SEA!, HAWKS!, SEA!, HAWKS!, SEA!, HAWKS! Students at Puesta del Sol chanted as they greeted Blitz and defensive tackle, Jimmy Staten in their morning assembly on Nov. 18 to learn about the NFL’s initiative “Fuel Up to Play 60.” The program aims at keeping kids active and eating healthy to fuel their minds.
Students listened to Staten share his favorite activities growing up and he asked kids what they like to do. Many students like skateboarding, just like Staten did growing up.
Play 60’s emcee, Carson Locke, asked Staten to explain how he works with all his different teammates. Staten related the situation to group projects that students may work on in the classroom and then said “With football, we have to work as big group. A big group of 90 people or so.” He continued saying “it’s always important to listen to everyone in your group.”
You have to capitalize on everyone’s strengths and weaknesses to work together, added Locke.
Students had the opportunity to ask questions of Staten including what his goals were as a 10 year old. Staten replied saying “My goal as a 10 year old was to make sure I got good grades so I didn’t get grounded.” Staff and parents in attendance at the assembly responded with a loud applause to his answer.
It wasn’t just a learning experience for the students; Staten learned some Spanish as well. One student taught him “Me gusta jugar fútbol americano,” meaning I like to play football. Another student taught him “Puesta del Sol es muy increíble,” translated to Puesta del Sol is very incredible!
Staten’s ability to connect to the students was unique. Having a daughter of his own, Staten said “It’s pretty easy for me to talk to kids and interact with them.”
When asked how he got involved in Play 60 he said, “I love being around the kids. And also anything involving kids is always super fun for me.”
“What’s good for me is just seeing the smiles on their faces. And seeing them light up. They may not even know who I am, but just knowing a football player is here and seeing Blitz. That’s what really makes it exciting for me.”