By Dave Stafford, Herald Bulletin Staff Writer
ANDERSON — Nearly 600 fans gave a raucous welcome to some of the Indianapolis Colts’ hardest hitters Wednesday at an event to promote the Stop the Violence Movement.
“It’s exciting, man,” said safety Bob Sanders, known on the field as a dynamic stopper who plays much larger than his advertised 5 feet, 8 inches. “This is what we do when we’re on vacation.”
Sanders, Colts defensive captain Gary Brackett and tackle Ed Johnson visited a sweltering Geater Center on Wednesday, where children and adults waited on line for autographs.
“Anytime we can go back and give something to the community, it really does go a long way,” Brackett said.
Asked if he anticipated such a large turnout, Johnson said, “I didn’t know what to expect, but it’s for the kids, so I don’t mind.”
Wednesday’s event came together on short notice, but the players said they had ample reason to come to Anderson.
“We’re out here supporting Ced and giving back,” Sanders said.
Ced is Anderson boxer Cedric Johnson, who trains Sanders, Brackett and Johnson. Cedric Johnson also played a key role in organizing the Colts’ appearance for a cause that’s close to his heart.
“It was a good opportunity to bring them to Anderson for Stop the Violence. It's good for the kids and community to keep everybody on track."
Anderson Parks Department Superintendent Fred Reese said Cedrich Johnson had approached him just two weeks ago. Johnson was dismayed about the violence he’d been hearing about, and he came up with an idea to bring the Colts in for a program that would put a focus on a problem in the community.
Even though the Colts players only had time to sign autographs, “It still made an impact to these young kids,” Reese said. “We wanted to bring it right here in the heart of the community.”
“I look up to Bob Sanders,” said Tyler Smith-Johnson, 14. “I admire him.”
“It’s a good thing,” said Jeleel Swift, 12.
But it wasn’t just kids who got in on the fun.
“I have had the most exciting day,” said Sandy Fenwick, who proudly wore a Sanders jersey Wednesday. She and her husband hold Colts season tickets, but she said, “This is not the same as going to a game.”
Anderson Mayor Kris Ockomon was among the hundreds in the crowd yesterday, and said the event sent a positive message.
“Domestic violence and violence in the community is prevalent. We
do everything we can to bring attention to trying to curb that and do
away with it altogether,” he said.
Reese said similar programs are planned in the future. After Wednesday’s event, he’s aiming for the stars.
“We’ve written letters to people like (NBA stars) Kobe (Bryant), Lebron (James),” he said. “You never know. If they’re going through here they might be able to stop and share their experiences.”
Contact Dave Stafford: 648-4250, dave.stafford@heraldbulletin.com
Staff writer Quintin Harlan contributed to this report.
