The Arizona Cardinals just a year ago had a trio of players known as the Backpack Boyz. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Michael Adams and Steve Breaston were these "boys." They were known (especially DRC) for sporting backpacks, and DRC would go with the kiddie-style backpacks -- Dora the Explorer and Toy Story. Now, this group of players and friends are all spread out. To break it down in three words, they are walked, traded and injured. Breaston got a five-year deal to play for the Kansas City Chiefs, DRC was traded for Kevin Kolb and Adams is recovering from a minor knee procedure.
But even without these guys, the backpack theme remains still for the Cardinals.
On Thursday, before the preseason game against the Denver Broncos, the team is encouraging fans to donate a backpack as part of the "Albertsons Backpack Drive."
"In the three years that Albertsons has sponsored this backpack drive in partnership with the Arizona Cardinals, we've helped thousands of children start off the school year right," said Ken Diehl, vice president of marketing & merchandising for Albertson's LLC's Southwest division. "Every child should get to experience the fun of new ‘back-to-school' things, and we know that the economy has impacted lots of families' ability to do that. Working with Hope Endures to make this happen is incredibly rewarding, and we're grateful for our customers' support."
So if you are headed out to the game in Glendale tomorrow, take a backpack or two. Kids could use them.
And with Breaston and DRC gone, you don't have to worry about those guys adding to their collection (no, they wouldn't really do that). Those backpacks will get to the kids that really need them.