Making An Impact

Prowling the secondary for the Denver Broncos, Kenoy Kennedy (above) was known as one of the National Football League's hardest hitters. In fact, if you may recall, his devastating hit against Miami's Chris Chambers led to changes in the way the NFL game is played.

On Saturday, though, the only thing hard-hitting Kennedy was trying to deliver was a few messages about life, discipline and physical fitness.

"We're just trying to do something to give back to the kids in the community," said Kennedy, who this summer has been holding weekly workouts for local youth on Saturdays at the Terrell High School track. "We've been just trying to show them some fundamentals about keeping themselves in shape, how to properly do a workout and how to be disciplined in life. That's what all of this is about, teaching these kids something that can impact their lives in a positive way."



Kenoy conducted the "Weekend Workouts" along with his father, Gary Roberson, a retired high school track coach.

"The lessons your learn about keeping yourself physically fit can be applied to all aspects of life," Roberson said. "It's all about being disciplined and making the right decisions."

On Saturday, I stopped by the Weekend Workout with my 7-year-old son (pictured above with Kennedy), who enjoyed working out with the group. A mix of parents and coaches joined the kids in exercising in what was a fun, upbeat workout.

As the workout came to a close, one of the kids taunted Kennedy as he told a few others to run about 60 yards down the field for a pass.

"You can't throw it that far," the kid taunted.

Casually, the former NFL defensive back showed he had plenty of arm. He then casually turned to his heckler and said, "Instead of always telling people what they can't do, why don't you try to help lift them up to do those things."

A final lesson as the camp closed.

Kenoy Kennedy — still making an impact, on and off the field.