Cardinals d-lineman Nkemdiche hosts youth camp

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. - Former Grayson High School star Robert Nkemdiche had a message for kids at his free youth football camp, and it had nothing to do with the game itself.

"Everyone wants to be a good football player, but I'm trying to look at it in a wider scheme of perspective for people their age, and even my age, that there's more to life than just football," said Nkemdiche.

The Cardinals defensive lineman hosted about 100 kids at his first youth football camp at North Metro Baptist Church in Lawrenceville. Collins High School football coach Lenny Gregory, who coached Nkemdiche at Grayson, helped out along with several Collins Hill players and assistant coaches.

Nkemdiche is coming off a rookie season where he faced some questions. The 2016 first round NFL Draft pick says he's a different player and person heading into year two.

"The perception that was given off as me being, you know, not a hard worker, not somebody who loves the game, not somebody who's mature, that's not me," said Nkemdiche. "I'm the direct opposite. I love the game and I want to work hard. I'm happy that me and [Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians] are on the same page because I love the coach he is. He brings a lot out of me."

The former Ole Miss star Nkemdiche says he visited Japan in the off-season and is excited to get back to work in Arizona.