Dwight Freeney stays active on the football field, hosting annual camp

Dwight Freeney returned the the football field Wednesday, this time helping out future generations.

The Colts defensive end held his annual camp for the 4^th straight year, providing pointers to those that watch him every Sunday.

Children ages 7-14 attended the two-day camp at North Central High School experiencing various stations and doing skills, drills and games that are staple of the camp.

The kids were having a blast on the field, trying to beat the heat and soak in as much football as they could. And of course, plenty of questions were asked.

“I get a thousand questions about anything and everything,” Freeney said. (They asked) “Why are you wearing these cleats, how old were you when you first started to have you have scored a touchdown or have you ever got an interception. This is what it’s about and I enjoy myself.”

What the kids were most interested in was obvious—how to do the famous spin move that Freeney is notable for. He did it multiple times in front of the various groups, part of a four step process.

As to what position he was looking for, well, that was obvious.

“Definitely the next defensive end,” the six-time pro bowler said. “It’s good to get the kids doing as much as they can because you never know what they are going to play. They could be an offensive lineman, they could be a linebacker so you have to throw everything at them and see what he likes.”

The NFL lockout has been a big cloud looming over the minds of owners, players and fans alike.

Fellow defensive end Robert Mathis was also on hand, supporting the other-half of a dominant duo. He enjoys the no-business side with this level of football because it’s all for the “pure love of the game.” He does understand though the Colts have an advantage over most teams with veteran coaches and players.

“We have all the core guys in place and pretty much know what we’re doing,” Mathis said Wednesday. “I would say it hurts our foes—AFC South guys like Jacksonville and Tennessee. They have new quarterbacks and new systems. I’m not particularly crying about that but it benefits the veteran teams more so than young teams.”

Freeney has been working out in Indianapolis with the team, as well as in California and at his alma mater, Syracuse. “I’m just doing my regular workout regimen, and I’m going to continue to train as if we are going to have a season.”

All in all, the players agree that a deal must get done and will get done because it affects so many different people.

“There is too much at stake,” Mathis believes. “Not just money-wise but you have people’s livelihoods at stake. Not just players and coaches but you have people that work the game—vendors, janitorials, cooks, bars and everybody. Everybody has a stake in this and you have fans where this is their getting. This is all bigger than the game itself.”

(Sidenote: I enjoyed talking with Freeney and Mathis after watching the two defensive ends in their element. These guys were very outgoing and willing to talk which is rare coming from the Colts.)

Follow @ScottAgness