CLEVELAND BROWNS', BRAYLON EDWARDS PLANS A FATHER'S DAY THANK YOU

Cleveland Browns’ NFL Rookie Phenom, Braylon Edwards Plans a Father’s Day Thank You

DETROIT — Braylon Edwards, third over-all pick of the 2005 NFL draft is standing on the shoulders of four men who continue to help him reach new heights on and off the football field. On Saturday, June 18, Father’s Day weekend, the Cleveland Browns’ receiver, is saying “thank you” by hosting a tribute reception to honor the men who have impacted his life.
The four men who Edwards will pay tribute to are his father, Stanley Edwards, a former University of Michigan star running back; his step-father, Charles Plater, a computer teacher at Detroit’s Denby High School; Reginald “Bobo” Hinton, Edwards’ youth coach from Detroit’s Police Athletic League (PAL) program; and his wide receiver coach from the University of Michigan, Eric “Soup” Campbell. “I am truly grateful to be where I am at today. I appreciate the wisdom, direction, coaching, and friendship each of these men have given to me. Each has had a different impact in my life - from Coach Hinton who taught me football fundamentals when I was 12, to my step-father, Charles, who came into my life when I was a bad, precocious four-year-old boy! I would be remiss not to mention my dad, Stan Edwards, who I share a Michigan legacy with. Being able to follow in your father’s footsteps in such an illustrious career is stuff dreams are made of…and I’m living it,” Edwards said. Each honoree will receive a gift from Edwards during the event.

Over 400 people from the Detroit community have been invited to the private reception. The invitees will be a mix of teachers, mentors, family members, and civic and community leaders who have touched Edwards at some point in his life. Edwards, who was drafted by the Cleveland Browns, is looking forward to seeing old friends and family. “This will be a bittersweet moment for me. I love Detroit and I have wonderful memories of growing up here. I’m starting a new phase in my life with my professional career in Cleveland, but I definitely want everyone to know that Detroit will always be my home,” said Edwards.

The recognition reception is the second of two events celebrating Edwards’ draft success. The first event is a private party hosted by DJ Biz Markie on Friday, June 17th at the GM Winter Garden. Celebrity attendees will include LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers; hit record producer, Jermaine Dupri; All of Us television actress, LisaRaye; actress Meghan Goode; Eddie George, Dallas Cowboys; Charles Woodson of the Oakland Raiders; Marcus Pollard, Detroit Lions; and Chauncey Billups of the Detroit Pistons. Weekend events are being executed by Insights Marketing, a marketing and promotional company based in Atlanta, GA.

For more information about the recognition reception or the private celebration party, please contact Insights Marketing at 404/872.9899.
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