Hosting his camp each June has become a favorite of NFL player and Tyler native Tyus Bowser.
The John Tyler High School graduate who was all-state for the Lions hosted his Sixth Annual Tyus Bowser Free Football Camp Saturday at Tyler High School’s indoor facility.
Bowser is currently an outside linebacker for the Miami Dolphins, where he started five games and appeared in nine during the 2024 season. He played for the Baltimore Ravens from 2017 to 2023. He was a member of the Seattle Seahawks practice squad when he was signed by the Dolphins.
Some 250 youngsters, ages 9 to 17, participated in the camp.
“Each and every year has been great being with the kids,” Bowser said. “It is fun seeing the kids at the camp every year and seeing them grow up.”
Bowser said he looks forward to the camp each year.
He also talked about preserving and meeting “life’s challenges.”
He missed the entire 2023 season due to a knee injury and says he hopes the adversity he’s had to overcome can serve as a lesson to the kids not to give up no matter what life throws at them on and off the football field.
“What this camp teaches us, when things get hard, continue to fight through,” Bowser said. “It is also about support. It wouldn’t be in the position I am today without support. We want to be here for these kids.
“My family, this school and the city of Tyler has always had my back. Very appreciative and absolutely grateful.”
Bowser also spoke to the youngsters about goals and working on projects.
Tyler native and Greg Ward Jr., the 2015 Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award winner, was also at Saturday’s camp.
Both Bowser and Ward were standouts for JT as well as the University of Houston.
“I appreciate Ty getting all the kids together from all over East Texas and not just Tyler,” said Ward, who currently plays for the San Antonio Brahmas of the United Football League. “Getting to come back to Tyler and give back to the kids is very special to us. He does this every year and I try to be here for the camp. We want to encourage and uplift the kids as much as we can.”
Ward played quarterback at the University of Houston. He was named the MVP of the 2015 American Athletic Conference Football Championship Game after rushing for 148 yards and two touchdowns in the Cougars’ 24-13 win over Temple. On Dec. 31, 2015, Ward helped the Cougars win the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl against No. 9 Florida State (38-24) and was named Offensive Player of the Game.
He had two stints with the Philadelphia Eagles, including in 2017 when he was a member of the practice squad and the Eagles won Super Bowl LII. Ward was also a member of the Eagles from 2019-2023.
Ward noted, “All the kids were taking (the camp) very seriously. They were locked down. They were competitive, but also having fun.”
The camp was two sessions (ages 9-12 and 13-17) and following the camp Bowser gave out gift cards and signed footballs to the top performers.
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
