College Sports
Heavy duty help
By Robert Jackson
Star Staff Writer
06-10-2003
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Former football players including Joe Cribbs, David Marshall, Jim Nemeth, Bobby Howard and Steve Mott are volunteering this week to work on the Jimmy Carter Work Project in Anniston. They are working (above) on House No. 29, the home of Katina and Terriss Morris.
Photo: Bill Wilson
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In his storied career, Joe Cribbs was a star running back for Auburn University, the Buffalo Bills, and the Birmingham Stallions. Monday, Cribbs played a crucial role on an even larger team. Instead of evading tacklers and running for touchdowns, he was passing lumber and running supplies. Cribbs is one of a group of retired professional football players in town this week helping with the Habitat for Humanity’s Jimmy Carter Work Project. The National Football League Player’s Association, in partnership with the Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation, is introducing "Heavy Duty Helping" at the 2003 JWCP. This program is designed to give trades people an opportunity to give back to the communities in which they live and work. Demand is heavy for appearances by the former players. In planning their public appearances, they have to balance public service with earning an income. "There have been many requests for our services, but Habitat had to ask only once before we accepted," Cribbs said. "Mostly, retired players are participating due to (NFL) mini camps just (getting) underway."
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Former Auburn, Birmingham Stallion and NFL running back Joe Cribbs is among a number of retired football players working this week with the Jimmy Carter Work Project. ‘There have been many requests for our services, but Habitat had to ask only once before we accepted,’ Cribbs said about the athletes’ desire to work on the project.
Photo: Bill Wilson
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In addition to Cribbs, four other players were helping volunteers with House No. 29, the home of Katina and Terriss Morris. Former University of Alabama and Detroit Lions center Steve Mott used his considerable strength to help volunteers lift prefabricated roof supports. "The NFLPA is giving retired players a chance to get involved with Habitat," Mott said. "I was very interested when they called up and asked me to get involved." Bobby Howard, a Tampa Bay Buccaneer from 1986-89, was amazed at the large number of people and houses involved in the JWCP. "Being my first time, I didn’t know it was to this magnitude," Howard said. "It is truly a blessing and honor to work with Habitat and the Work Project. "This let’s people know that we’re not just athletes. We like to give back to those who have less." David Marshall, former Cleveland Brown and Miami Dolphin, has given financial support before, but had never seen the houses being built. "Having supported Habitat financially, I had been looking for other ways to help," Marshall said. "If we get involved on a pro level, maybe we can get more volunteers and tradesmen out here." Not all players at the work site have recently retired from the gridiron. Jim Nemeth, who played with the Baltimore Colts from 1959 top 1961, gave of himself just as much as his younger peers. With good humor and a kind heart, he’s contributing to a cause he strongly believes in. "All this work sort of takes the aches and pains out of old football players," Nemeth said.
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About Robert Jackson
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Robert Jackson, a UAB graduate, is assistant vice president for operations for The Anniston Star.
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Contact Robert Jackson
