An Interview with Willie Parker

With our first camp just around the corner, we decided to sit down with Willie Parker and ask him some questions. We dive into the mentors and coaches who shaped his impressive career, his vision for developing young athletes, and the impact of his football camp on the local community.

Mentors play a big role in a young person's life. When asking Willie about the mentors who made an impact on his career, he was quick to mention his Father, “My father was my little league coach who played one of the biggest roles in changing my mindset into believing ‘I could become a Great athlete’! He really poured into my mindset encouraging me at all times.”

One of the coaches who helped pave the way for Willie to prove he was good enough was his 7th-grade coach, Coach Strickland. Willie fondly remembers playing for coach Strickland, even though he may not have always been the one on the field. “He definitely was a great coach! The 1st coach that made me work for everything! While I’m reflecting back this probably was the best thing that ever happened to me. He didn’t play me much in 7th grade and I starred on our scout team… I scored 1 touchdown (the) last game of the season on an 80-yard run, fumbled on the 5-yard line, and recovered the ball in the end zone. I will ALWAYS remember my 7th grade season.”

He also could not forget to mention his high school coach, Coach Lewis, who “…was a father figure away from home. He had a really cool sense of humor and knew how to get the best out of his athletes” And of course recognized all of the coaches from his college at UNC and professional career, most notably Coach Cowher and Coach Tomlin with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

After his successful career at the Steelers, Willie decided to take on a mentor role himself by putting on the Willie Parker Football Camp. For the past 5 years, Willie has been encouraging the next generation of great football players by “...creating an environment for Greatness while encouraging everyone in attendance they have a good chance in becoming great.  With a proven recipe with experience as it’s a reference!” One of the main focuses at camp is to “Become great at Doing the Small Things”

It is also really big for Wille to make sure all kids are getting out of the house and experiencing the world as much as possible, without screens. “Programs and Group involvement taught me the power of having a purpose! Kids these days need to be around people in real live situations instead of being home and surfing the internet and playing video games.”

When discussing how he hopes his camps will positively impact the local community of Pittsburgh, Willie mentions that “Having the campers in a positive environment a few hours over the course of a weekend with Great people and Great vibes will impact not only the community but it will change your kid in a positive way!! Iron Sharpens Iron!”

Willie Parker's journey from NFL stardom to mentoring exemplifies the transformative power of sports mentorship. Through his football camp, he is leaving a mark on the lives of aspiring athletes and contributing positively to the local community.

Do not miss your opportunity to have Willie as your mentor this February 24-25^th. Click below to learn more about our upcoming camp!

Camps near me. 2024 football camps. Football camps near me. Local football camps.