Aug. 5, 2008

JACKSON, Miss. - With football practice officially underway and rounding out day two, Tuesday's schedule included a CHAMPS/Life Skills session with NFL executive Gene Washington.

Washington, who earned his degree from Stanford and played wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions, is the director of football operations for the NFL. He spoke to the Tiger football team about the importance of earning a college degree as well as enjoying the time they have as athletes.

Washington also, stressed the importance of developing fulfilling personal and professional relationships. He advised the student-athletes that following through on promises is a key attribute to a successful individual.

"I want these student athletes to know that the value of a quality education and being a trustworthy person is biggest thing that money can't buy" NFL executive Gene Washington said.  

The CHAMPS/Life Skills Program (Challenging Athletes' Minds for Personal Success) was launched in 1994 by the NCAA. The mission of the NCAA is to maintain intercollegiate athletics as an integral part of the campus educational program and the student-athlete as an integral part of the student body. With this in mind, the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program was created to support the student-athlete development initiatives of NCAA member institutions and to enhance the quality of the student-athlete experience within the context of higher education.