL players, Browner’s demeanor during his presentation at NYSP established him as an encouraging individual. The kids admired him not only as gifted football player, but a gifted person off the field. After his football career, he has been working with corporations to develop learning programs and was named a member of the African-American Hall of Fame for his work in broadcasting. This proved to the NYSP participants that “athletic ability only lasts a short time…education stays with you the rest of your life.” While great interest was expressed in Browner’s successful football career, the kids also learned academics are important when he advised, “in order to play [sports] you need education. Don’t be afraid to ask your teacher questions or ask your buds….Work as hard in class as you do in the field.”

In addition to discussing the need for education, Browner also talked about making right decisions when he explained, “the hard road is good, and the easy road is bad. Pick the hard road.”

The University of St. Thomas NYSP served 100 Minneapolis and St. Paul youth for the 17th summer, teaching academic, athletic and life skills. The free program provided activities designed to help kids increase self-esteem, develop leadership and problem solving skills, and teach young scholar-athletes how to make decisions to create greater opportunities.

Read more about the St. Thomas NYSP or call Laurie Shurson at (651) 962-4878 or e-mail llshurson@stthomas.edu.                   

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