A former Florida State University and NFL player has a unique way of celebrating his birthday.
He chooses to give back to local communities, including in Jacksonville.
This weekend, James Coleman is hosting a school supply giveaway and a free football clinic.
It has become a tradition.
“I do not want school supplies to be an excuse for why a kid does not start their school year with the best possibilities,” Coleman said on Thursday.
Coleman is prepared to give away at least 2,000 backpacks to students, along with school supplies and groceries. That is how Coleman is celebrating his recent 40th birthday.
The backpack giveaway is set for 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturday at Long Branch Elementary School at 3723 Franklin St.
This year, Coleman is encouraging people to sign up as volunteers this weekend.
“I think that is the impact and change that the world needs to see,” he said. “It is not about social media. It is not about talking about it. It is actually about doing something and being impactful.”
Coleman was an accomplished fullback with Florida State, scoring 10 touchdowns in his career and hauling in three ACC championships as a starter.
He played one season with the New Orleans Saints in 2006.
This marks the fifth year Coleman is doing the big community giveaway before school starts.
He does it in three different cities: Orlando, his hometown of Tallahassee, and in Jacksonville.
“Thirty years from now, I want somebody to say, ‘Hey, James Coleman came back to my community. It empowered me to be able to achieve my goals and dreams,’” Coleman said. “A lot of people can talk about how bad the world is, but what are you doing to impact it? I would rather try to have an impact to make the world as positive as I can.”
Last year, Coleman handed out around 1,250 backpacks and eagerly wants to see that number surge this year.
From giving away needed resources to mentorship, Coleman hopes this becomes more than just a tradition.
“My number was ’36′ when I played,” Coleman said. “I hope [the giveaway] materializes into me giving 36,000 backpacks to 36,000 families. I hope it materializes into a great camp with some of the best football prospects in Jacksonville history come out of.”
On Sunday, Coleman is hosting a free youth football camp for children between 7 and 15 years old. The camp is from 9-11:30 a.m. at Edward Waters University’s Nathaniel Glover Community Field and Stadium at 1859 Kings Road.
Coleman said he will not turn away anyone who shows up at either event, but he encourages people to register for each of them.
Here is where to register and sign up as a volunteer: https://www.jamescolemangivesback.com/