Jul/03/08 04:33 PM
NFL cornerback and free safety Mike Rumph will announce
his decision to retire at the conclusion of his sixth
annual football camp in Boynton Beach July 11.
The three-day camp, for children ages 8 to 15, takes
place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 9 to 11 at the Ezell
Hester Center, 1901 N. Seacrest Blvd.
The announcement will be made after the last day of
camp at 5 p.m. July 11 inside the center's gymnasium.
A native of Boynton Beach and a graduate of Atlantic
High School in Delray Beach, Rumph, born Nov. 8, 1979,
began his professional career began when he was
selected 27 overall in the first round by the San
Francisco 49ers in the 2002 NFL Draft.
In 2002, during the playoffs, Rumph lead his team with
a career high eight tackles, including one loss,
finishing the season with 40 tackles.
In 2003 he had his first career interception against
Tampa Bay. Two more interceptions came in 2003,
including an interception of future hall-of-famer Brett
Favre of the Green Bay Packers.
After ending up on the Rams and then being released by
them in 2007, Rumph said he started to focus more on
youth athletics, including teams with which his son
played.
His retirement would give him more time to focus on
activities including his football camp, he said.
Rumph said he wants to be remembered as someone who
gave back to the community through sports.
Stephanie Slater, Boynton Beach Police spokeswoman,
said Boynton youth would have a chance to play with
professional football players this summer at Rumph's
camp. She said players would concentrate on speed,
strength and conditioning at the camp.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Sabby Piscitelli and
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Josh Shaw are set to
help Rumph with his coaching duties.
Cost for the camp is $75 and all proceeds go toward the
Boynton Beach Police Athletic League, where Rumph
formerly played with the Bulldogs.
The camp concludes with a celebrity basketball game at
the Hester Center at 7 p.m. July 11, where local police
officers are scheduled to play against athletes.
Athletes playing in the celebrity game include C.J.
Jones of the New England Patriots, Jimmy Williams of
the Seattle Seahawks and Frank Gore of the San
Francisco 49ers.
Tickets for the basketball tournament can be purchased
for $5 at the door.
(sun-sentinel.com)