On April 28th Jaguars linebacker Tony Gilbert took time out to read to a 2nd grade class at Martin Luther King Elementary located on Jacksonville's Northside.
A native of Macon, GA, Tony read two books to the class: "John Henry" by Julius Lester & "Hey, Do You Have A Positive Attitude" by Tommy Ford.
The students sat attentively listening to every word of the stories. As soon as Tony finished reading the second story, I over heard one child say, "I liked that!" Another child said with a smile, "Have the right attitude and do the right thing."
Tony also told the children how important it is to read and get good grades in school. "Both my parents are teachers, and while growing up they told us if we didn't bring home good grades we couldn't play sports" said Gilbert. One little girl blurted out, "The only way to pass the grade is to keep up your grade level." Listening to her say that, I was convinced she believed in what she was saying.
Gilbert, a second year NFL veteran who previously played with the Arizona Cardinals joined the Jaguars during the '03 season. Tony attended the University of Georgia and has one semester remaining before obtaining his degree in Special Education.
