The game of football has been good to Jamal Willis. The former BYU running back caught passes from Heisman Trophy winner Ty Detmer and finished his Cougar career with the school's career individual rushing record (2,970 yards). Willis also held the career touchdown mark at 40 until Luke Staley broke the record in 2001.
Following his career at BYU, Willis took his skills to the NFL where he made the San Francisco 49ers roster as a free agent.
The days of scoring touchdowns in front of large crowds are over. Now Willis is hoping to give young children in Utah County the opportunity to enjoy the same success he had.
After a year of preparation, the BYU rushing king is opening the National Youth Football League. Willis is the president of the league, but several former Cougars (Hema Heimuli, Earl Kauffman, Vic Tarleton, Bryce Doman, Brandon Doman and Kevin Doman) are assisting him in running the league.
"My mission is to build the kids from ground up and teach them the proper skills," Willis said. "The idea has been brewing for the past couple of years.
"My boy is 5 and plays flag football, but all the 5-year-olds just want to tackle. You can learn bad habits not playing real football."
In Utah County, tackle football leagues do not begin until the kids hit sixth or seventh grade. This league is designed to give young athletes an opportunity to play at the early age of 7 through 14.
Willis, who began playing when he was 6 in a Pop Warner league in Las Vegas, hopes to have 500 kids signed up by the Aug. 11 deadline. All teams will have NFL names and wear NFL uniforms.
But learning proper football skills is not Willis' only goal in starting the league.
"We want to help kids in their challenges with life," he said. "Sports gives you a solid background that helps you later in life. It builds self-esteem.
"We want to provide the best learning experience possible for all the football players involved. Football is not for everyone, but we want to give people an opportunity early to play it and see if it is for them."
Willis and his other former BYU teammates will not be coaching the teams.
Volunteer coaches are needed, and every coach will go through a mandatory training session. Those wishing to join the league, as a coach or player, can call 427-5485. Registration is $150, and the deadline is Aug. 11. Those interested can also log on to www.jwillissports.com.
Practice begins Aug. 14, and games will be played atUVSC, starting in September.
Those kids who participate in the NYFL have the opportunity to attend a free football camp with Willis and his former Cougar teammates on Aug. 7.
Other perks that Willis has set up for those involved in the league will be a "Pro Bowl" held at BYU's new indoor practice facility. There will also be a possibility of playing in a national tournament in Las Vegas.
The league also has opportunities for young girls to be cheerleaders for the teams at $75 a person.