Third Annual “Driven Athletes” Camp Gears Up for Saturday With Speed Drills, NFL Stars, and a Whole Lot of Heart
Former Tallassee star and current Green Bay Packers coach Derrick Ansley is headed home again—cleats, clipboard, and Packers gear in tow. On Saturday, he’ll return to J.E. “Hot” O’Brien Stadium to host the third edition of his Driven Athletes Football Camp, and it’s shaping up to be more than just a skills clinic. It’s about giving back, creating memories, and maybe sparking a dream or two.
The free camp, open to girls and boys aged 5 to 14, will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with NFL players, community energy, and just enough friendly competition to keep things interesting. Ansley, a former defensive back at Troy and one of the NFL’s top defensive minds, says the focus is simple: “Have fun. Learn. Compete. Smile.”
He means it. And the city is ready.
From Small Town Roots to the NFL Sideline
Derrick Ansley doesn’t forget where he came from. That’s not just lip service—it’s stitched into every moment of this annual camp. Before he was roaming sidelines with Alabama, Tennessee, and now the Packers, he was just another kid in Tallassee dreaming of something bigger.
He remembers those sweltering summer days. The cracked helmets, the neighborhood pickup games, the hunger to be seen.
Now he’s the one watching over those dreams.
The camp started small—some cones, a few volunteers, and lots of hopeful faces. But it’s grown. Quickly. This year’s camp is expected to draw over 200 kids, with current NFL players flying in to help coach drills and offer a few words from experience. Ansley’s name brings the buzz, but it’s the vibe that keeps people coming back.
“It’s not about making pros,” he said, “it’s about giving them something that sticks. A memory, a lesson, a feeling like they belong.”
Why It’s Not Just Football That’s Being Taught
Sure, there’ll be footwork drills, tackling technique (safely), and a few 7-on-7 reps thrown in for flavor. But football’s just the language. The real messages are about discipline, focus, confidence, and community.
There’s a reason parents bring their kids back each year.
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Kids don’t just learn how to catch or cover—they’re taught how to lead, listen, and finish strong.
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Coaches from Tallassee to Troy pitch in, often with zero pay, just passion.
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Past attendees have gone on to join high school programs with renewed energy, some even pursuing scholarships down the line.
Ansley calls it “planting seeds.” And with the Packers now in his rearview mirror (for the summer, at least), he’s fully tuned in to his local roots.
NFL Players, Surprise Guests, and Yes—That Fastest Man Competition
The camp’s not just drills and pep talks. There’s always a surprise or two. Last year’s event got hit by a mid-camp downpour that had everyone ducking for cover. But instead of dampening spirits, it actually made the day unforgettable.
“It was wild,” Ansley laughed. “Some of those kids had never seen a delay like that. Then we came back out, and it just clicked. That sticks.”
This year, there’s buzz about who the surprise guest might be. Names haven’t been confirmed, but there’s chatter around a few Packers players who’ve promised to fly down. Maybe a former teammate. Maybe even a fellow Alabama football name.
But no matter who shows up, the real stars will be the kids. Especially once that buzzer sounds for the “fastest man” contest—a camp tradition that’s turned into its own mini-Olympics.
Expect some hilarious false starts, lots of yelling, and one kid sprinting his heart out like it’s the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine.
What Parents and Kids Need to Know Before Showing Up
There’s no fee. No ticket. No pressure. But a little preparation goes a long way. Ansley and his team are expecting big attendance, and parents are encouraged to arrive early for check-in and hydration.
Here’s a quick look at what to expect:
| Camp Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | Saturday, June 29 |
| Location | J.E. “Hot” O’Brien Stadium, Tallassee, AL |
| Age Group | Boys & Girls, ages 5–14 |
| What to Bring | Water bottle, cleats or sneakers, energy |
| Cost | Free |
Don’t forget sunscreen. And maybe a towel.
Why This Camp Means More in 2025
The vibe around football isn’t what it used to be. Youth sports, especially in rural areas, have taken a hit—rising costs, fewer volunteers, safety concerns. Add that to the noise from social media and college recruitment pressure, and sometimes it’s hard for kids to just play.
That’s why this camp matters now more than ever.
There’s something sacred about a community showing up for its kids with no strings attached. Just heart. Just effort.
Ansley knows his NFL career will keep moving. New seasons. New cities. But this—this camp in a small Alabama town—this is the heartbeat.
