A Community Initiative on the Field
Jaxon Howard, a former standout on the Cooper High School football team, has taken his passion for the game back to the place where it all began. Now a defensive lineman for the University of Minnesota, Howard recently announced a free youth football camp titled "My Brother’s Keeper" that will be held on the very fields that shaped his early career.
The camp, offered at no cost to participants, welcomed dozens of youngsters from the Twin Cities area to Cooper High’s familiar turf. Over several days, Howard and his coaching staff led drills, taught fundamentals, and emphasized the importance of teamwork and academic achievement.
Adding his own legacy to the event, Emmanuel Cooper, another former Cooper standout, joined Howard on the sidelines. Several of Howard’s Gophers teammates also volunteered, sharing insights from college-level play and helping run stations that focused on both skill development and character building.
Parents, coaches, and community leaders praised the initiative, noting that the camp does more than improve athletic ability — it reinforces a culture of giving back. "Seeing these young players learn from someone who walked the same halls gives them a tangible role model," said one local coach.
Organizers say the success of this first edition could set the stage for a recurring series, with plans to expand outreach to neighboring schools and to incorporate academic workshops alongside football training. Howard hopes the camp will become a staple of the Twin Cities’ youth sports landscape, fostering both athletic and personal growth.