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NFL players continue tradition of giving back to Ypsilanti through football camp

K.J. Osborn and Tyler Mabry hosted their 5th annual Youth Football Camp

Tyler Mabry and K.J. Osborn giving out high fives to camp participants. (Kim Gray, Kim Gray)

YPSILANTI – Tennessee Titans wide receiver K.J. Osborn and former Seattle Seahawks tight end Tyler Mabry hosted their 5th annual Youth Football Camp on June 6 at their alma mater, Lincoln High School in Ypsilanti, MI.

K.J. Osborn joins the warmup line during Youth Football Camp. (Kim Gray)

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Hundreds of kids participated in the free camp at the Lincoln Athletic Building, which included athletic drills, position-specific skill sessions, friendly competitions, a camp t-shirt, food, autograph signings, prizes, and more.

K.J. Osborn instructing camp participants before a drill. (Kim Gray)

Longtime friends Mabry and Osborn, former standouts in the Lincoln High School football program, have honored a promise they made upon reaching the NFL: to give back to the community that raised them.

“Just seeing how this brings the community back together in unity, it’s very beautiful,” said Mabry.

“A kid was taking a picture with us, he let us know that he’s came to every single camp,” said Mabry. We’ve seen these kids grow up, so it’s just a great way to give back and to see how their lives are changing."

Camp participants looking to make a play on the airborne football. (Kim Gray)

“It’s been awesome to come out here and teach the kids the game of football,” said Osborn. “Obviously, we’ve been blessed to be able to play professional sports, and it’s a longshot but kids being able to see two people from their hometown be able to do it, give them courage, give them life, speak it to them, teach them the fundamentals of the game, it’s a blessing every year, and we look forward to it every year.”

Kids participating in a drill during K.J. Osborn and Tyler Mabry's 5th annual Youth Football Camp. (Kim Gray)

The camp emphasizes hard work and competitiveness, but also skills beyond the field.

“Some of the intangibles that you learn in sports: character, discipline, communication with your teammates, adversity if you don’t have a play go your way, the things that teach you,” said Osborn on what the camp teaches.

“You get that in camps that maybe you don’t get somewhere else, but in sports you’re able to get that, and those kids learn that here,” said Osborn.

Camp participants taking part in flag football drill. (Kim Gray)

“All we want to do is plant a seed, and once we see that seed grow every year, it gets us excited and also motivates us to keep encouraging them,” said Mabry

Camp participants making a play on the football during a drill. (Kim Gray)

While Osborn and Mabry achieved their NFL dreams, their annual camp showcases their dedication to inspiring the next generation in their hometown.

“We want to remind them, you do have a chance,” said Mabry. “You can go to college. Yes, you can play at a professional level.”

Tyler Mabry taking part in a drill with camp participants. (Kim Gray)

“We are a living product of grace and hard work and a community that they grew up in, so if we can do it, they can do it too,” said Osborn.

Camp participant holding a football in hand during drill. (Kim Gray)

Osborn and Mabry played three seasons at Lincoln High School before transferring to IMG Academy for their senior season.

Both excelled at IMG and committed to Buffalo University, where they each played three seasons.

Tyler Mabry and K.J. Osborn smiling while talking to camp participants. (Kim Gray)

The pair separated for their senior seasons, in which Mabry transferred to Maryland and Osborn transferred to Miami.

Osborn was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL draft as a wide receiver.

Minnesota Vikings' K.J. Osborn.

During his three-year stint with the Vikings, Osborn emerged as a reliable playmaker, recording 158 receptions for 1,845 yards and 15 touchdowns. Entering the 2026 season, he will play for the Tennessee Titans.

Mabry signed with the Seattle Seahawks in 2020. In the 2022 season, he recorded his first career touchdown.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - AUGUST 19:Tyler Mabry #85 of the Seattle Seahawks run with the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during a preseason game at Lumen Field on August 19, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Tom Hauck/Getty Images) (2023 Tom Hauck)

Mabry’s NFL career came to a close in May 2026. He now dedicates his time to ministry work as a leader with a Christian nonprofit The Circle.

The camp is a reflection of the pair’s strong connection to the community as volunteers share longstanding ties with them, including several former Lincoln High School football players.

Camp volunteer Darnell Kirkland posing for a photo. (Kim Gray)

K.J’s mother, Valerie Osborn, Lincoln High School Athletic Director Chris Westfall, Lincoln High School Assistant Athletic Director Katie Moffett, other Lincoln Schools staff and sponsors helped make the camp happen for a fifth year in a row.


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