Former linebacker Ernie Sims spent his time at Florida State and in the National Football League hitting opposing quarterbacks, ball-carriers and tight ends. During a ceremony on Friday, Sims was recognized by Leon County Schools for helping the area’s youth hit the books.
Sims was among three finalists for the district’s 2016-17 Outstanding School Volunteer Award for the “Mentor Category”. Sims has been giving him time to Pineview Elementary School in Tallahassee.
According to a program provided to attendees:
Mr. Ernie Sims, an alumnus of Pineview Elementary School, has returned to mentor, volunteer, and partner with the school. Through his organization, The Big Hits Foundation, Ernie takes time to work with his mentee, the mentee’s family and the entire school community. In addition to consistently mentoring students, Ernie has also recruited over 20 other mentors to work with approximately 75 students. Ernie Sims is known for accomplishing great things on the athletic field, but it is his work at Pineview that makes him an All-Star.
Sims played at Florida State from 2003-05, helping the Seminoles win a pair of ACC championships. Sims would go on to be selected ninth overall in the 2006 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions before playing in 109 games in eight NFL seasons.
Sims, whose father Ernie and brother Marcus also played for Florida State, has been known for his charitable week throughout the area. Sims hosts an annual camp and also volunteers at others’ like for fellow former Seminoles Leroy Smith and De’Cody Fagg, who hold camps in Quincy.
“One thing about us in this Big Bend area is we tend to help each other out a lot,†Fagg said prior to his camp last July. “Growing up, we didn’t have the opportunity where people would come back and host these free camps here.”
Unfortunately for Sims, he did not win on Friday. That honor went to Walter Kelly, who mentors at Sealey Elementary Math and Science Magnet School.
Edwin Collins contributed to this report
Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson
Edwin Collins/The Daily Nole
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