Bears defensive back Cre'Von LeBlanc is making the most of his time off this summer, giving back to his hometown before he returns to Chicago for training camp.
The second-year pro co-hosted a "Stop the Violence, Clean the City" event in Belle Glade, Fla., with Bears teammate Deonte Thompson June 17 and will conduct a free football camp in the area July 15.
Bears defensive back Cre'von LeBlanc played in 13 games with nine starts last year as a rookie.
LeBlanc and Thompson were joined at the "Stop the Violence, Clean the City" initiative by Bears receiver Josh Bellamy and veteran NFL wideout Anquan Boldin.
"I felt like we accomplished a lot of things bringing some of the kids together in the city and also going around with the kids and showing them that even though we're in the NFL we're coming back to take care of our own city, cleaning up and picking up trash," LeBlanc said. "That was a good message as far as showing the young kids how to pick up after themselves, how to come together collectively as a group and just enjoy each other and have fun."
LeBlanc saw a younger version of himself in the kids who participated in the event.
"It feels like a dream sometimes because some of the kids come up to you and say, 'That's Cre'Von; that's No. 22 from the Chicago Bears," he said. "That puts a smile on my face."
LeBlanc and Thompson both attended Glades Central High School, though not at the same time because LeBlanc is more than five years younger than Thompson.
The free "Strap For It" football camp at The Kings Academy in West Palm Beach will be open to students in grades 8-12 and runs from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. a week from Saturday. Participants will be able to test their football skills and fitness levels using NFL-style drills and precision measurement and training equipment.
"I just wanted to be able to get the guys to hold a camp for young kids because I remember growing up and not many camps were held in our city," LeBlanc said.
Click here for more information about the camp.
