Football players host special day to train with the team

Using sports to bridge the community together, Syracuse University football players ran drills Tuesday with special guests.

SU partnered with the Beautiful Lives Project, and for one day only, people with disabilities were included in the team practicing drills like agility, throwing and tackling.

“It’s really cool to be able to hang out and just to see the passion that a lot of people have for football that don’t get the opportunity to play the game of football,” said Syracuse football head coach Fran Brown.

Syracuse University football players reserved this time on the field to welcome newbies to the team.

“A lot of the people brought a lot of passion, a lot of energy. Lotta juice. It was cool seeing them having fun, just smiling and all the passion they brought to the camp today,” said Joseph Cruz, center and grad student.

Around 50 people of varying abilities threw a football with the team’s quarterback, tackled with the defensive line, spiked a football and practiced their touchdown dances.

“Whatever I can do to give back and allow them just to be a Syracuse football player for a day is the least I can do,” said Cruz.

The Beautiful Lives Project is a nonprofit based in New York, creating opportunities for people with disabilities, including on days like this.

“The smiles I saw. I mean, when I leave, I have goosebumps. And when that happens, I know I did my job,” said Tony Gionfriddo, executive director of the Beautiful Lives Project.

“Today, they were part of a team. They were part of Syracuse. How many people can say they worked out with Syracuse football players, you know?” said Gionfriddo.

The Beautiful Lives Project is hoping this isn’t the only time they’re able to partner with SU, and want to plan future events where more people can get on the field and be part of the team.