Post by DiamondThief on Jul 20, 2014 0:50:03 GMT -8
Thunder defensive back Eric Crocker is the recipient of the Arena Football League's Pulse Player award for week 18. The honor recognizes a player for his philanthropic work with the community, specifically his work with children.
From the Portland Thunder's official website:
From the Portland Thunder's official website:
CHICAGO – Portland Thunder defensive back Eric Crocker has been named the AFL Pulse Player of the Week for his recent philanthropic efforts.
Crocker (6-2, 195, Arkansas-Monticello), who is in his second season in the AFL, joined teammates on Tuesday afternoon to work with children from the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. During their time together, Crocker and the Thunder taught positional drills and techniques, in addition to holding a 7-on-7 scrimmage.
“They don’t get exposed to a lot of professional football help, so we were showing them some important techniques,” Crocker said. “It was cool because we were also able to talk to them about how hard work and dedication can help you achieve your goals.”
Crocker has also volunteered his time with the Children’s Cancer Association in Portland, spending time with several young patients.
“It was a lot of fun,” Crocker said “We came and hung out with the kids and played different games that they liked to play just to brighten their day a little bit.”
Crocker, who has a team-high nine interceptions on the year, does as many community events as he can and says he has a responsibility as a professional athlete to be a role model for kids.
“Where I’m from, we didn’t have professional athletes do anything like that with us and I wish we had,” Crocker said. “Kids look up to us, so it’s important that I try and get involved in a positive way as much as possible.”
Crocker and the Portland Thunder (5-11) will attempt to clinch the first playoff berth in team history this weekend, as they travel to Phoenix to take on the Arizona Rattlers (14-2) on Sunday. Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m. ET on ESPN3.
The AFL Pulse Player of the Week is awarded in recognition of commitment to community service. The AFL Pulse Al Lucas Hero of the Year will be awarded to one player at the end of the 2014 season.
Crocker (6-2, 195, Arkansas-Monticello), who is in his second season in the AFL, joined teammates on Tuesday afternoon to work with children from the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. During their time together, Crocker and the Thunder taught positional drills and techniques, in addition to holding a 7-on-7 scrimmage.
“They don’t get exposed to a lot of professional football help, so we were showing them some important techniques,” Crocker said. “It was cool because we were also able to talk to them about how hard work and dedication can help you achieve your goals.”
Crocker has also volunteered his time with the Children’s Cancer Association in Portland, spending time with several young patients.
“It was a lot of fun,” Crocker said “We came and hung out with the kids and played different games that they liked to play just to brighten their day a little bit.”
Crocker, who has a team-high nine interceptions on the year, does as many community events as he can and says he has a responsibility as a professional athlete to be a role model for kids.
“Where I’m from, we didn’t have professional athletes do anything like that with us and I wish we had,” Crocker said. “Kids look up to us, so it’s important that I try and get involved in a positive way as much as possible.”
Crocker and the Portland Thunder (5-11) will attempt to clinch the first playoff berth in team history this weekend, as they travel to Phoenix to take on the Arizona Rattlers (14-2) on Sunday. Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m. ET on ESPN3.
The AFL Pulse Player of the Week is awarded in recognition of commitment to community service. The AFL Pulse Al Lucas Hero of the Year will be awarded to one player at the end of the 2014 season.