NFL player Nik Needham returns to Buena Park for annual youth football camp Saturday

Nik Needham provides some advice during his football camp last year. (Photo courtesy Shannon Needham).

Nik Needham, a defensive back with the Cleveland Browns and his long-time friend Jaylinn Hawkins, a safety with the New England Patriots, are having their fourth annual free youth football camp at their alma mater, Buena Park High School on Saturday, June 21, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., according to Needham’s mother Shannon.

“In addition to Nik and Jaylinn, we have had other special NFL guests coaching (such as the Vikings Aaron Jones and Baltimore Ravens Alvin Jones) assist with the coaching. It’s truly a super fun day for all,” Shannon Needham said.

The first session will run from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. for youngsters in grades three through eight and the second one will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for those in grades nine through 12.

Needham, a graduate of Buena Park High School, played college football for UTEP and played for the Miami Dolphins from 2019 to 2024 before joining the Browns. Hawkins, also a graduate of Buena Park High School, has been with the Patriots since 2024. In college, he played for California from 2015 to 2019.

Hawkins was selected in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL draft by the Atlanta Falcons.

There will be motivational talks by Needham and Hawkins encouraging the young athletes to work hard and never give up on their dreams, Shannon Needham said.

“We usually have a nice turnout of about 200 to 250 kids,” she said.

There will also be an autograph and photo session at the end of each camp. The event includes a free T-Shirt and snacks.

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