Height: 6′6″
Weight: 285 lbs
College: Mississippi
Hometown: Abbeville, LA

Originally signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an Undrafted Free Agent in 2006, Jayme was traded to the Cleveland Browns. Upon resigning with the Browns prior to the 2011 NFL season, Jayme is expected to make an impact at Defensive End. In an interview in July of this year, Browns General Manger, Tom Heckert, was quoted stating “Mitchell was the team’s best pass rusher last year.”

Height: 5′11″
Weight: 239 lbs
College: Appalachian State
Hometown: Charlotte, NC

• Selected 186th overall in the 2011 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers
• Four year starter at Appalachian State
• Two-time Football Championship Subdivision All-America honoree
• Recorded 525 tackles during his collegiate career
• 2010, led the FCS Southern Conference with 144 total tackles

Cincinnati Bengals, Linebacker

Height: 6′2″
Weight: 241 lbs
College: Nevada
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ

• Ran a 4.44 second 40-yard dash at the 2011 NFL Combine (fastest DE/OLB ever)
• Selected 66th overall in the 2011 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals
• Three-time All-WAC performer
• Two-time All-WAC First-Team selection
• First player in Nevada school history to be named WAC Defensive Player of the Year

Height: 6′7″
Weight: 205 lbs
College: Virginia Tech
Hometown: Stone Mountain, GA

Terrell Bell was born in Decatur, Georgia and played basketball for Stone Mountain High School. A four-year letter winner at Stone Mountain, Terrell earned many awards during his high school career. Some of which included a District Player of the Year selection, and an All-State selection.

Taking his talents to Virginia Tech upon high school graduation, Terrell gave the Hokies four solid years. In closing out his collegiate career, Terrell played in 133 games and recorded 518 rebounds, 180 assists, 80 blocks, 76 steals, and 577 points.

After Virginia Tech, Terrell continued pursuing a professional basketball career. He participated in the 2011 Eurobasket Summer League, earning MVP honors in the opening game. Following the tournament, Terrell signed with KTP Kotka, a basketball franchise in Finland.

Tromsø Storm, Forward

Height: 6″8″
Weight: 245 lbs
College: Virginia Union
Hometown: Colonial Heights, VA

Brad Byerson was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia which is where his basketball career would begin. Brad had a phenomenal high school career that was capped off by being named the Richmond Times-Dispatch Player of the Year.

Brad decided to take his talents to West Virginia University where he would red-shirt his freshman season. Following his sophomore season Brad decided to transfer to Virginia Union University where he would finish his three remaining college seasons. In his time with VUU he was named the 2008 CIAA Defensive Player of the Year after being ranked 3^rd in the conference for rebounding and blocked shots.

After graduating from VUU Brad went to play for the Hapoel Natzrath Elite Team in Israel; he would average 21.5 points and 11.8 rebounds per game for the team. In November 2010 Brad was drafted by the Sioux Falls Skyforce of the NBA Developmental League. Byerson now plays in Germany for Hannover where he has averaged 15 points per game.

Height: 6’5’’
Weight: 320 lbs
College: Louisiana Tech
Hometown: Pine Bluff, Arkansas

• NFL 1990s and 2000s ALL-Decade teams
• Most Awarded player in Saints history
• 11 time Pro Bowl Selection
• 6 time Associated Press 1st Team All-Pro Selection
• 3 time Associated Press 2nd Team All-Pro Selection
• Inducted to the Sports Hall of Fame for Arkansas (2007), Louisiana (2009) and the New Orleans Saints (2008)

Born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, few could have guessed the success that Willie would one day have as an NFL player. After being lightly recruited out of high school and even considering playing basketball in college, Willie decided to pursue his football career at Louisiana Tech. Willie’s college football career would take off and culminate with being a finalist for the Outland Trophy, given to the best offensive lineman in college, in his senior year.

In the first round of the 1993 draft, with the 8^th overall pick, the New Orleans Saints drafted offensive lineman Willie Roaf. It was a decision that would lead to a nine year career with the Saints where Willie made seven Pro Bowl teams, three First-team All-Pro selections, two Second-team All-Pro selections, and six All-Conference teams. These selections would make Willie the most awarded player in Saints franchise history.

In 2002, Willie was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs after a season ending injury with the Saints in 2001. For the Chiefs, Willie would make four more Pro Bowl teams, three First-team All-Pro selections, one Second-team All-Pro selection, and two All-Conference teams. In addition to those accomplishments, Willie would later be named to the NFL’s 1990’s and 2000’s All-Decade Teams. Following Willie’s retirement from the game in 2005, he was inducted into the Arkansas (2007), New Orleans Saints (2008) and Louisiana (2009) sports hall of fames.

Beyond the scope of football, Willie has never forgotten that with great success comes great responsibility. Willie has embraced this philosophy throughout his NFL career and beyond. After his retirement from the game in 2005, Willie now donates much of his time and money to great causes. Most recently, Willie gave back to the community that made him such a success, New Orleans, by giving the basketball team at KIPP Renaissance High School new basketball shoes for their upcoming season. Willie has also recently teamed up with Crocs Inc. and Feed the Children to provide food, personal hygiene essentials, and Crocs shoes to more than 400 children/families who attend Mays Prep, a Hurricane Katrina relief school.

Willie’s core values of a willingness to work hard and have compassion for those in need come directly from his parents, Clifton George Roaf and Andree Layton Roaf. In 1995, Mrs. Roaf was appointed to the Arkansas Supreme Court, making her the second woman and first African-American woman to fill a seat in this court. Following this, she was inducted into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame in 1996.

Charity websites that Willie Roaf has worked with:

Crocs Cares:    www.Crocs.com or www.crocscares.com

Feed the Children:  www.FeedTheChildren.org

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Willie-Roaf-Official/162097910492100

Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/willie_roaf

Baltimore Ravens & Tennessee Titans, Cornerback

Height: 6’0”
Weight: 175 lbs
College: Florida State
Hometown: Miami, FL

• 2000 Pro Bowl selection
• 2000 All-Pro selection
• 1999 USA Today All-Joe Team
• 1997 First-team All-ACC

Born in Miami, Florida  it is no surprise that with all the super football programs in that state, Samari chose to attend Florida State University for his collegiate football career. In his 38 games played for the Seminoles, he recorded 12 interceptions and 111 tackles as a cornerback. In his senior season at Florida State, he was named First-Team All-ACC and a Third-Team All-American by Football News.

In 1998, with the 46^th pick, the Tennessee Oilers (Tennessee Titans) selected Samari Rolle where he would play for seven seasons (1998-2004). In 1999, he set a franchise record by recording three interceptions in one game versus the Jacksonville Jaguars. The following year in 2000, he was selected to the Pro Bowl after recording a seven interception season, one of which he returned for a touchdown.

In 2005, Samari signed with the Baltimore Ravens as an unrestricted free agent where he would play his final five seasons in the NFL. Samari decided to walk away from the game after the 2009-2010 campaign to explore other opportunities in life.

In 2002, Samari and his wife, Danisha started the Samari Rolle Foundation. The Rolle With Me Foundation, Samari Rolle’s charitable arm, provides helping hands to those in need. With funds raised through several annual events, such as his annual bowling tournament, the non-profit organization purchases Thanksgiving dinners for families in need, provides equipment for youth athletic leagues and donates book bags and school supplies to underprivileged children.

Samari and his wife Danisha have two daughters, Samara and Amari Michelle as well as a son, Jamir.

You can visit Samari Rolle’s foundation website to find out more information about events the foundation is hosting:

www.samarirolle.com

New Orleans Hornets, Guard

Height: 6′6″
Weight: 211 lbs
College: Maryland
Hometown: Caracas, Venezuela

• 2010 Bob Cousy Award
• 2010 ACC Player of the Year
• 2010 First-team All-ACC
• 2010 Second-team All-American
• 2009 Second-team All-ACC
• Finished second on the Maryland Terrapins’ all-time scoring list with 2,171 career points.
• Played on the Venezuelan national basketball team in the FIBA America Championships in 2007.

Greivis Vasquez of the Memphis Grizzlies was born in Caracas, Venezuela.

Greivis left Venezuela and enrolled at Montrose Christian School in Rockville, Maryland to play high school basketball.  At Montrose Christian, Greivis, alongside fellow NBA player, Kevin Durant, led the Mustangs to a 43-5 record during his junior and senior seasons.

Following a successful high school career, Greivis enrolled at the University of Maryland.  During his junior season, Greivis became the only player to ever lead Maryland in points, rebounds, and assists in a season.  Following his junior season, Greivis was named to Second Team All-ACC.

As a senior at Maryland, Vasquez was the only player in college basketball to average more than 18 points per game while averaging more than six assists per game.  Further, Vasquez became the only player in ACC history to amass 2,000 points, 700 assists, and 600 rebounds.  Following his very successful college career, Greivis received the Bob Cousy Award as the nations best point guard.  He was also named Second Team All-American, First Team All-ACC, and ACC Player of the Year.

In 2010, Greivis was selected by the Memphis Grizzlies with the 28th pick of the first round of the NBA Draft.  This selection made Greivis the first Venezuelan-born player to ever be drafted in the NBA.

Derrick Mason – Baltimore Ravens, Wide Receiver

Height: 5’10”
Weight: 195 lbs.
College: Michigan State
Hometown: Detroit, MI

• Two-time Pro Bowl Selection
• Became the 31^st player in NFL history with 10,000 receiving yards
• Holds the NFL record for most all-purpose yards in a single season with 2,659 yards (2000)
• Holds the NFL record for most kick return yards in a single postseason with 437 yards (1999)
• First player in Baltimore Ravens history with 100 receptions in a season
• On November 22, 2010, became the 13^th receiver in NFL history with 900 career receptions

Born January 17, 1974 in Detroit, Michigan; it is very fitting that Derrick Mason would chose to attend Michigan State for his college football career. In college, Mason would have an electrifying career setting a team record for kickoff return yards (2,384). Mason would take his skills to the NFL in 1997 when he was drafted in the 4^th round, 98^th overall pick, by the Tennessee Oilers (Titans).

Derrick would go on to have an eight year career with Tennessee, including one Super Bowl trip where he had five kickoff returns for 122 yards. In the same year, he would set the NFL record for most kick return yards in a single postseason with 437 yards. In 2000, Derrick was selected to his first Pro Bowl after setting an NFL record for most all-purpose yards in a single season (2,658 yards). He would again be selected to the Pro Bowl in 2003 after having a phenomenal season in which he would record 1,303 receiving yards on 95 receptions which was 5^th in the NFL.

In 2005 Mason was signed as a free agent by the Baltimore Ravens where he currently plays. His Ravens career was highlighted in 2007 by being the first Raven in team history to have more than 100 receptions in a single season (103). Derrick was named an alternate receiver in 2008 for the Pro Bowl after posting 80 receptions for 1,037 yards and five touchdowns; helping his rookie quarterback Joe Flacco shine.

The two-time Pro Bowler is not just about making catches and scoring touchdowns, he is also about giving back to those in need. Along with his wife Marci, Derrick set up The Derrick Mason Foundation whose mission is to provide at-risk children and families in both the Nashville and Baltimore areas with opportunities to pursue their dreams. Notably, in 2008, the foundation donated $25,000 to Rebuilding Together Baltimore, a non-profit organization that repairs homes and revitalizes communities in Baltimore City and Baltimore County. Annually, Derrick’s foundation hosts the Holiday Helpers event in December, and provides gift certificates and a unique shopping experience for Baltimore youth in need.

Derrick and his wife Marci have two children, a daughter named Bailee My-Lin and a son named Derrick James II.

More about Derrick’s charities:

The Derrick Mason Foundation:

The Derrick Mason Foundation was established to provide at-risk children and families in both the Nashville and Baltimore areas with opportunities to pursue their dreams. The foundation provides and supports interactive programs and events that directly benefit children who face serious challenges in their lives, such as mental and/or physical challenges or the environment in which they live.

Rebuilding Together Baltimore:

Rebuilding Together Baltimore, formerly Christmas in April Baltimore, is a nonprofit, nonsectarian, volunteer organization dedicated to helping low-income homeowners, through home renovation and repair. Our goal is to keep people living in warmth, safety, and independence, while helping to build better communities in Baltimore City and Baltimore County, Maryland.

www.rtbaltimore.org

Barry Sanders – Detroit Lions, Running Back

Height: 5’8”
Weight: 203 lbs.
College: Oklahoma State
Hometown: Wichita, KS

• Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004
• Ten time Pro Bowl Selection
• Ranks 4^th NFL All-Time Leading Rusher
• 1988 Heisman Trophy Award

Barry Sanders’ journey to become the 1988 Heisman Trophy winner and college football’s single season rushing record holder (2,628 yards) started in Wichita Kansas where Barry was born. Barry’s football career however, would have very humble beginnings.

At 5’8’’ tall, Barry was not a highly recruited running back out of high school; however that would not stop the Oklahoma State Cowboys from giving him a chance. After backing up All-American running back Thurman Thomas for two years, Barry would get his chance to shine in 1988 which would later be called, “The greatest season in college football history.” Barry would go on to set the single season rushing record and be awarded the Heisman trophy at the conclusion of the 1988 season.

After such a tremendous junior season, Barry chose to take his talents to the next level where he was drafted 3^rd overall in the 1989 NFL draft by the Detroit Lions. His career accomplishments speak for themselves with 10 Pro Bowl selections in 10 years of playing, six First-team All-Pro selections, four Second-Team All-Pro selections, and being named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player in 1997. In addition to those accomplishments, Barry was also awarded the Bert Bell Award twice (’91, ’97) which is awarded to the NFL’s player of the year. In 1997, Barry also rushed for 2,053 yards, joining O.J. Simpson and Erick Dickerson as the only other players to do so at that time.

When Barry decided to step away from the game in 1998, he held 10 Detroit Lions team records and was noted by ESPN as one of the leagues greatest players of all time. In August of 2004, Barry was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame and later that season, on Thanksgiving Day, the Detroit Lions retired his number 20 jersey to the rafters.

Barry now can be found still living in the suburbs of Detroit with his wife, Lauren, and their three kids. Barry James Sanders, Barry’s son, is an Oklahoma high school football standout and will most certainly look to carry on the family name in football.  

Barry has kept himself busy by co-writing a book with Mark McCormick entitled, Barry Sanders: Now you See Him: His Story in His Own Words. Barry also has charity events such as his Barry Sanders & Friends golf tournament held each year in his hometown of Wichita, Kansas.

To this day and beyond Barry will always be known as one of the greatest football players to ever play the game.

Barry Sanders: www.barrysanders.com