Hamilton, fellow Hokies give back in a big way
Ryan McConnell, CT Sports Editor
April 25, 2007
As the events of last week have proven, people are constantly looking for ways to help in any way they can, no matter how far away they may be.
Even as Justin Hamilton, a defensive back with the Cleveland Browns and former Hokie, uses his first NFL off-season to workout and condition himself for the brutal schedule that lies ahead, his thoughts and actions still rest with Blacksburg after last week's events.
Picked in the seventh round of the NFL draft in 2006 after spending five years at Virginia Tech, Hamilton has several former teammates and friends still at Tech.
"The first person I called was D.J. Parker, and D.J. had only heard about the West A.J. incident, so felt like that was it and I heard a wrong report or something, but then I called Vince Hall and Vince was telling me basically the same thing, he didn't know what was going on," Hamilton said. "When I got home I saw what was going on and I went through my phone and called everyone on my list that I knew from Tech; football players, friends, everybody. I was just trying to find out what was going on, if everyone that I knew was OK, and seeing if I could get some explanation outside of a news report."
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Hamilton donated $50,000 to the victim's memorial fund, a hefty contribution considering Hamilton only made the league minimum for rookies, a salary of $275,000.
"After the initial shock, I began to think about what was going on, as a couple days passed by I was having problems, I couldn't deal with sitting back and watching and not doing anything," Hamilton said.
Hamilton and those with his foundation, the Justin Hamilton Foundation, which he started in February, worked together with the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund
During those collaborations Hamilton, a native of Norton, Va., proposed that each team in the NFL sponsor a scholarship in honor of a victim, since there are 32 franchises and the same number of victims.
"I can't ask anybody to do anything if I don't do something first, so I got together with my financial guy, and we made a commitment and I'm happy to do that, very happy," Hamilton said.
Additionally Hamilton is attempting to get professional teams and athletes to continue to donate money to the families of the victims through the Professional Athlete Community Challenge, an extension of his foundation.
Hamilton has been receiving help from several Hokies, including Brenden Hill, who is in between his senior season and the upcoming NFL draft.
Although Hill can't yet make the financial contribution that those in the NFL can, he's doing his part in making sure word gets out about the fund.
"We're trying to get out awareness about the fund," Hill said. "We've gotten professional athletes and former Hokies to give back, and the fund is open to the public. We've been using Facebook, MySpace, and other ways to advertise it to the general population that wants to give back, but doesn't know how to go about doing so."
Former Hokies such as James Anderson, DeAngelo Hall, Jimmy Williams and Mike Imoh are among those who have already contributed to the cause, Hill said.
Hill was training in Blacksburg until the tragedy, and attended the convocation and vigil afterwards, then relocated to Fairfax to train until the draft.
Hill, who filled the whip linebacker position last year for Tech, projects as a safety in the NFL. He has garnered interest already from several teams and expects to be either a late round choice or sign as a free agent, said Hill and his agent, John Heffernan. Heffernan is also the agent for Hamilton and Imoh.
While the tragedy is still raw in the minds of those associated with the university, Hamilton believes the first football game next year will have a positive impact on the Tech community.
"For everyone to come together and to unite once again for a positive cause, obviously the victims will be remembered, and it will be a sad time," Hamilton said. "I'm sure there will be a dedication at the beginning of the game, but then fans will be able to cheer, root for guys, scream, yell, and smile. There's just healing through coming together for sporting events."
"To be able to play a game right there in Lane Stadium, and to see the football team united and obviously playing for a greater cause than just winning a game," he said. "I'm sure those 32 victims were fans, and to honor them, play for them and remember and recognize them, I think it will be powerful."