The Armstead Academic Project puts on events for youth in Jacksonville and in Sacramento, CA.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Arik Armstead and his wife Dr. Mindy Armstead hosted dozens of local kids for their Stay Hungry Career Camp on Tuesday. 

Dozens of kids from the Northeast Florida Boys and Girls Club got a chance to spend the evening at the Fanatics headquarters in Jacksonville, learning from their team about job opportunities in the world of sports marketing and merchandise. 

“I think we really peaked their interests and unlocked some things in their brain” said Armstead. 

During the event, the students were treated to dinner and snacks, along with plenty of free swag from Fanatics. They also got a chance to ask questions during a panel discussion, featuring Armstead and his wife, who is a double board certified doctor.

Some of the children asked about how Arik deals with stress management, while others wanted to know about staying motivated. Arik, the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year, says his favorite part of these kinds of events is getting to engage with the kids. 

“It’s always the kids and the questions they ask,” said Armstead. “We had some great kids and they asked some great questions.”

The career camp is just one of the events that “The Armstead Academic Project” puts on throughout the year, aimed at ensuring that all students have access to the resources to achieve their dreams. 

“Their fascination, their youthfulness and being able to learn and grow,” said Armstead. “I love being in this environment and trying to help them achieve what they want to achieve in life.”