Malcolm Kelly's Trip to Liberia

Not sure if you guys saw this yet, but rookie WR Malcolm Kelly is heading to Liberia July 3-10 to volunteer in support of the program "Mercy Ships" which provides free medical care to 3rd world countries.

I see this as a big deal, because it shows that maybe, just maybe, all of the "me first" attitude that applies to most NFL athletes may not apply to Kelly despite the rep he earned pre-draft. He's a phenomenal athlete, and if can mature and develop high character and leadership, we may have found a good one here.

I was one of the minority that thought taking Kelly at #21 in the first round would not have been a huge stretch, and was estatic that he was still around in the second. I really hope that his efforts with this program are sincere and that he can show everyone that he's a stand-up guy. Regardless of his intentions, I would think that a week in Liberia on a Mercy Ship has got to be a life-changing event.

Man On a Mission (http://www.redskins.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=36403)

I think he made a big mistake with his pre-draft grumblings about his 40 time, and I think he realizes that now. I'm willing to give him a pass for that and chalk it up to being young. He definitely has the skills to be a big time player.

If anyone in this draft, he was a victim of the 24/7 news cycle and the paralysis by analysis that has become the NFL draft. He was ultra productive in college, played at a big time school and was projected as high as top 15 before his on campus workout. He's got Anquan Boldin (same type of scenario coming out of FSU) written all over him.

besides the 40 time grumbling, he's had a great history of being a good character guy, and i don't think the gripes hurt him much compared to the 40 time itself.

i really don't think there was 1st round talent at receiver this year, but we got the 3 best prospects as far as possibly great long term careers, so hopefully 1 or two pan out (at least). either way, i'm glad he's taking the time to get involved with something other than dom and night clubs. definitely the right thing to do.

I think he made a big mistake with his pre-draft grumblings about his 40 time, and I think he realizes that now. I'm willing to give him a pass for that and chalk it up to being young. He definitely has the skills to be a big time player.I'm kind of glad he made the mistake of yapping about the 40 time because it allowed us to grab him when we did.
I hope he keeps this sort of off the field activity up throughout his career.

Sadly, you never know how much of this type of work is selfless or self promoting. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt, cause either way he's getting involved before training camp has even started. How many guys do that? I can't remember ever hearing about a rookie doing charity work before he's even signed a deal.

Kelly seems like a pretty bright guy. For some reason, I think he might be more of a contributor than Thomas. No real reason, just a feeling.

Kelly seems like a pretty bright guy. For some reason, I think he might be more of a contributor than Thomas. No real reason, just a feeling.I feel the same way, for the same non-existant reason.

Thats actually cool, Both my parents are from Liberia. In fact my Moms dad was president there for 9 years between 1971-1980 William R. Tolbert, Jr. - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Tolbert)

I know what that country has been through so I really think that is cool

It's a great thing to do, regardless of the draft "issues" (which I agree were pretty minimal). There's no substitute for actually seeing the hardships that folks suffer in places like Liberia, especially for a young man about to sign a multi-million dollar contract.

Hope he does well!

Sadly, you never know how much of this type of work is selfless or self promoting. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt, cause either way he's getting involved before training camp has even started. How many guys do that? I can't remember ever hearing about a rookie doing charity work before he's even signed a deal.

Kelly seems like a pretty bright guy. For some reason, I think he might be more of a contributor than Thomas. No real reason, just a feeling.
Gee, cynical much?