NFL veteran and Rhode Island native Will Blackmon will return home to the Ocean State July 14-15 to host a weekend of football in the Ocean State. Blackmon will hold his fourth annual USA Football FUNdamentals clinic for youth on Saturday, July 14. The free, one-day clinic, will be held at Warwick’s Bishop Hendricken High - Blackmon’s alma mater.

The fourth annual Will Blackmon Football camp, open to youth 7- to 14-years-old, is designed to introduce youth to football by teaching basic skills in a fun and energetic environment. Free for participants, the camp is supported through a grant from the NFL Foundation.

“I love coming back home to RI. It’s important to me to give back to the community and offer this camp for kids who may not otherwise have the opportunity to participate,” Blackmon said.

The fourth annual Will Blackmon FUNdamentals Football Camp will have two sessions. The morning session will be held open to youth 7-10 years-old and will be held 9 a.m.-noon. Check-in will be held at 8:15 a.m. The afternoon session will be open to youth 11-14-years-old and is slated 1-4 p.m.. Check-in  is at 12:15.Space is limited. To register: willblackmonfootball .

Blackmon’s experienced camp staff will be comprised of many former RI standouts including  Jordan Monk (St. Raphael/North Carolina State), Robert Sewall (Portsmouth/Brown University) and Chancellor Logan (North Kingstown/Georgetown). Several of Blackmon’s former Boston College teammates will also be in attendance.

“My instructors are great role models. I wanted to incorporate coaches who grew up in RI and went on to have successful careers so that the kids here could relate to them,” said Blackmon.  

Blackmon has also teamed up former Hendricken All-State quarterback Kyle Rowley to host the inaugural Blackmon/Rowley Combine Camp on Sunday, July 15, 8 a.m.- 1 p.m. at Hendricken. This combine is for high school players looking to get recruited. College coaches, pros and RiVALS Scout will be on hand. To register visit eastcoastfball.com.

“When I was in high school (at Hendricken) I never had the opportunity to go to a local combine. My dad had to drive me up and down the East Coast to be seen,” said Blackmon “Kyle and I want to provide the opportunity her in RI for local high school players to be seen and get recruited. Kyle and I believe our kids in RI can compete with anyone, regardless where they are from. We are really excited to host this combine at at Hendricken and bring something great to help our own football players in RI get noticed.”

Blackmon, the former All-Stater and All-American at Hendricken and standout at Boston College, spent 11 years in the NFL. He has played for the Washington Redskins, Green Bay Packers, Jacksonville Jaguars and earned a Super Bowl ring with the NY Giants.  

Rowley, the former two-time All-Stater at Hendricken and quarterback at Brown University, spent 14 years playing professionally in the Arena Football League. Rowley won two national championships with the Spokane Shock. A two-time MVP, Rowley broke the All-Time Single Game Touchdown Record (12 TDs) and the All-Time Arena Bowl Touchdown Record (10 TDs).

The Fourth Annual Will Blackmon Football Camp and Inaugural Rowley/Blackmon Combine have partnered with USA Football, NFLPA, RIVALS, RI Army National Guard, Nuts ‘N More, BankRI, adidas, Northeast Sports Training, Beachon Shipping, Dirty Couture, BankRI, Bishop Hendricken High School and 4 Corners Coffee.

About USA Football: Indianapolis-based USA Football (www.usafootball.com) is the sport’s national governing body, leading the game’s development for youth, high school and other amateur players. The independent nonprofit partners with leaders in medicine, child advocacy and sport to establish important standards rooted in education. USA Football advances coaching education and player skill development for safer play and positive experiences through athletics. Follow USA Football at www.facebook.com/usafootball or on Twitter @USAFootball.

About the NFL Foundation: The National Football League Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of those touched by the game of football – from players at all levels to communities across the country. The NFL Foundation represents the 32 NFL clubs and supports the health and running back of athletes, youth football and the communities that support our game. For more information on the NFL Foundation, visit: www.NFLFoundation.org.