BMH Editor's Blog

From the Warsaw (IN) Times-Union. To read the entire article, click here.

N.Y. Jets Punter Speaks At Lancer Basketball Camp

Anthony Gadson
Sports Writer

WINONA LAKE, Ind. - For the second time in six days, Kosciusko County hosted a player from the NFL, but this one wasn't just on hand to sign autographs.

As part of Grace College's Lancer Basketball Camp, New York Jets punter Reggie Hodges spoke to the campers Tuesday at the Orthopaedic Capital Center.

"It's nice to see someone from a rough, tough sport who still has room in his heart for God," Grace College men's basketball coach Jim Kessler told the kids.

On June 25, Brandon Foster and Travis Key of the Indianapolis Colts were in Warsaw to meet-and-greet fans, but Hodges' visit brought with it a much stronger message.

"I'm a man of God who punts," Hodges said during his introduction.

Hodges' faith has helped him in the past few years, as he's been tested during his time in the NFL.

After setting school records for punts (254) and punt yards (10,210) at Ball State University, Hodges was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft, three picks ahead of Cleveland Browns quarterback Derek Anderson and 20 ahead of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassell.

However, after a rough start with his new team, he was waived early in the season, which led to his signing by the Philadelphia Eagles less than a month later. Twenty days after signing with the Eagles, the squad also cut him.

While talking to the campers, Hodges admitted he's not the same person he was when he started his NFL career.

"I was different in 2005, because I wasn't living for the Lord," Hodges said.

"Football used to come first," he added. "There was a time when God didn't come first. I didn't know Him then."