On a rare 78 degree Saturday morning in June, Davante Adams vibrantly jogged across Spring Valley High School's football field.
With a pep in his step donning the Raiders' signature all black look – he played more quarterback than receiver, tossing Hail Marys left and right to crowds of exuberant campers at different stations.
The All-Pro receiver, who demands a lot of attention from NFL defenses, somehow was able to inconspicuously make his way around his own football camp among the Las Vegas community. According to FlexWork Sports Management, more than 800 campers, coaches, parents and media members were in attendance.
"It's amazing coming out here and seeing all these kids and seeing how many signed up," said Adams. "Just how many people are committed and support me already in this community, I feel like it's my obligation to pour back into this community the same way I do where I'm from."
This was Adams' first football camp in his new home of Southern Nevada, giving the Silver and Black fanbase a chance to see him before he suits up in Allegiant Stadium. He's usually hosts football camps in his hometown of Palo Alto, California.
"When I go back home, it's a lot of the kids that I've worked with that are from my hometown," said Adams. "I've been around them a lot but it's great to see new faces, meet some new kids and I'm sure these same kids and a few more will be at next year's camp. It's been fun, even from the parents, the vibrations I've been getting from them is fantastic. Everyone is excited for me to be here and I'm as equally excited to see them."
When Adams started scouting out local high schools to host the camp, Marcus Teal, head football coach at Spring Valley High School, jumped at the opportunity. He told Raiders.com that he immediately knew the impact it would have not only on the school's football program, but the Las Vegas community. According to him, the decision was "a no-brainer."
"I think it means to the world, especially to these young kids. ... To have a NFL team in this city and having players come out and give back to the community," said Teal. "They show their faces and let these guys see them in a different light. Of course, they're going to see them on TV and see them on the field, but to have him out here giving up his time to play football with the kids in every group – he hasn't missed one group yet.
"I think it means the world to them and it's going to show a whole lot to our community and be a big asset to it."
