New York Giants linebacker Cam Brown stood at the front of the cafeteria, asking Hempstead elementary students if they knew what position he played.
“De-fense!” the students echoed back in unison to the third-year pro.
Brown, joined by Giants left tackle Matt Peart, greeted about 400 Hempstead students Friday, reading stories about Juneteenth and playing soccer as part of Barack Obama Elementary School’s field day. Brown and Peart were named honorary principal and vice principal of the day, respectively.
“It’s an honor and a blessing to have this opportunity to get here, celebrate Juneteenth with the kids and actually get a face in front of them just so we can be an inspiration, sometimes mentors or friends,” Brown said.
The athletes made the two-hour drive from New Jersey as part of a visit on behalf of Athletes for Charity and the NFL Players Association to connect with the community.