The inaugural Malcolm Butler Football Camp will be held July 18 at Vicksburg High School.

Vicksburg High School booster club president James Daniel said his celebrity means a great deal to children in Vicksburg.

Butler’s road to NFL glory was not they typical road taken by professional athletes.

“His road to the Patriots was not easy. He was sidetracked at times,” Daniel said. “The biggest thing is, he had a goal set and he just continued to work for what he wanted to do.”

After intercepting the pass that secured the Patriots’ win, Butler has become a role model for many athletes in Vicksburg.

After the Super Bowl, Butler has become a national celebrity. Now he’s using that celebrity to give back to the community that nurtured him.

The idea for the camp came after his memorable goal line interception. Event coordinator for the camp Cynthia Bell knew she had to get in contact with Butler because he represented not only the state of Mississippi, but Vicksburg as well.

What started over a joke would soon become reality.

Bell and Butler spoke last fall when he came to VHS’ senior night football game. Bell jokingly said to Butler if the Patriots make it to the Super Bowl, they would do great things together in the community. Butler laughed, smiled and said let me know when you are ready.

Little did Butler know that his hard work, dedication to his team and hometown would soon lead him to a position where he could inspire others.

After making initial contact with Butler and his agents, and agreeing on terms of the camp, everything was in place for Bell to plan the camp.

Bell had a dream that she and Butler could make a difference in their community and make the dream of a football camp a reality.

“If this goes like I know it will, next year when we have the camp it can be bigger, better and more people can get involved,” Bell said.  “This sets the tone for this generation because it shows them dreams do can true.”

Butler succeeded where many athletes fail because he worked hard and wouldn’t give up.

“Our goal is to reach young men to show them that with a little hard work they can get to where they need to be in sports,” Bell said.