News

NFL Rookie Ben Tate comes home to Berlin to help inspire young players

BERLIN, MD (July 13, 2010) — The town will celebrate the success of one of its own Saturday with the first ever Ben Tate Day in Berlin.

Tate, drafted this spring as a running back for the NFL’s Houston Texans, will be greeted with a parade and picnic in his hometown July 17.

“It’s going to be a good time,” said Tate, who will be in the area visiting family in Berlin and Salisbury.

As a junior at Stephen Decatur High School, Tate set the Maryland state single-season rushing record with 2,886 yards and 41 touchdowns. He attended Snow Hill High School for his senior year and graduated from Snow Hill.

Tate’s family and marketing representative organized the event, which is sponsored by the Delmarva Shorebirds, New York Life and ESBL Sports Management.

“The idea came from Ben’s family, who see Ben making it to the NFL as an inspiration to the town,” said Jeff Weiner, Tate’s marketing representative. “They thought this would be a great way to not only honor Ben, but to show other kids in the community that they can one day reach their dreams.”

A parade made up of local organizations, fire companies and Pop Warner teams will kick off Ben Tate Day at 2 p.m. Afterwards, attendees (at least the first 250) can enjoy free food, T-shirts and autographs at Stephen Decatur Park. Tate said broadcasters from WOCQ 103.9 FM would also be present.

While he wanted to have a local get-together in his hometown, Tate said Saturday’s parade was a surprise to him. He said it feels strange to have an event and parade named for him.

“It’s really weird,” he said.

Tate, who has spent much of the summer working out in gyms, will be on the Shore for two weeks before he begins practice with the Texans at the end of July.

Tate said he feels confident about his first professional season. He was drafted 58th this spring by the Texans after being voted team MVP of the Auburn Tigers his senior year in college.

He is hoping Saturday’s event will give him the chance to celebrate his success with his community and at the same time provide encouragement to area children.

“Where we come from, people don’t make it,” he said. “It’ll be good for the kids to actually see they can. It’s all about putting in hard work.”

By Charlene Sharpe • Staff Writer • July 13, 2010

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