(Video Above: Former University of Alabama star Marcell Dareus busses in 400 people from Birmingham to watch him take on the Tennessee Titans.)
Knowing that he won’t play an NFL game in his home city of Birmingham, former University of Alabama football star Marcell Dareus decided to bring Birmingham to his nearest NFL game.
The All-Pro defensive tackle for Buffalo paid for his own cheering section to see him and the Bills take on the Tennessee Titans. On Sunday, Oct. 11, 400 people loaded eight buses and cars and headed to Nashville to cheer on Dareus and the Bills.
Dareus’ family, city officials, children from Wahouma Park Little League and Huffman High School experienced a day they will always remember. With his Birmingham fans cheering him on, it was fitting that Dareus’ pressure on Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota forced a game-sealing interception, giving the Bills a 14-13 victory.
To cap off the day, Dareus presented Wahouma Park’s football team with a check to cover the expenses for their football uniforms. Dareus, who played at Huffman High School, began playing football at Wahouma Park in East Lake. Earlier this year, he donated $100,000 to the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board to help improve the park.
On the impact Sunday had on him, Dareus said, “I’m so overwhelmed. I’m so happy that everyone came out and showed support.
“Today my dream came true. I played a game in front of the city of Birmingham. Everybody set aside time to be there for me and it hit me in places where I can’t even explain,” he said. “I want them to see that any kid can be standing in my shoes, sitting in my seat. I want the kids to know the importance of being who you are, not just on paper, but in person. Not just writing it down and telling people, but actually being and doing what you say you are. ”
Chris Rogers, Dareus’ former teammate at Alabama and founder of the non-profit Together Assisting People (TAP), organized the trip.
Speaking of the impression the day left on him, Rogers said: “It’s still hard for me to put today’s experience into words. I’m extremely honored to have helped Marcell create this experience for the city of Birmingham. I can’t think of anyone who loves the city more.”
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