If you’ve guessed it — yes, Eric Matthews is the namesake of the annual football camp. Before winning a Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers, Eric was a standout two-sport athlete at Santaluces High School in Boynton Beach, Florida. There, he earned recognition as one of the state’s top football and track stars. Though it was track that ultimately earned him a collegiate scholarship to Indiana University, it was football that opened the door to a professional career in the NFL.

At Indiana, Eric became a two-time Big Ten qualifier in both indoor and outdoor track, as well as the Penn Relays Long Jump Champion. On the gridiron, he contributed to two bowl games — the Independence Bowl and the Copper Bowl. His athletic journey culminated in 1996 when he joined the Green Bay Packers, winning a Super Bowl in his rookie season. He later went on to play for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington Redskins before an injury brought his NFL career to an early close.

Following his professional career, Eric returned to his roots, coaching high school track and gradually stepping into his calling as a mentor and community builder. His passion became clear: helping youth maximize their potential through sports while prioritizing academic excellence and always having a plan B.

In 2015, Eric teamed up with Anthony Mitchell to host their first youth football camp at Ballard Park in Tupelo, Mississippi. With only six weeks of preparation, the two organized a powerful launch — drawing 25 kids, recruiting four NFL alumni, securing a venue, and setting a standard for what would become an annual tradition of impact and empowerment.

The Endzone Club/ Eric Matthews Foundation partnership was born from this vision — to serve and uplift youth through sports, mentorship, and opportunity. The foundation’s mentoring program focuses on building trust, fostering relationships, exposing young people to new possibilities, and reinforcing the importance of education and real-world preparation. From field trips and sports clinics to candid conversations and exposure to influential leaders, every activity is designed to plant seeds of confidence, discipline, and hope.

Mentorship, as Eric believes, isn’t one-size-fits-all — but its ripple effects can shape a life forever. The Foundation’s community outreach efforts aim to create a safer, more supportive environment for youth to thrive by offering a wide range of charitable services and developmental programs.

Today, Eric Matthews continues to inspire the next generation, not just with his Super Bowl ring, but with his unwavering belief that every child deserves a shot at greatness — on and off the field.