Duckett makes a comeback for charity

Retired NFL star participates in Sunday's Battlefield Brawl

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Recently retired NFLrunning back and Michigan State University alum T.J. Duckett will once againhit the field this Sunday at the first annual Battlefield Brawl. Founded byDuckett and 26-year-old Lansing native Justin Caine, the charity event willraise money for the children's neurology clinic at Sparrow Hospital, a placethat Caine said saved his life.


At the age of 10, Caine had a cancerous braintumor. He survived, but lost the ability to walk and talk. Thanks to both hisdetermination and the folks at Sparrow, he regained both abilities. He hassince started his own video production company, dubbed Good Fruit, whichaccording to their website is an "East Lansing-based video productioncompany focused on providing high-quality videos for businesses andmunicipalities to help heighten their presence on the web." He also sitson several committees and helps out with many Sparrow events. Still, he feltthe need to give more.

Knowing he didn't want to do the typical golfouting or 5k, he turned to his favorite sport.

"I've always loved football, but could neverplay tackle," Caine said. "Flag football became a great outlet."

Caine said he has been wanting to do this for wellover a year, but it wasn't until he met Duckett, who recently moved back toEast Lansing, that things started to take shape.

"That's when we really got rocking androlling," said Caine.

The tournament consists of eight teams sponsored byvarious organizations including Powerhouse Gym, Lou and Harry's, as well asGood Fruit. The team that raises the most money prior to game day gets thefirst pick in a celebrity draft consisting of various sports figures brought tothe fold via Duckett. They include Tim Bograkos, "Little" JohnFlowers and Travis Walton, as well as Duckett himself.

Caine estimates that the teams have already raisedover $15,000, and hopes that although the event is free, further donations willbe made by those in attendance.

In addition to the main event, there will also be adodge ball tournament and games for kids.

"It should be an awesome day," saidCaine, who hopes this event will become regular and spread nationwide.

"I want this to be around for a 100years," he said.

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