Samuel Lambert
Category: 2022 College Winner

Samuel Lambert

In 2011, as a ten-year-old boy, I had no idea who I was about to encounter when I went to summer football camp. I just knew it would be fun and I would get to be with my friends. I also heard there was going to be snacks and lunch served. Little did I know that I was going to meet a special man, Mr. George Wilson, who is a very generous and kind man. Mr. Wilson was starting summer programs with football and cheerleading camp for the kids in my area. We were all so excited to attend. He was very patient and willing to teach us how to play fair and enjoy ourselves while participating in many physical activities together.

Mr. George Wilson is a man of many different talents. He is most widely known for his professional football career. During his career, Mr. Wilson played for the Detroit Lions, the Buffalo Bills, and the Tennessee Titans. He was recently inducted into the Kentucky Football Hall of Fame. Mr. Wilson is even known for his singing and acting activities as he appeared in music videos performing with Mary J. Blige and Marsha Ambrosius. Prior to his professional career, Mr. Wilson played football for the University of Arkansas and graduated from the same high school as me, Paducah Tilghman High School.

Every summer he came back to provide us with a great experience. I started noticing Mr. Wilson in many different situations. I heard him speak at events. Whenever I saw him, he spent time talking to me, learning about me, giving me fitness advice, and encouragement. I quickly learned that he was an inspiration not just in my town, but everywhere he went. He continues to give back to the communities of Buffalo, New York and Nashville, Tennessee where he played football as well.

He started the George Wilson S.A.F.E.T.Y. Foundation. The mission statement is as follows: The George Wilson Safety Foundation’s mission is to Save Adolescents from the Everyday Trials of Youth by using life skills as a tool to educate youth on how to survive in different environments. Mr. Wilson has created and maintained programs such as the Leadership Retreat, Sports Fest Football & Fitness Camp, That’s Life After-School Program, Sprouts Community Garden, and the Community Health and AG Family Fun Day to demonstrate his beliefs as well as inspire others. Mr. Wilson is a man who doesn’t forget where he came from, where he has been, and where he is going. Since he has retired from playing professional football, he has become even more involved with helping the community including contributions to the neighboring community of Mayfield after the deadly tornados on December 10, 2021.

As a beneficiary of his kindness and generosity, I have to say Mr. George Wilson has made a difference in not just my health, attitude, and experiences but every young person in my community