Community members of all ages came out to celebrate hometown NFL star L’Jarius Sneed during a three-day weekend of events in Minden, which included a health fair, youth football camp, and car show with a basketball tournament.
The weekend kicked off Thursday with the Game Plan for Health event at David Raines Community Health Center. Nearly 100 people received wellness checks, sports physicals, and free food.
Friday’s youth football camp at Minden High School drew a large crowd. Before the camp began, one of the coaches told attendees that Sneed had been called back to NFL training camp and wouldn’t make it. Moments later, Sneed surprised the kids by appearing on the field, met by cheers from the young athletes. Throughout the camp, he encouraged them with the phrase, “Be great today!”
On Saturday, the Sneed Reach 1 Foundation hosted a car show and 3v3 basketball tournament at the Minden REC Center. While attendance was lighter than earlier events, organizers said those who came enjoyed good food, music from a live DJ, and a fun, relaxed atmosphere.
“I want to start with the youth, that’s my biggest drive. It’s what I love,” Sneed said. “These kids are such a blessing, just to see all these smiles, them calling my name ‘Sneed.’ That’s what I do it for, just to give these kids hope and let them know that they can do it as well. I’m a normal person, just like them.”
Sneed, a Minden High School graduate, former Louisiana Tech Bulldog, and two-time Super Bowl champion, currently plays cornerback for the Tennessee Titans.
