People: Brooks, athletes hold football camp
Forget the friends Garth Brooks might have in low places. The country music star has some high-profile buddies he can count on as well.
Like Jim Kelly and Thurman Thomas, for example.
The Pro Football Hall of Famers were among numerous current and former athletes to join Brooks in holding a football camp for more than 100 children at the Buffalo Bills’ practice facility Sunday.
Brooks’ Teammates For Kids foundation holds a camp at each concert stop. He was in Buffalo performing six shows in four nights as part of Brooks’ first major tour in more than 15 years.
It was an extra special moment for Thomas, who played at Oklahoma State in the 1980s at the same time Brooks attended the school while earning an advertising degree and launching a music career that would make him one of the world’s top-selling artists.
“To me, he’s the most famous Oklahoma State Cowboy ever,” Thomas said, referring to Brooks.
Brooks was within earshot of Thomas, and exclaimed with a big grin: “I love you, man,”
New Bills coach Rex Ryan took part, along with several of his players. The Buffalo Sabres were represented. Also on hand was Buffalo native and New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, along with members of his family.
Brooks established the foundation in 1999, and has drawn in athletes representing a wide variety of professional sports including baseball, bull riding, golf and soccer.
Athletes are asked to pledge donations based on individual statistics – touchdowns, goals and runs scored, for example. The foundation then triples each amount to fund health and educational programs for underprivileged children.
Blanchett, husband adopt baby girl
Cate Blanchett is expanding her family.
A spokeswoman for the actress said Friday that Blanchett and husband Andrew Upton have adopted a baby girl.
Edith Vivian Patricia Upton joins the couple’s three sons, ages 6, 10 and 13.
The birthday bunch
Country singer Mickey Gilley is 79. Rock musician Robin Trower is 70. Actress Juliette Binoche is 51. Actor Emmanuel Lewis is 44. Rapper Bow Wow is 28.