June 10, 2017: Brandon Marshall Day in North Las Vegas.

While some might celebrate with a trip to the strip or a backyard BBQ, Brandon Marshall — on his day — could be found doing what his family, friends, and teammates say he’s always done. Investing in and caring about people.

Today, that group of people happened to be young men from North Las Vegas, Nevada, where Marshall grew up. Canyon Springs High School played host to two different camps hosted by Marshall, who was joined by a number of other NFL and college football players, including Corey Nelson, Kayvon Webster and Jahleel Addae.

The morning camp hosted 9- through 12-year-old players as they ran drills and routes and honed their skills.

In the afternoon, approximately 150 young men ages 13-18 turned out for Marshall’s “Respect Camp.” That camp began with fundamentals. Not footwork or blocking, but character.

For about 45 minutes Marshall, his mother Barbara and Jacob Wallace, who helps with the Willams-Marshall Cares Leadership Program, met with the teens to discuss real life issues. Issues like domestic violence, respecting women, respecting yourself, wise use of social media, and the impact of today’s decisions on tomorrow’s dreams.

The conversations were real, deep, and heartfelt as teen boys discussed dating, relationships, and character development with their heroes. They were captivated, they were challenged, and they hit the field with an understanding that the most important thing they were there to learn was not how to jump a little higher or run a little faster, but how to live a little better.

Why Respect Camp? For Marshall, it’s about giving back more than just football.

“They’re right at that age that they’re getting tempted,” Marshall said. “I’m definitely trying to give back as far as athletically give my wisdom and skills, but also give them life skills. I never had a camp like this (growing up), which is why I want to put one on. I had to go through life and just learn on the fly. I want to be able to help these kids out, teach them, and maybe they could not make some of the mistakes that other people do make.”

Wallace echoed Marshall’s message.

“One of the things we do as coaches and mentors, we focus sometimes on the talent of people and we don’t focus on character,” Wallace said. “We develop the talent so they’re great on the field, but we fail sometimes to develop character until they get in trouble. So we try to be proactive and develop the character first — that’s what Brandon did. He built his character first, before he became a great athlete.”

Brandon’s mom, Barbara Marshall, was beaming with pride on “Brandon Marshall Day.”

Mrs. Marshall spent the entire day at the event, helping to mentor, serve pizza, and run registration. Looking forward to seeing her son play in his hometown when the Broncos visit the Raiders each season, Mrs. Marshall said she wished Brandon had been able to attend similar camps growing up.

“He’s a Super Bowl champion but he’s still taking time out to work with the kids. He’s speaking on character and integrity, and they see ‘he’s just like me, he’s from where I’m from.'”

It’s that inspiration that Brandon, Barbara, and all those involved with Respect Camp hope will help keep these young men winners, both on and off the field.