Chattanooga, TN (WDEF)- Arizona Cardinals Offensive Tackle McClendon Curtis is back in his hometown—bringing more than just his NFL talent. He’s bringing heart, purpose, and a powerful message of perseverance.
Back where it all began—on the field at Central High School in Chattanooga—Curtis is home.
This weekend, he hosted his third annual Big Curt Football Camp, a free youth camp aimed at developing not just athletes, but future leaders. The camp welcomed young players ages 6 to 17, giving them a rare chance to train with Curtis himself, alongside a staff of coaches, former players, and fellow pros.
“I’m kind of just a role player—I just worked hard at it,” Curtis said humbly. “I talked to some Cardinals scouts when I was coming out, and they said, ‘Stay one more year.’ Since then, it’s just been a blessing. God has blessed me every year to be in this career. I know it’s not forever, but it’s about what you do with your opportunity. I make the most of it—giving back, enjoying it, and taking care of my family. That’s the biggest part.”
The camp featured a mix of drills, skills training, teamwork exercises, and mentoring sessions. But for Curtis, it’s about more than football. It’s about planting seeds—of confidence, character, and belief.
“We partnered with 16 companies—local and national—to give these kids a free opportunity to come out, compete, have fun, and learn,” Curtis said. “We had guys out here like Mike Drell Blaze, my boy RayQuan O’Neal—just a lot of guys who’ve played in the NFL or at a high level in college—passing on their knowledge.”
The atmosphere was electric, filled with laughter, encouragement, and hope. And it wasn’t just a professional production—it was personal.
The camp was also a family affair, with Curtis’ parents, close friends, and longtime mentors by his side—helping organize, support, and cheer every step of the way.
Family friend Cortez reflected on Curtis’ journey:
“I’ve watched him grow from a young man into who he is now. He’s carried every lesson from his mentors, his teachers—and now, he’s paying it forward. It’s amazing to see him pass that tradition on to this community.”
McClendon Curtis has worn many uniforms—from Central High, to UTC, to the Las Vegas Raiders, the Seattle Seahawks, and now the Arizona Cardinals—but the number he’s most proud of may be the number of kids he’s impacted right here at home.
