The Tyjuan Hagler Foundation marked a historic milestone on Saturday, May 30, 2026, hosting our 18th annual Kidz-Can-Do Football and Cheerleading Camp at Bishop McNamara Catholic High School. This year’s event was especially meaningful as we celebrated 20 years of dedication to the youth and community of Kankakee.
After a brief hiatus due to recent campus construction and the pandemic, the camp returned stronger than ever, offering local youth a completely free day of traditional football, girls' flag football, and cheerleading instruction, alongside a community lunch and our signature bicycle giveaway.
A Legacy Coming Full Circle
The true spirit of the foundation was on full display through our incredible volunteers. Tywon Bender—an assistant coach at Kankakee High School and the very first scholarship recipient in our foundation's history—returned to coach at the camp alongside his own son, proving the generational impact of investing in our youth.
We were also thrilled to welcome back former camper Jyaire Hill, now a standout starting cornerback for the University of Michigan, who volunteered his time to inspire the next generation of local athletes.
Fueling Kankakee’s Football Wave
Foundation founder and former NFL linebacker Tyjuan Hagler noted that the current surge of elite football talent coming out of Kankakee mirrors his own journey from 2005. The camp highlighted a rising tide of local sports success, celebrating the achievements of recent local NFL stars and rookies, including:
- Jonathan Ward (NFL Veteran & Free Agent)
- Keagen Trost (Los Angeles Rams, 2026 3rd-Round Draft Pick)
- Josh Gesky (Green Bay Packers Signee)
Thank you to all the athletes, coaches, volunteers, and families who have supported the Tyjuan Hagler Foundation over the last two decades. Together, we continue to prove what our kids can do!