Rodney Hampton Recalls Super Bowl XXV Victory While Helping Kids

Ten years ago, former New York Giants running back Rodney Hampton didn’t like to golf. He only started when John Starks of the Knicks invited him to his Foundation’s Golf Tournament, and Hampton was not one to turn down anything for a good cause.

“It’s great. John was always one of my favorite Knicks. He never knew that but the passion he had on the basketball court. He was fiery and played hard. When I got the invitation to play in this tournament about 10 years ago, I hated golf then, but I took the opportunity to support it.  Anytime you can make a difference, and raise money for a great cause, I am all for it,” Hampton said, exclusively to Class Act Sports while taking a break from the event which was in September.

Starks, who started his foundation in 1994, provides high school students with scholarships, as well as other community programs, which benefit children.  Perhaps Starks was an influence on Hampton, who now has his own project called “Hamp’s Camp”, which helps kids improve their football skills, as well as granting them college scholarships.

“I come up and do a lot of stuff for the Giants, and also I got a charity, www.hampscamp.com, I do after school programs for kids in the Houston area. I just like being around kids and making a difference,” he told Class Act Sports.

Hampton also made a difference on the football field, where he helped the Giants win Super Bowl XXV in his rookie season.

“It’s amazing. Actually I wasn’t able to play in the game. I got hurt in the playoff game against the Bears, but I was part of the team. It’s still a great feeling. Everybody expected the Bills to beat the Giants, they all say defense wins Super Bowls, and it’s definitely what happened that year,” Hampton said, recalling the Giants’ 20-19 win over the Bills in Super Bowl XXV.

He bounced back nicely the following season with 10 touchdowns and 1,059 rushing yards- the first of five-straight 1,000-yard seasons. Hampton still helps out at Giants functions, and keeps track of the current team.

“The Giants lost last week, but I think they will be OK. It’s a long season. When you turn over the football, it’s not good. You’re going to lose a lot of games. Next week they got the Rams so go out there and play hard and don’t turn over the football and get a ‘W’,” Hampton said, after the Giants’ week 1 loss against the Redskins earlier this season.

He was right when he said the team would be OK, as the Giants are one win away from the franchise’s fourth Super Bowl title.