Standing at midfield at Lakewood High School it was easy for Jeremy McNichols to talk about what it meant for him to provide a football camp for youth athletes.
McNichols offered his second camp in the area this time at Lakewood where he spent his first high school years before transferring to Santa Margarita.
“It’s about giving back,” McNichols said. “It was always a dream of mine to give back to a place that I love. This is where I grew up, it’s that time for me. Just being able to show up for the youth and show them that anything is possible and just being a leader here.”
When he looked back on his time as a youth athlete, he fondly remembered how much it meant to him to attend a youth camp hosted by Antonio Pierce at Dominguez and interact with someone who made it to where he wanted to go.
“He signed my shirt, and I still have it to this day,” McNichols said. “I was able to see him while I was in the league and tell him that and then I just seen his face light up. So, that gave me the fire to be able to do that for a kid.”
The camp was offered to kids from the age of 7-12 and included drills with coaches and even provided food and free haircuts for those that signed up.
“You really don’t know the impact you really have on somebody until they come back and tell you,” McNichols said. “It’s years later where it clicks. So, when that does happen, I think it’s going to be super special. I think those moments are going to be special. That’s what I do it for. When I see somebody in the grocery store and they’re like ‘I went to your camp three years ago. It was the coolest thing ever.’ Giving the kids a good experience.”
McNichols plans to continue offering camps for youth athletes for as long as he’s able to.
“I plan on doing these year-round,” McNichols said. “During my career, after my career, you know hopefully it last longer than that. I want the kids to be able to come out here and just have fun and be free and love this game that I love. Maybe I inspire them to go a different, better route for themselves.”
McNichols was a Doak Walker Award semifinalist at Boise State, rushing for more than 3,200 yards and scoring 55 total touchdowns for the Broncos before being drafted in the fifth round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2017
Since being drafted McNichols has been a journeyman in the NFL with offseason or practice squad stints with the San Francisco 49ers, Indianapolis Colts, Denver Broncos, Tennessee Titans, Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers and Washington Commanders.
McNichols carved a spot on the depth chart with the Commanders in 2024 where he found time as a third down back and special teams contributor. He is currently with the Commanders after re-signing this offseason.
