By: Sarah Webster Guests gathered at the College Football Hall of Fame and Chick-fil-a Fan Experience on Thursday, November 13, 2014 for the Kids & Pros Locker Room Chat where a panel of College Football Hall of Famers and former NFL Pros gave them an inside look at the “Locker Room”—a player’s sanctuary. Kids & Pros founders: Buddy Curry/University of North Carolina/Atlanta Falcons and Bobby Butler/Florida State University/Atlanta Falcons hosted the night’s events with former University of Georgia and Chicago Bears standout, Kevin Butler, moderating the panel, which included: Jessie Tuggle/Valdosta State College/Atlanta Falcons; Dave Archer/Snow College/Iowa State/Atlanta Falcons; William Andrews/Auburn University/Atlanta Falcons; and Brian Finneran/Villanova University/Atlanta Falcons. The panel discussion with the College Football and NFL Legends took place in the Hall of Fame’s “Playing Field” – a 45-foot replica football field complete with a goal post and turf. During the “chat”, the former pros swapped stories and gave guests an inside look at what goes on behind the scenes in college and professional football, when the cameras aren’t on! Even with their varying ages and backgrounds, each of these pros agreed their careers would not have been possible without cultivating the character principles that Kids & Pros so proudly employs: Sportsmanship, Integrity, Teamwork, Perseverance and Excellence. Prior to the panel discussion, guests attended a reception with hors d’oeuvres and drinks. During the reception, they had the opportunity to tour the Hall after hours, where they were immediately in awe of more than 700 football helmets from every college football program in the country on display in the main entry or “The Quad”. The interactive displays transported visitors through time to re-visit the most memorable moments in College Football. Attendees were also encouraged to bid on a mountain of dazzling prizes offered through a silent auction. Gift baskets ranged from golf outings, Atlanta Motor Speedway tickets, a Vera Bradley bag, and tickets from Philips Arena to catch the Atlanta Hawks in action as well as tickets to see hometown Pop Star, Usher, in concert — something for everyone. Proceeds from the auction and event will go to helping deserving kids attend Kids & Pros Football camps and clinics where they can learn safer football skills and techniques. As part of the event, 680theFan broadcasted LIVE from 12-7 PM from the College Football Hall of Fame –talking with Buddy Curry and Jessie Tuggle about the event. The 2014 Fall Kids & Pros Locker Room Chat was the first time the “chat” was held at the College Football Hall of Fame – the perfect venue for fans and families involved in the sport to create memorable moments, and get an “insiders” look at the colorful characters/individuals who fill every college and NFL Locker Room, Playing field, and Extra-curricular spot… and the humorous, crazy events that occur almost every day! The evening was one to remember with its spectacular venue and generous guests. Kids and Pros looks forward to the next “Locker Room Chat” to be held spring 2015.
