Jaylinn Hawkins and Craig Woodson, the dynamic duo of the New England Patriots’ starting safeties, have been making headlines since the beginning of the season. With their impressive performance on the field, they have become fan favorites and have helped lead the Patriots to Super Bowl LX. But amidst all the hype and preparation for the big game, the two stars have not forgotten their roots. On Tuesday afternoon, they made a detour to their alma mater, the University of California, to give back and inspire the next generation of football players.

Hawkins and Woodson, who both graduated from Cal, have always been proud of their alma mater and have been vocal about the impact it had on their football careers. So when they found out that their schedules would allow for a visit to their former stomping grounds, they jumped at the opportunity.

As they walked through the campus, memories flooded back for the two safeties. They reminisced about their days as college students, working hard in the classroom and on the field. They also took the time to visit their old coaches and teammates, who were excited to see them and proud of their success in the NFL.

But the real reason for their visit was to inspire the current players of the Cal football team. Hawkins and Woodson, who have proven themselves as top players in the NFL, shared their experiences and offered valuable advice to the young athletes. They stressed the importance of hard work, dedication, and perseverance, both on and off the field.

“It’s not just about being a great football player, it’s about being a great person,” Woodson told the players. “Your character and work ethic will take you further than your talent ever will.”

The two also emphasized the importance of education and encouraged the players to prioritize their studies, just like they did during their time at Cal. They reminded them that football is not forever, but a good education will open doors for a successful future.

Hawkins and Woodson’s visit was not just limited to the football team. They also made a stop at the school’s academic center, where they met with students and shared their personal stories of balancing academics and athletics. They stressed the importance of having a support system and utilizing all the resources available to them.

The impact of their visit was evident as the players and students hung on to every word the two safeties said. They were inspired by their journey from college athletes to NFL stars and were motivated to work harder to achieve their own dreams.

“It means a lot to have Jaylinn and Craig come back and share their experiences with us,” said Cal’s starting quarterback, Jake Thompson. “It’s a reminder that anything is possible if we put in the work and stay focused.”

Hawkins and Woodson also took the time to give back to the community by hosting a football clinic for local youth. They shared their skills and knowledge with the young players, and also stressed the importance of sportsmanship and teamwork.

The visit to Cal was not just a detour for Hawkins and Woodson, but a way for them to give back and inspire the next generation. Their actions speak volumes about their character and their commitment to making a positive impact on others.

As the two safeties head back to New England to continue their preparation for Super Bowl LX, they take with them the memories of their alma mater and the satisfaction of knowing that they have motivated and inspired young athletes. And as they take the field on game day, they will carry with them the pride of being Cal Bears and the lessons they learned during their time at the university.

Hawkins and Woodson’s visit to Cal is a reminder that success is not just about individual accomplishments, but also about giving back and inspiring others. They have shown that no matter how far you go, you should never forget where you came from. And that is a lesson that will stay with the players and students of Cal for years to come.