Before becoming a two-time All-Conference tight end at Mt. Healthy High School in Cincinnati, Geneo Riley was positively shaped by mentors while participating in city youth organizations – both of which would influence his life.
“I grew up in the Boys and Girls Club and also played youth sports at the Olympians Club for the Metro Cougars,” Riley said. “And then there was also the Arts Consortium, a place that we went to after school that had various activities, whether it was drum lessons or drawing classes. From a young age, I was always in activities like that; so it was a no brainer for me as I got older to try to give back and get involved in the community.
“And when I had the opportunity to spend time with the Indianapolis Colts and the Detroit Lions, the first thing I did was go to the community relations department and let them know that I’d be available on the holidays if they needed someone to help out.”
Now 35 Years After the NFL
Riley is still helping out as the Founder and Executive Director of Pro Athlete Sports (PAS). Based in Indianapolis, it is a nonprofit organization that supports youth development and gives former and current athletes a platform to give back and make a meaningful difference.
“I actually started Pro Athlete Sports last year, and the footprint behind that was I’m the NFLPA Indianapolis Former Players chapter president,” Riley said. “And speaking with the guys, I said, ‘We have an opportunity to create a larger footprint in the community.’ So as a chapter, that’s one of the things we do. We do community service projects.
Sticking to What Geneo Knows
“So it was just a no brainer for me again, to incorporate communities with the chapter and have the guys involved. I said, ‘There’s an opportunity for us to go and help feed the homeless every second and fourth Sunday of the month, who would be interested?’ And the guys stepped up.
“They participate and help with that and also got involved with the Basket of Hope with Tony Dungy. And going to either the Boys and Girls Club or the YMCA and get involved in those youth programs, as well.”
PAS also has plans to host a Youth Football Skill and Drills Camp on May 9 at Tabernacle Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis for boys and girls ages 6 to 14. Second-year Colts safety Reuben Lowery III is scheduled to be a guest speaker.
The Playbook
“There’s a part of the camp that I call ‘The Playbook.’ Each former player has a card with eight slides on it, and each one of the slides has a character development piece they will present to the kids before they start a drill,” Riley said.
“So literally, one coach to talk about teamwork, one will talk about responsibility, one will talk about perseverance. They’ll have key points that they’ll talk about to the kids and tell a little bit of their story. Then at the end, each kid gets a pamphlet, ‘The Playbook,’ and they’ll get it signed by the players. And because it’s signed by a professional athlete, that kid has a tangible to take home with them.
“And at the end, I ask the kids an important question, ‘Who wants to be a pro?’ A majority of them will raise their hand and my answer to that is, ‘Well, great! You could be a pro in school, in the community, at home. Make sure you’re doing the right thing, make sure you’re disciplined, make sure you’re helping others doing the right thing when no one is looking. All these are the key factors of how you’re being a pro – but not solely on the athletic side, but it’s in life, in school and at home.’”
As much as the kids take away from their interactions with PAS, they’re not the only ones. Riley and the other former players take something away from them, too.
The Gift That Keeps Giving
“It’s funny, because a lot of the guys get rewarded just as much as the kids by just being able to give back and be a part of that,” Riley said. “Because if we can touch one individual to help them make a difference and bring a smile to them, and brighten their day, then we’re being successful.
“We’ve all been there at some point in time where we looked up to other individuals. So just to be able to give these kids the opportunity to be around individuals and see that, ‘Hey, we’re just like them.’ I just like giving back. I just like helping.
“The PAS motto is – Who can I help? How can I help? So as much as possible, I love to help. And if I can live by that if it’s at all possible, then I’m going to try to make it happen. And so it is just surround yourself with like-minded individuals that hopefully have that same desire that you do to want to help, give back, and be a part of that.”
Share this article
Our social media accounts are a great way to stay engaged with our community. We welcome your feedback on our programs and services!
