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Bengals QB Fitzpatrick takes time out for kids
Cincinnati Bengals starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is among 34 players participating in “NFL Take a Player to School” presented by JCPenney Afterschool, and on Tuesday, November 11, I witnessed as he helped make one child’s dream come true.
Fitzpatrick took time out of his busy schedule to visit Elda Elementary in Hamilton, Ohio and 1st grade student Charlie Purdy, who was the contest winner, and his classmates.
Fitzpatrick picked up Purdy from his home Tuesday morning and brought him to school in a shiny black stretch limo. The look on the 6-year old Purdy’s face was priceless as he stepped out of the limo and entered the front doors of Elda Elementary school to the roaring cheers and applause of classmates for him and his new best friend Fitzpatrick.
During the visit, Fitzpatrick spoke to the students about the importance of good health and led them in fitness activities, as part of NFL’s PLAY 60 campaign, helping youngsters get 60 minutes of exercise a day.
This will be a day that Purdy and his classmates will never forget as the NFL quarterback exercised and played with them like he was a kid himself. With a young child of his own and one on the way, it was blatantly clear that Fitzpatrick was enjoying himself just as much as the kids enjoyed having him at their school.
Fitzpatrick did a terrific job making all the kids feel like they were winners.
As for Charlie, he will be forever left with the memory of playing catch in the front yard of his home with an NFL quarterback.
Watch video of Charlie’s big day…
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Comments
By Ian
November 12, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this
Did he pick Ryan Fitzpatrick because Carson is hurt? Who picks the backup quarterback? Regardless, looks like it was a fun experience for everyone.By cori
November 12, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this
It is my understanding that Fitzpatrick was chosen because he is on a list of players in the NFL who is willing to do things for the community. What a fun day for those kids! I know Fitzpatrick is #2 on the Bengals but as far as the kids at this school are concerned, he is probably #1 in their eyes. That video is so sweet!By Chad
November 12, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
The Bengals can always count on Big C to put their players and organization in a good light. When is Mike Brown going to put you on the payroll bro? Fitzpatrick appeared to be having big fun with the crumb snatchers. Great job!By Joe
November 12, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
I’ve seen the former backup QB in Cleveland doing commercials for quite a while now. I have never seen the man that started in front of him for almost 2 years in one. Backup QB’s must be the new fad.By Mike Purdy
November 12, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
Great clip guys! Thank you so much for your time, interest, and attention to detail.By Otis
November 12, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this
I don’t think the kid really CARES who the bengal player is … just so long as whoever it was showed up. Good move by the Bengals. More good things from a generally good group of guys.By Aaron
November 12, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
He might be a backup quarterback but he is first class in character. Showing kids you care about their health is awesome.By Bengirls
November 12, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
Maybe charlie can teach Ryan how to throw a football?By Mandy
November 12, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
I don’t think Carson would have been allowed to go and play with the kids because of his injury. I was there at the school and Ryan was a great ambassador for both the Bengals and the NFL. Everyone involved had a great time.By NickM
November 12, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this
I didnt think Bengal players were allowed within 1500 feet of a school due to probation restrictions.By Margaret Purdy
November 13, 2008 1:51 AM | Link to this
How proud I am of Charlie and his big day with the Bengals QB.By Teri
November 13, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
This is very cool. Big C, you should do a series about all the good things the pro-players are doing! The bad news gets way too much coverage :)By alexis
November 13, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this
wow!! charlie is so lucky an ryan is so hot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!By Charlie's Nana
November 13, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this
What a pleasure to see Ryan play with the kids in gym class.He told them one of his favorite things was that he was a Dad. He also said he liked to read.Little bro’ Clayton had fun too.Thanks to JC Penny and the Bengals. What a day!