Ex-Bear to bring anti-gang message to Joliet students
By BRIAN STANLEY bstanley@stmedianetwork.com November 5, 2012 12:50PM
Dave Bartman/Post-Tribune Former Chicago Bear player Michael Cobb talks to kids at Pierce Middle School in Merrillville about the impact of making negative choices in their young lives during an assembly on 05/12/04.
Updated: December 7, 2012 6:14AM
JOLIET — A former professional football player hopes to give area students inspiration to reach the goal line this week.
Michael Cobb will speak Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during assemblies at Joliet West and Joliet Central high schools and St. Paul The Apostle School.
Cobb played for the Cincinnati Bengals in 1977 before spending four seasons with the Bears. The former tight end also played at Michigan State University and finished his career with three seasons in the USFL.
Cobb is now a motivational speaker who has urged students in more than 3,000 schools to stay away from gangs, drugs and alcohol.
The Exchange Club has arranged Cobb’s appearances with donations from the Joliet Police Department; James Glasgow, Will County state’s attorney; Nancy Schultz-Voots, Will County clerk; Patrick K. O’Neil, Will County coroner; Patrick Schumacher, Joliet Fraternal Order of Police; Terry D’Arcy and Kelly Malone of ServPro.
The police and state’s attorney used drug forfeiture funds to sponsor the presentation.
“It is important (funding) programs that encourage young people to stay away from drugs,” Glasgow told the Exchange Club. “The need for this type of a programming is critical.”
Cobb will speak at West on Tuesday, Central on Wednesday and St. Paul on Thursday.
“I just want to talk to the students about the choices they make and encourage them to make good decisions and think about the consequences,” Cobb said. “Everyone needs encouragement toward being a success, but it’s very easy to get on the wrong track. Hopefully they’ll listen to what I say and take stock of the choices they’re making.”
