"We are extremely grateful to all of those who have helped to advocate this camp," Vernon Fox, a former eight year NFL veteran said Thursday, May 31, as he presented local officials with plaques honoring their support.

For the second year, Fox is running a three day "Victory By Faith" football camp in Mesquite for young boys, ages 8 to 15, who reside in the Las Vegas area.

"We have the camp here in Mesquite because we want to provide an atmosphere that's different than any other camp in the Las Vegas area," Fox explained. "The reason we come to Mesquite is because we have a plan in mind. There's an age demographic that we aimed for to give them an opportunity to understand a different level of responsibility. We put them in a role of leadership."

Saying that he recognizes that the boys who attend the camp are at a crucial age, "a place where they are still being molded and their personalities are being developed. We want to get to them before they reach those stubborn ages and it's too late to get to them."

He added that his football camp is different from many others because "it's spiritual-based. We provide foundational principles that give them not only top-notch instruction on the

football field but we translate the football vernacular to life. A lesson they get in endurance on the football field is a lesson they are going to get in the classroom. Not giving up on the field teaches them to not give up on their goals and dreams in life."

Fox explained that his National Football League career as a defensive back took him from the San Diego Chargers to the Detroit Lions, then to the Washington Redskins, and finally two years with the Denver Broncos. He retired from the sport in 2010.

With him at the presentation was Everett Wilson, event coordinator for Western Athletic Sports Unified Program, WASUP. He also receives help with the camp from other former coaches and NFL players.

Fox presented a plaque to Tim Randall, General Manager of the CasaBlanca Casino Resort who represented Mesquite Gaming.

Lonnie Dalton and Vickie Anderson received a plaque on behalf of the Department of Athletics and Leisure Services while Mayor Mark Wier received a plaque on behalf of the City of Mesquite's support of the football camp.

Fox said the camp hosted 60 kids last year and has expanded to approximately 100 kids this year. "I was blessed by God to do what I do. These kids need to know they can do what they set out to do also," Fox remarked.

More information about the football camp can be found at www.vernonfox.com