Cowboys Players Join United Way, Play 60

Coming off possibly the most productive bye week in memory, Tashard Choice, DeMarcus Ware and Pat Watkins took time to visit students at a local middle school as a part of a United Way initiative Play 60, aimed at keeping kids in shape and in school, reports the Dallas Morning News.

Medrano Middle School, a two-year-old, predominantly Hispanic school in Northwest Dallas hosted the players, along with the increasingly seldom seen mascot Rowdy, as they watched over a physical education class, joked with students and handed out autographs.

"I think it's important for us to come out because when kids see some of their role models come in, and knowing that we work out everyday, we work out two times and three times a day," said DeMarcus Ware, "sometimes that'll motivate them to do some of the same things in their lives."

Additionally, the Dallas Cowboys donated $2,500 to the school for equipment.

"Just to let them know that I was a kid, just like them before," said Choice. "I used to love being out here [for] P.E, I used to love P.E., having a chance to go outside."

The players' message of the importance of education couldn't come at a better time for the district. DISD ranked seventh worst in the nation last year in terms of dropouts, with a number that has drawn heavy scrutiny for district officials.

"The reason I'm here is how strong I am up top," Choice told the students.

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