When Chase Strynkowski learned last week that he was a winner in the NFL’s “Take a Player to School” program, the sixth-grade Giants fan from Hillsdale, N.J., told his mom, “I really want the player who comes to visit to be Amani Toomer.”

In fact, players from all 32 teams had been chosen in advance to participate in the program, but they had not been announced. So when the limo pulled up at Strynkowski’s house Tuesday morning, it was nothing more than lucky coincidence that the player in the limo was … Amani Toomer.

Needless to say, it was a big day for Strynkowski, who introduced Toomer to his classmates at George G. White Middle School. For his part, the Giants’ 13-year veteran and all-time leading receiver was quite comfortable talking to kids in school. Toomer’s father was a school principal.

In addition to the Toomer visit, 10 other teams had their “Take a Player to School” visits on Tuesday (other teams will hold their visits in the coming weeks). In Tampa, running back Warrick Dunn took the visit one step further. He picked up sweepstakes winner Timothy Wise, Jr. and the two arrived via limo at Tampa’s Westshore Elementary School. As if Dunn’s presence weren’t enough, the Bucs’ running back arranged for a surprise guest to meet them at the school — Pro Bowl linebacker Derrick Brooks.

Posted in: Sidelines  | comments  |