CLEVELAND — To many of the kids that attended Myles Garrett's back-to-school event at Cleveland Browns Stadium Friday, he's the big guy they see on TV sacking quarterbacks on Sundays.
But on this day, he was someone different. The Browns All-Pro was there to make it easier for children to go back to school, teaming up with the United Way of Greater Cleveland and a number of community partners.
"We can keep on growing support by getting more and more communities involved and having the sponsors and, you know, loving and appreciating this idea. We can continue to help this next generation thrive and do great things and have a better future," Garrett said.
Ken Surratt, with United Way of Greater Cleveland, says it's crucial to have Garrett's support.
"There's no greater investment that we can make in the community than our children ... they are the future," said Surratt. "If they start off the right foot academically, that's gonna lead to better life outcomes, and that's what we want for our kids."
Volunteers were there, giving out school supplies and other necessities to students, parents and guardians.
"It is so important that we give our young children across the city of Cleveland that amazing first start as they think about going back to school this fall," Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb said.
But Mayor Bibb wasn't the only one on hand, a number of Browns players and famous Clevelanders showed up to help on Friday. It meant the most to the kids who showed up, excited to meet their hero.
"It's really cool. Like, I've been watching the games and stuff and I just see everybody. And now that I see him in person, it's just like ... it's crazy," said Timothy Jackson, who attended the event.
"It's really nice to see the community being brought together and just everyone smiling and just being around each other and enjoying each other's company," said Torrie Jackson.
For more information on the United Way of Greater of Cleveland, click HERE.
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