WRAL Sports Fan

ECU

NFL quarterback, ECU star opens summer camp in Durham

Jun 21, 2009

Durham, N.C. — NFL starting quarterback and ECU star David Garrard opened a summer camp for aspiring football players and cheerleaders in his native Durham, where he played at Southern High School.

For that act, Mayor Bill Bell presented Garrard a key to the city in a ceremony Saturday.

"David represents the caliber of a man that deserves a key to our great city," Bell said. "Through this summer camp and his foundation, David will raise awareness of Crohn's disease and will educate Durham children and adults on the ways they can live healthier, happier lives."

The David Garrard Foundation sponsors activities to encourage youth to adopt active, healthy lifestyles. It also supports research into Crohn's disease, with which Garrard was diagnosed in 2003.

Crohn's disease is an autoimmune disease that attacks the gastrointestinal tract. Since undergoing surgery five years, Garrard has been symptom-free and become starting quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

He gathered together some players from his team and other NFL franchises and the Jaguars' head cheerleaders to lead the "Air it Out" Football and Summer Cheer Camp at Southern High. The daylong camp taught children ages 6 to 17 the fundamentals of the two sports.

"I often think back to my football days here at Southern High and look for every opportunity to come back home," said Garrard. "The community is truly inspiring, and I am grateful to give back through The David Garrard Foundation. My goal is to find a cure for Crohn's disease."

Garrard was rated the best high school quarterback in North Carolina, while starting 40 games at Southern High. He earned honors as a Prep Stars All-American.

At ECU, he set school records for total offense (10,238 yards), completions (666) and touchdown passes (60). Those totals are ranked, respectively, as second, fourth and third in Conference USA history.