Rod Woodson hosts 2026 HOPE Through Football Camp with help from pro, college stars

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT) - Dozens of young Northeast Indiana athletes got the chance to take the field with an NFL legend at Northrop High School.

Pro Football Hall of Famer Rod Woodson kicked off his annual HOPE Through Football Camp on the first Monday in July.

The two-day camp welcomes aspiring athletes ages 5-13 on Monday and 8-13 on Tuesday.

The key word of ‘HOPE’ serves as an acronym for “Helping Our youth Practice Excellence.”

Woodson says the annual event - which he first began more than three decades ago - is a community effort.

Saint Francis student-athletes helped lead drills alongside other former and current NFL athletes.

Current New England Patriots offensive lineman Marcus Bryant and seven-year NFL veteran Ryan Neal both offered their advice and encouragement to the Fort Wayne campers.

Neal is from Merrillville, Indiana. He discussed how he looked up to Woodson and is proud to be part of the Hoosier-State’s list of pros.

Woodson says he hopes the current wave of Northeast Indiana NFL players will be able to launch their own camps as well.