<span>Former New Orleans Saints and current VooDoo wide receiver <span style="">Derrick Lewis </span>visited Pelican Park Monday as part of the Saints Junior Player Development Program. Lewis emphasized responsibility both on and off the football field, urging the kids to work hard in school and even the importance of completing simple chores around the house.   

"You have to be responsible for understanding your position on the team and how it affects everyone else on the field," Lewis said. "It's the same thing at home and at school. Take care of your responsibilities," he added.

After he delivered the life skill message, Lewis answered questions from the participants, sharing his experiences of playing in both the NFL and AFL.

The JPD program, which provides football instruction for kids aged 12 to 15 years, introduces every position to participants during a five-week period. Players are coached how to play each spot during the first couple of weeks, while the second stage focuses on sharpening skills and instructs how different positions work together as a team.

The program is hosted at two sites, Mandeville and Baton Rouge.

Click here for more information on JPD Programs.