Exclusive interview with Eric Decker at ProCamp

On June 4, 2016, players of the New York Jets, 291 young football players, dozens of coaches, and many sponsors descended upon Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School to attend the third annual Eric Decker ProCamp.

This year, in addition to the top high school and college football coaches in the area, wide receiver Eric Decker brought some of his teammates on the New York Jets along to help coach the participants: Jace Amaro, Geno Smith, Zach Sudfeld, Bryce Petty, and rookie Jalin Marshall. Decker told me: “…It’s so important for the kids to be able to interact with and see these guys … every guy that’s out here is just a good, normal person that wants to help these kids. I’ve been in their shoes before so, to have just the support from those guys is awesome.”

The Jets players floated around to each of stations, interacting with the campers by coaching football fundamentals, offering words of encouragement and offering advice. Decker, a man of many talents, signed autographs, posed for photos, honored military members and played quarterback and wide receiver for the campers. He told me “I try to do as much, especially in the summertime… because you take so much value from it not only the fundamentals of a sport, but , discipline, hard work all those things that crate a foundation when you grow up and want to be successful.”

Lots of @nyjets on hand at Eric Decker Procamp! pic.twitter.com/TAcK6WHxBM

— Danielle McCartan (@CoachMcCartan) June 4, 2016

Sudfeld was one of the best coaches at the event, completely involved with the campers, telling me: “It’s a blast. Coming out here is like recess, it’s a lot of fun, these kids are amped to be here and so are we. We have a lot of fun throwing the ball and running around with these guys”. I watched as an energetic Petty, acting as a wide receiver, enthusiastically taught a three step drop to a group of young players.

Coach @b_petty14 catching passes teaching kids the 3 step drop.Both he & the kids are AMPED at #decker procamp #jets pic.twitter.com/j7oXhQiz16

— Danielle McCartan (@CoachMcCartan) June 4, 2016

Matt Occhipinti, state champion football coach at Ramapo High School, in his second year at Decker’s ProCamp told me: “Of all the ProCamps I’ve done, Eric Decker’s is one of the best. It’s more important now than ever to get the kids involved in the game of football”. Jayne Gastineau Nastro, season ticket holder from Budd Lake, NJ, had a camper enrolled for the second consecutive year. “It’s a perfect opportunity for the kids to hang out, get on the field, hustle with the professionals and the other kids. The Jets are so gracious in spending their time with them”.

Eric Decker watching drills at his ProCamp, Courtesy of Long Island Image /

Eric Decker watching drills at his ProCamp, Courtesy of Long Island Image

must read: Early expectations for Brandon Shell

Cincinnati, Ohio based ProCamps Worldwide specializes in planning and executing youth athletic camps for some of the most visible and marketable athletes in professional sports. Since 1998, ProCamps has developed a reputation as being an industry leader among players, agents, sponsors, parents, and youth athletes (official press release).