Uncle Buck
June 24th, 2008, 07:58 AM
Good article from Colston's hometown paper.
GIVING BACK
Colston does his part for underprivileged children
Friday, June 20, 2008
BY JAMES PHILLIPS
Of The Patriot-News
On his Web site, Colston12.com, Marques Colston says he is blessed to be playing in the NFL.
This weekend, the former Susquehanna Twp. and Hofstra University star is giving back to the community that helped mold him into the humble, unselfish and well-grounded person he is today.
The second annual Marques Colston Charity Weekend, sponsored by the Crowne Plaza Harrisburg Hershey, kicks off today with a celebrity golf tournament at Felicita Garden Resort and Spa beginning at 10 a.m.
The star wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints was on hand for a press conference Thursday at the Whitaker Center. Colston Charities is a non-profit organization that gives support and better enrich the lives of underprivileged children in the Harrisburg area.
Growing up, Colston witnessed his parents care for several foster children, so the thought of helping children was instilled in him.
"To me, I just knew what it took to get to this point," Colston said. "A lot of people helped me, so it would be selfish of me to forget about them."
On Saturday, an autograph signing session will take place at Dick's Sporting Goods from 10-11:30 a.m. From 5-8 p.m., a celebrity basketball game will be held at Harrisburg High School. The Reebok Lounge (celebrity after-party) will be held from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at the Whitaker Center.
Ticket locations for the events include Mr. Mike's Record Store, Music Man, whitakercenter.org and local 7-Eleven Stores.
After a solid college career at Hofstra, the Saints drafted Colston in the seventh round (252nd overall) of the 2006 NFL draft. The 6-4, 231-pound Colston quickly established himself as one of the steals of the draft.
Last season, Colston snared 98 passes for 1,202 yards and 11 touchdowns. In two seasons, he has registered eight 100-yard receiving games, sixth-most in team history.
"A lot of people thought it wasn't good that I was drafted in the seventh round. In reality, to even get drafted was huge," Colston said. "Many college players don't even get drafted, so it was a blessing for me."
Despite the lofty numbers Colston has put up in two years, he remains the same laid-back and quiet individual he has always been. He is in his final year of his rookie contract, so the Saints have a huge decision to make.
It should be a no-brainer.
"We have big plans for him ... I expect him to be even better this season," said Michael Harris, Colston's agent. "He should be rewarded; that is all I'm going to say about that."
For three years, Harris was the agent for Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant early in Bryant's career.
The Saints are coming off a 7-9 season, and Colston feels a renewed sense of urgency surrounding the team.
"We feel like we underachieved, and we're looking to bounce back," he said. "We want to give our fans hope this year, because sports play a small role in helping with the healing [from Hurricane Katrina]."
But Colston isn't thinking about the business side of football right now. He's just focused on getting better and helping the Saints get back to the top in the NFC South.
"Never be satisfied; I have no urge to become complacent," Colston said. "I work hard to get better each and every day to help the team win. I'm living a dream right now."
JAMES PHILLIPS: 255-8182 or
[email protected]