Britt helping train ‘Young Champions’ at TPSA

Published 10:53 pm Wednesday, March 22, 2006

Wesley Britt is making the journey back to Foxborough, Mass. today, after revisiting the roots of where it all began for Cullman’s shining star.

The Cullman High School graduate and former Alabama Crimson Tide football player, revisited his hometown and was able to give back to the community while preparing himself for the upcoming NFL season with the New England Patriots.

Britt spent time working out with long-time trainer and personal friend, Steve Johnson, who is starting a new program at Triple Play Sports Academy called Young Champions Athletic Training.

Johnson, who is known for his strength and agility training, has worked with Britt since his eighth-grade year at Cullman. Britt, an offensive lineman for the New England Patriots is endorsing and helping out with the Young Champions program as a way to give back to his community and keep in touch with his roots.

“We want people to realize we have a facility in Cullman that can train top-caliber athletes,” Johnson said. “We have a pro athlete working out here that is a mentor to this kids and that is what we want to be-a mentor to these kids.”

Britt spent time working with the group of kids and teaching them new techniques for the agility drills. The group then moved outdoors and ran sets of 40-yard dashes where Britt showed off his five-flat speed.

“It’s important for me to help this kids, to show them something new and help them with small things I picked up in college and now the NFL,” Britt said.

Britt was a cornerstone of the Tide during his time at the university, but is perhaps most remembered for breaking his leg in the memorable five-overtime loss against Tennessee in 2003. Before the injury, Britt was a top NFL prospect and was projected to be one of the first lineman taken.

After surgery and a very extensive rehab process, Britt experienced another setback at the Senior Bowl when he broke his leg again. But Britt stated he has recovered 100 percent from the injuries.

“I am fine. I am really moving around well again and I am ready to hit it hard,” Britt said.

With the injuries, Britt slid in the NFL draft and was selected in the fifth round by the San Diego Chargers. He was released before the start of the season, but signed with the New England Patriots the next day and spent the year on the teams practice squad.

Britt said he struggled with his recovery process while trying to rehab and practice full speed with the Patriots.

“Last year it was tough during camp to rehab and practice at the same time,” Britt said. “But I am excited about being fully recovered and I wouldn’t be here at this level competing if I wasn’t.”

As the new NFL season is quickly approaching, Britt will be competing against Jeff Roehl for a spot on a Patriots roster.

“I am taking it one step at a time,” Britt said. “It’s a new role for me and I want to do whatever I can do to contribute to helping the team. I am going to get out there are work hard and hopefully earn a position.”

The transition from the collegiate level to the pro level has been smooth for the second-year player, as he is beginning to adjust to life in New England.

“We watch a ton of film,” Britt said. “We will watch an hour-and-a-half on just what Buffalo does on third down, then go practice and review film of practice, so it’s a lot more than extensive than at the college level.”

Even with all the excitement surrounding Britt and the prospect of the upcoming season, his focus is still on family and community.

“This is what I am about,” he said. “I am from this area and I am blessed to be where I am, so I will do anything I can to give back.”