WTOC-TV: Savannah, Beaufort, SC, News, Weather & Sports Fit Club: NFL pro spends lockout inspiring others

As the NFL is working through it's lockout issues, one professional football player is using his skills to inspire area youth and adults.

It's not every day you get to train along side a professional football player, but these adults are getting the opportunity of a lifetime.

"It's really cool," said D1 sports Facility Manager Robert Creel. "It's people you see on tv and you look up to and you realize they are the best physical athletes we have on this planet and to be along side them and have someone to compare yourself to and push you in that situation, it gets the best results out of people."

While the NFL is working through it's lockout Denver Broncos wide receiver Eron Riley is spending his time training and inspiring others.

"With this lockout pending, I am home enjoying my family and getting a chance to workout," said Riley. "I would love to be back in Denver getting a chance to workout with my team mates and players and get a chance to get the season rolling, but due to things I can't control I got to basically do what I can, which is basically train and be in shape, so I am ready when they call us back."

Since there is no telling when Riley will be back on the real turf. He's staying busy and helping others get in shape.

"I am doing a little working out, conditioning and agility drills," said Riley. "In my free time, I help coach the little guys and give them my knowledge to fulfill their dreams and play in college and the pros too."

Riley was named the All-Greater Savannah Area Offensive Player of the Year after his senior season at Windsor Forest High School, he then went to play for Duke, and signed with the Broncos practice squad in 2009, as a free agent.

"It's a dream come true," said Riley. "In high school, it was always a dream of mine to play for the pros. I like to share that experience with everyone I can."

He's spending his time encouraging others. NFL owners and players are set to talk again.

Beginning tuesday, after two days of long negotiations last week and with training camps scheduled to open in less than two weeks for some teams, time is growing short to reach an agreement to end the nearly four-month lockout without a disruption to the preseason.

D1 Sports is having a free training day on July 28. For more details, contact at D1 Savannah at 5918 Ogeechee Hwy., Savannah. They can be reached at 912.920.8442.

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