Walter Camp Weekend kicks off

New Haven, Conn. (WTNH) - The Walter Camp Weekend kicked off Thursday morning.

You don't have to play or even like football, just listen to the inspirational stories from former professional players.  They all had one simple message for the young students, work hard and stay in school.

Students from New Haven, East Haven, and Stratford were part of the Walter Camp Foundation' s 17th annual Stay in School Rally.

The featured speaker was Hall-of-Famer and legend Floyd Little.

Little is also a New Haven native. He went to Hill House High School before playing at Syracuse University and then played professionally for the Denver Broncos.

He talked about getting out of a tough New Haven neighborhood and being able to make it.

"I was told, 'Don't even bother. You'll never make it.' Well, someone else's opinion of me doesn't have to become my reality," Little said.

"If you want to do the best you may have to give up some things too, like negative friends negative behavior, procrastination," said Little.

Little's inspirational message is not just for athletes, it is for all students. Little told the students to challenge themselves and be willing to change their circle of friends to find success in life.

"If you want to be the best you have to hang out with the best, if you want to be a better student and get better grades you have to hang out with students that are smarter than you are," said Little.

News 8's own Ann Nyberg has been part of this organization for 17 years. Today, she was named an honorary member of the Walter Camp Foundation.