Vian’s very own Richard Jordan of the Detroit Lions will return home June 12-13 to host his fourth-annual “Celebrity Weekend with the Pros“ with a two-day football camp for area high school teams and a free carnival.

Richard is the son of Ray and Jannie Jordan and a 1993 graduate of Vian High School. After graduation he went on to play football for Missouri Southern State University where he was a four-year letterman and a three-year

All-American. Richard went on to be named MIAA Defensive Most Valuable Player in 1996 and shared the honor in 1995. In 1996 he was named the defensive MVP of the Snow Bowl, an NCAA Division II All-Star game and was inducted into the MSSU Athletic Hall of Fame in June 2006.

After graduating Missouri Southern, Richard was chosen by the Detroit Lions in the seventh round of the 1997 NFL draft. As a special teams standout and reserve linebacker, he won the Chuck Hughes Award as the team’s most improved player in 1998.

Richard later signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2001 and 2002 but rejoined the Lions. A four-year veteran who played in 35 regular season games, he started three times at middle linebacker, had 48 career tackles with 34 of them solo, 48 special teams tackles, an interception, and two pass defenses in three seasons with the Lions.

Following an outstanding NFL career, Richard now looks for ways to give back to his community and the people in his hometown.

He and his family reside in the Detroit area where he is a radio sports personality and teaches and coaches at a local high school. This past year, Richard donated his teaching payroll earnings back to the school, working for free.

Richard said the weekend would kick off with a football camp with the pros on Friday, June 12, from 6-9 p.m. at St. John Stadium. High schools participating in this year’s camp will be Vian, Keys, Roland and Panama.

Athletes will get the opportunity to improve their games skills and have motivational talks with the pros while several college scouts will be on hand to view area high schoolers that are of scout/recruit material.

The father of five, Richard is also an active member and advocate of the local Boy’s and Girl’s Club in his community and prior to Friday’s camp, he and the pros will be visiting the Stephens Boys and Girls Club in Fort Smith, Ark., where they will speak from 2-4 pm.

“One good thing about the Boy’s and Girl’s Clubs are they’re free. Many pro athletes, past and present, grew up in these clubs and are trying to save those that are left,” Richard said. “Many parents depend on the club as a means for their children to go after school. They are fed a meal at no charge and learn a lot of skills there. A lot of working people in smaller communities can’t afford a fee or pay for daycare, so the club offers a great alternative for youngsters.”

His commitment to the community of Vian is exhibited by his invitation to other pros to attend the event. Other celebrities joining Richard will include Reggie Brown of the Detroit Lions, Allen Aldridge of the Denver

Broncos, Hayward Clay of the Dallas Cowboys and Albert “Juice” Bland, Harry Hodge, Steve Halverson, Heath Benson, Mike Sims, Wallace Clay, Garrick Walker and Justin “JT” Taylor all of Missouri Southern State University, along with a host of other pros.

On Sat., June 13, the same high school teams will return to the field where they will have a second day of football camp with the pros from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Campers will then be treated to free hot dogs and drinks donated by local merchants and cooked by volunteers following the camp, with an awards assembly to follow in the gym. The pros will also be on hand to sign autographs and take pictures at that time. Around 1 pm or as soon as the field is cleared, distributors will be setting up bounce-arounds, moon bounces, water slides and other activities for a free carnival for kids until approximately 4 pm. Free refreshments will also be available to the kids throughout the carnival.

Vian Athletic Director Ray Jordan said, “I’m glad as a father and coach to see Richard coming home. He has not forgotten where he came from and wants to give back to the many people who helped him along the way here in Vian. The kids are going to be able to talk to the pros personally and get tips on their game. This is going to be a great thing for the kids and young athletes in our community.”

“As pros, we want to let kids know that it’s okay to dream,” Richard said, “and even if their dream doesn’t happen, they can still be the best they can be at something else, whether it be a doctor, lawyer, teacher, or pro ball player. Just because they might not make it in sports doesn’t mean it’s all over and I want to let them know sports is great but it isn’t everything. I always try to tell the kids to look at the odds; I tell them just because you live in a small community like Vian, doesn’t mean that you can’t succeed, but try to beat those odds. Look at me.

“I want to thank everyone that has pulled together so far,” Richard said, “I couldn’t do any of this without the sponsors and volunteers that make this event a success. Many people and businesses have donated time, drinks, food or other items and deserve the recognition; it’s greatly appreciated. As for everyone else, I hope to see you there and I look forward to meeting and visiting with you.

“I love Vian, the community and the people in it; it’s like we’re one big family. Every time other pros come here to host my weekend in June, none of them ever know where Vian is but they leave saying they can’t wait to come back,” Jordan concluded.

Anyone wishing to volunteer or having additional questions is asked to contact Ray Jordan at (918) 773-5475 or Amie Remer at (918) 773-8000.