NFL player hopes to be hometown role model

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A Wilmington-born professional football player is giving back to the community. Jay Ross, a defensive tackle who signed a free agent contract with the champion New Orleans Saints in April, is hosting a football camp. This was the first day of the camp at the MLK Center downtown.

Ross was the captain of New Hanover High School’s football team. He also played at East Carolina. He says he’s happy to have the opportunity to help kids in his hometown.

“A lot of people don’t understand that you don’t have to help a large group of kids,” Ross said. “Just get a small group and start from there and it will build just like a domino effect. I just want to be the person that little kids look up to, because I always wanted someone to look up to as I was growing up.”

The camp is free and open to kids of all ages. It continues tomorrow. It runs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the MLK Center on 8th Street between Church and Nun Streets.