Former New England Patriot Tim Fox Speaks to Cleveland Elementary Pupils on Drug Abuse Dangers-October 22, 1988

Ex-NFL Defensive Back Delivers Anti-Drug Message to Intermediate Students

Former professional football player Tim Fox brought an engaging and direct anti-drug message to fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade students at the Cleveland Elementary School yesterday, warning young people about the destructive consequences of substance abuse.

Eliciting giggles and cheers from the young audience, Fox began his presentation by removing his suit coat, tie, and oxford shirt to reveal a bright yellow and royal blue Los Angeles Rams jersey underneath. “I’m not here to talk to you as a parent or as a teacher, so why look like one?” Fox joked.

Beneath the humor lay a serious core message: “You will never be all you can be, as a person or as a professional, if you get involved with drugs.” Drawing on his 12-year NFL career as a defensive back for the New England Patriots, San Diego Chargers, and Rams—which concluded with his retirement the previous year—Fox encouraged students to take pride in themselves, pursue natural hobbies like sports, reading, and drawing, and avoid relying on artificial substances to feel good.

“Look at what is important to you now, how you have a good time,” Fox told the students. “Drugs and alcohol will change those priorities and the only priority that will be left is getting a hold of the drugs.” He emphasized that avoiding substance abuse ultimately comes down to personal agency: “Life is full of choices, and whether you choose to use or not to use drugs is one of the most important decisions you will make.”

Municipal Drug Education Grant and Pro Athlete Outreach

Fifth-grade teacher Robert Fitzpatrick and David McKenna, director of physical education for the Norwood School Department, helped design and coordinate the district’s drug education program. Fitzpatrick noted that Fox’s background as an elite athlete gives him a unique platform to reach youth: “Fox is effective because he was a professional ballplayer. In a lot of kid’s minds, he made it to the top. He can relate to the kids in a way teachers and parents can’t. And we hope what he says will stay with the kids.”

The school assembly program was funded by a $10,000 grant from the Governor’s Alliance Against Drugs. While the first year of grant entitlement concentrated on elementary school outreach—with Cleveland Elementary marking the third school Fox visited that week—organizers planned to direct funding toward junior high and high school students in subsequent years if approved. Fox is joined in the community outreach effort by fellow former Patriots Keith Lee and Robert Weathers, who regularly speak at area schools.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger