Today a 13-year old ballerina and a 35-year old middle linebacker teamed up to promote healthy lifestyles among teens. And in the process, that middle linebacker learned something new – from the 13-year old.
Isabelle Caroline Kramer of Washington, D.C. taught London Fletcher of the Washington Redskins how to move his feet… off the field. During a benefit at Washington Episcopal School in Bethesda, Md. where Isabella attends school, the two were an instant hit as Fletcher learned the moves to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”.
The gathering and the dance lesson were held to honor Isabelle who won an essay contest created by Formula Sports & Entertainment Group, partnered with the Washington Post and The Children’s Inn at the National Institute of Health (NIH). The prize for winning the essay was $500.00 and the opportunity to meet the Pro Bowler. I learned it was her idea to teach him the dance.
After Miss Kramer read her essay titled, “Keeping Life in Balance” which focused on the hazards of anorexia in teens, the stage was cleared. London, Isabelle and some of her friends fanned out across the space. Being the “teacher”, Isabelle gave her “student” a few pointers and the music started.
Mr. Fletcher picked up the dances move pretty quickly and he appeared to be having a good time.
Watching London later with the children at the school, I was struck by how hard it was for him to say ‘no’ to them as they clamored around him for pictures and autographs. I am not at all surprised that he agreed to dance with Isabelle and her friends.
And, it is easy to see why this young dancer’s essay was a winner. It was concise and entertaining and it made an important point about handling pressure and keeping control in life. Isabelle is a charming young lady.
Fletcher is an official Sports Ambassador for The Children’s Inn at NIH and as such, has promoted the Inn’s mission, which is to provide a safe haven for children during serious illness.
Of course, later, the popular player was asked about football and the question of finishing his career here in Washington came up.
“Yea… absolutely.” Fletcher said. “I think this is a great fit for me. The fans have embraced me. I think I’ve proven my worth here. I think they feel like they got a pretty good player a few years back. I think the relationship is a great one. We haven’t won as many games as I’d like but I feel like that’s going to change.”
Asked if he would retire after the two years on his contract are up, the linebacker replied, “I think I’m playing at an extremely high level so I’ve got more years ahead of me.”
How many?
Fletcher did not want to put a limit on it.
“Brett Favre is still going at 40 and I’m only 35 so… “
I’ll tell you what… watching the energy Fletcher had on the school stage today, keeping up with kids less than a third of his age to “Thriller”; I’d say he’s got plenty of years left on the field.