JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — On Tuesday, Arik Armstead, the Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle, along with his wife, Dr. Mindy Armstead, welcomed a group of local children to their Stay Hungry Career Camp.

The event, hosted at the Fanatics headquarters in Jacksonville, provided kids from the Northeast Florida Boys and Girls Club with insights into careers in sports marketing and merchandise.

“I believe we truly sparked their curiosity and opened up new possibilities for them,” Armstead remarked.

Participants enjoyed a meal and snacks while receiving a selection of complimentary items from Fanatics. They also had the opportunity to engage in a panel discussion with Armstead and his wife, who holds dual board certifications as a doctor.

The children posed questions about stress management and maintaining motivation. Arik, who has been honored as the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year, expressed that his favorite aspect of these events is interacting with the youth.

“It’s always the kids and the questions they ask,” said Armstead. “We had some great kids and they asked some great questions.”

The career camp is just one of the events that “The Armstead Academic Project” puts on throughout the year, aimed at ensuring that all students have access to the resources to achieve their dreams. 

“Their fascination, their youthfulness and being able to learn and grow,” said Armstead. “I love being in this environment and trying to help them achieve what they want to achieve in life.”