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After joining the NFL, Lachavious Simmons always wanted to return to Selma and attend a football camp.

On Saturday, that dream came true for Simmons when he hosted the Lachavious Simmons Football Camp at Selma Memorial Stadium. Playing a key role in that dream was Michael Johnson, a Dallas County High School graduate who had a 10-year career as a defensive end in the NFL.

“This has always been my dream since I was little, since I experienced the Michael Johnson camp,” Simmons said. “And it was great to have him here. I told him this was just God, man, because right after I talked about him in an interview, he called me and told me he wanted to be there. And it was just exciting because he’s the main reason I did this and he was one of the reasons that inspired me to go to the next level, to the NFL. And that’s all I want to do: inspire this next group, this next group of kids, and give them the motivation that they can make it out of the city, too.”

Michael Johnson (left) talks with Auburn offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright. Johnson played 10 years in the NFL, primarily with the Cincinnati Bengals. | Brent Maze, The Selma Times-Journal

Johnson helps

Johnson said he saw the event on social media and just wanted to help.

“Everything our athletes are involved in, I get to help out and get involved,” Johnson said. “I love what he does. I think he sets a great example and I’m so happy for his success. And I’m proud that he’s from Selma.”

Lachavious Simmons shows a camper how to get ready for a tackle after a drill during Simmons’ camp at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, June 29. | Brent Maze, The Selma Times Journal

Simmons is looking forward to his chance

Simmons, a graduate of Tennessee State, was selected by the Chicago Bears in the 2020 draft. He played in two games during the 2021 season, one of them as a starter, before signing with the Arizona Cardinals before finally signing with the Tennessee Titans in November.

Simmons said he was grateful for the chance to play again in the area where he played college football.

“I have the opportunity to work with Coach Bill Callahan. He’s one of the best offensive line coaches in the NFL,” Simmons said. “I’m excited for the opportunity the Titans gave me and I’m back in Nashville where I played in college. It’s like being back home, so I’m just excited and ready to go out there and get to work – to do my best.”

Jeremiah Wright, a Selma University graduate and offensive lineman at Auburn, organizes a play during a flag football game at the Lachavious Simmons Football Camp at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, June 29. | Brent Maze, The Selma Times-Journal

Wright comes home to help

At least 50 local children attended the camp. Simmons led several drills, including sprints, tackling stations and footwork obstacles, to teach the campers some of the skills needed for football. They also played several games of flag football.

In addition to Johnson, Auburn offensive tackle Jeremiah Wright also helped with the camp. He said he and Simmons talk frequently, but for him it was a no-brainer to come back and help Simmons inspire the next generation.

“I just came here to help the kids and give back to the community,” Wright said. “He’s already on the next level. He knows how things are. Just being able to give back to the community and Selma makes a huge difference because some of these kids don’t have a lot of opportunities to do some of the things he does for them here.”

Lachavious Simmons helps a camper stay hydrated during Simmons’ camp at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, June 29. | Brent Maze, The Selma Times-Journal

Awakening hope

Simmons knows Selma has a lot of talent and he wants to make sure these kids have the chance to pursue their dreams.

“There’s so much talent in a small town like ours, and the kids just need hope. I just want to give them a little hope, you know what I mean? That they can do it. People from a small town like this can do it, like I can,” Simmons said. “I just want to keep motivating the kids and give them that drive.”