Having been selected to the National Football League's 2000's All-Decade Team and numerous other accolades, Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Kevin Williams knows a lot about hard work and dedication.

            Williams helped the Vikings achieve the top-ranked rushing defense in the NFL for three straight seasons from 2006-2008, an accomplishment that has not been duplicated since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger.    

            "Work Hard.  Everyone is blessed with talent and ability; you have to work at it to have it shine through.  You cannot relax and rely on your talent", a short and simple piece of advice from a very large man.  Through all the hard work Williams reminds his campers to, "have fun and enjoy it."

            Kevin has found the right balance of working hard and having fun as he currently has and is producing one of the most decorated careers from a defensive lineman including being ranked 9^th in Vikings history with 54.5 sacks.  His dedication and work ethic towards football has earned him rewards dating all the way back to his rookie year in 2003 when he was selected to the All-Rookie team.  Williams was also named a 1^st-Team Associate Press All-Pro four consecutive years from 2006-2009, an amazing feat by a defensive lineman. 

According to Williams, these accomplishments were fulfilled with the same attitude and work ethic he instills in his campers, "It all goes back to hard work.  You have to work hard and be good at what you do to have success."  Kevin did not have the opportunity to play little league, pop warner or pee-wee football and started playing organized football in the 7^th grade.  He played throughout 7^th and 8^th grade and gives credit to his high school coach for his continuance of playing football, "Coach Baxley, had he not come at the time he did we probably wouldn't have played football."

Now, during the off-season, when he is not terrorizing offensive lineman, Kevin is helping in his Minnesota community through the Vikings/United Way Hometown Huddle which teaches students the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle and the ARC-Hennepin County clothing drive.  Also during his time off the field Kevin works directly with youngsters at the Kevin Williams Football Camp in St. Paul, MN sharing his knowledge of the game with tomorrow's future stars. This year the camp will be held June 24^th-27^th.

Despite not attending any football camps in his youth, Kevin welcomed the opportunity to host the camp stating that the camps give kids, "A chance to learn techniques to help them in HS. They get a chance to learn what we do and meet some players.  You never know what will impact you down the road."

            Williams has only hosted the Sports International for a few years now and admits it's the kids that draw him back.  "We have a great time. Coaches were awesome, had a great group of kids."

Being a decorated athlete and probable future hall-of-famer Williams is humbled by the excitement kids have when they get to meet him stating, "I think it is a chance to meet a professional athlete" in terms of what draws kids to his camp.  However in the end he goes back to his roots reemphasizing his main reason for kids to participate in camps, "You get a chance to learn a little more and get better!"

-Article by Peter Chan