By Shanda Gann

Ringgold students were in for a surprise when NFL player Devin White walked into the gym to talk with third through fifth grade students on Wednesday, March 2.

White is a defensive linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was reared in the small town of Cotton Valley in Webster Parish. His message to the students was encouraging and uplifting.

“I knew when I was your age that grades were very important,” White said. “I want to encourage you to keep your grades up and do your best on the upcoming LEAP test.”

White spoke for about 15 minutes, then read Green Eggs and Ham to the students for Read Across America Day and Dr. Seuss’ birthday. He followed that by opening the floor for a few questions.

When asked what it is like to be an NFL star, White responded, “It’s amazing, but it also puts you in a place where everyone is watching you at all times. You don’t have much privacy.”

White ended his time by signing a student’s football and taking pictures with each grade level.

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